Stem cell injections are a type of regenerative treatment that has been gaining recognition for its effectiveness and safety.
More recently, Stem Cell therapy has become an effective alternative to surgery for those looking to treat chronic joint pain from arthritis.
In this article, we will explore stem cells and examine how they might be able to help alleviate your chronic joint pain.
What Are Stem Cells?
Stem cells are immature cells that can divide and transform into different types of mature cells, each with its own specific function.
When stem cells are injected into your joint they can help promote tissue repair and possibly even restore tissue that has been damaged or lost.
Common Diseases Treated with FDA-Approved Stem Cell Therapies
Stem cell treatments have been approved by the FDA for various diseases. These FDA-approved therapies aim to replace damaged cells from chemotherapy or illness or to bolster the immune system against specific cancers and blood-related conditions such as leukemia, lymphoma, and neuroblastoma.
As of the writing of this article, the FDA does not approve the use of Stem Cells for any other medical conditions. However, researchers are actively exploring the use of adult stem cells for joint pain. In addition, many clinics such as ours offer stem cell injections for joint conditions such as arthritis as well as for the repair or relief of pain from certain ligament, tendon, or cartilage damage.
Stem Cells for Joint Pain
Using stem cells to treat joint pain is becoming a more popular option for many people looking for cutting-edge alternative ways to treat their joint pain. Adult stem cells are typically collected from your own bone marrow or from fat cells. After the cells are harvested they are typically prepared in a lab before being injected into your joint.
While we don’t know for certain how stem cells work to relieve pain and in some cases repair tissue, what we do know is that stem cells seem to release as well as promote the release of pro-inflammatory substances that can result in joint healing and long-term pain relief.
MFAT versus Bone Marrow Stem Cells
Adult Stem Stem Cells can be obtained from your bone marrow or from fat – also known as Micro-fragmented adipose tissue or MFAT. The choice between using bone marrow or MFAT to collect stem cells is typically up to the physician performing the procedure.
- MFAT Micro-fragmented adipose tissue can be obtained from various areas of the body through liposuction but is typically obtained from fat around the hips or abdomen. MFAT cells are often extracted and prepared using a process of fragmentation and centrifugation in order to maximize the amount of stem cells available.
- Bone Marrow Stem Cells are obtained from bone marrow and are most often extracted from the hip bone (pelvis). Bone Marrow stem cells can also be centrifuged in order to maximize stem cells but do not need to undergo a fragmentation process.
As of the writing of this article, there is currently no definitive evidence on which source of adult stem cells are better at alleviating joint pain.
While stem cell use for joint pain has shown promise, it is important to remember that this procedure continues to be experimental in nature. Today, there is no medical standard for the quantity of stem cells that should be used or how often they can be injected.
Stem Cell Buyer Beware
It is important to remember that not all orthopedic conditions can be treated with Stem Cell injections. In addition, as of this writing Stem Cells WILL NOT reverse severe joint diseases such as grade 4 arthritis and other severe soft tissue damage. It may however provide some or complete pain relief if done correctly.
Today, some clinics will charge you exorbitant fees and inject poor-quality stem cells under the guidance of inexperienced and/or low-level providers. Because of this, if you are considering getting stem cell injections, it is important to find a physician who is well-experienced in regenerative medicine and in providing these injections.
As a rule of thumb, If anyone tells you that stem cells will reverse your arthritis or that the results are guaranteed you should seek another opinion. Likewise, if you are being given stem cells that are not from your own body or by a provider who has not provided you with a thorough evaluation of your joint imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT scan, Ultrasound) then you should also seek care elsewhere.
Bottom Line
While stem cell therapy for the treatment of joint pain is a cutting-edge experimental treatment, when done in the right hands, it can be effective in treating joint pain such as arthritis.
You should almost always be receiving stem cells from your own tissue and make sure your physician reviews your imaging and is well-experienced in providing these injections so that you can receive the maximum pain relief possible.
If you have any questions about stem cell treatments for joint pain or any other regenerative or anti-aging procedures, feel free to give our office a call.
Dr. Sergio Guiteau is a physician who is board-certified in Family Practice and Sports Medicine with added certifications in Aesthetic Medicine. He specializes in Preventive Medicine, Sports Medicine, and Anti-Aging Medicine and blogs on Advancedrejuv.com/blog