Stem cells are already present within your body to help regenerate your tissues and induce healing when an injury occurs.  But as we get older, we produce fewer stem cells and as a result, less effective healing. Scientists and physicians have made tremendous advances to make cellular therapy and tissue regeneration a reality in treating many diseases. Through regenerative medicine, a person can take advantage of their body’s innate ability to heal itself by using the healthy adult stem cells that can be found throughout the body. Laboratory and clinical research has shown that it is possible to use adult stem cells to restore lost, damaged or aging cells and effectively support tissue regeneration in the body, and it shows promise in the treatment of arthritic pain1, 2, 3, 4.

In adults, stem cells are present within a variety of tissues and organs.  The most common and richest source comes from your bone marrow, and your hip bone is one of the best and most convenient locations to withdraw bone marrow.  Because the cells collected are from your own tissue, there is little threat of rejection.

During an adult stem cell therapy procedure, your physician will use a needle to withdraw bone marrow from your posterior Iliac crest (lower back area).   A trained nurse or technician then uses an FDA-registered device and centrifuge to concentrate the adult stem cells and growth factors present in the bone marrow and provides the cells back to the physician for implantation into the targeted area(s).

Every patient is different, and your physician will carefully review your medical history and conditions to help determine if you’re a good candidate for an adult stem cell procedure.

Contact one of our pain clinics today to schedule a consultation!

1Pettine et al. Treatment of discogenic back pain with autologous bone marrow concentrate injection with minimum of two year follow-up. Intl Orthop 2016 Jan;40(1):135-40. doi:10.1007/s00264-015-2886-4.
2Hernigou et al. Biologic augmentation of rotator cuff repair with mesenchymal stem cells during arthroscopy improves healing and prevents further tears: a case-controlled study. Intl Orthop 2014 Sep;38(9):1811-8. doi:10.1007/s00264-014-2391-1.
3Buda et al. One-step arthroscopic technique for the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the knee with bone-marrow-derived cells: three year results. Musculoskelet Surg 2013 Aug;97(2):145-51. doi:10.1007/s12306-013-0242-7.
4Murphy et al. Mesenchymal stem cells: environmentally responsive therapeutics for regenerative medicine. Experimental & Molecular Medicine 2013;45(e54). doi:10.10388/emm.2013.94.