Is Stem Cell Therapy Covered by Medicare?

Stem cell therapy has been a hot topic in the press lately. With more and more medical providers offering stem cell treatments, patients around the country have been wondering, Is Stem Cell Therapy covered by Medicare.

Stem Cell research has shown that its an effective treatment for chronic joint pain and arthritis sufferers and more recent studies are starting to show the benefit for treatment of neurological disorders as well. (M.S., Parkinsons, and Stroke)

So the team at Stem Cell: The Magazine, have put together some information to answer this question of insurance coverage for potential medical enrollees seeking stem cell and regenerative treatments.

So what is the answer to Does Medicare cover Stem Cell therapy?

From the research that we have pulled up regarding Medicare Insurance Coverage for stem cell therapy; medicare does cover stem cell treatments, but not for some of the chronic degenerative conditions that regenerative treatments (stem cell therapy) can help them with.

INDICATIONS FOR COVERAGE

Section 2.a Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) eligible for coverage in the following: a) The treatment of leukemia b) The treatment of severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID) and for the treatment of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome. OR c) The treatment of Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) pursuant to Coverage with Evidence Development (CED) in the context of a Medicare-approved, prospective clinical study. 3. Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation(AuSCT) is eligible for coverage in the following: a) Acute leukemia in remission who have a high probability of relapse and who have no human leucocyte antigens (HLA)-matched; OR b) Resistant non-Hodgkins lymphomas or those presenting with poor prognostic features following an initial response; OR c) Recurrent or refractory neuroblastoma; OR d) Advanced Hodgkins disease who have failed conventional therapy and have no HLA-matched donor.

You can see that outside of the listed conditions above, Medicare does not cover stem cell therapy for treatments joint conditions or neurological conditions that patients are more commonly seeking treatment for.

The orthopedic application of stem-cell therapy is not addressed within the stem cell transplantation NCD. (NCD = National Care Determinations)

What this means for any patient that is looking to receive regenerative and stem cell treatments for orthopedic conditions such as:

M

M

Medicare will not cover treatment for these conditions. In fact, most major medical carriers will not provide coverage for these treatments either.

Many chronic joint pain sufferers wonder why Medicare and most major carriers dont provide coverage for these treatments if they are so effective, but there is a simple answer for why this is.

Medicare and most major health insurance are for emergency conditions. Regenerative medicine is still considered an elective treatment, close to wellness care. Insurance carriers are not in the business of providing wellness for coverage for their participants.

Our hope at Stem Cell: The Magazine is that as more and more patients continue to seek out treatment of their orthopedic and neurological conditions using stem cell and regenerative treatments, that Mediare and major health insurances will accept stem cell as the first treatment for these chronic conditions.

Is Stem Cell Therapy Covered by Medicare? was last modified: October 3rd, 2018 by Stem Cell The Magazine

Read the rest here:
Is Stem Cell Therapy Covered by Medicare?

NSI Stem Cell | Peripheral Neuropathy Stem Cell Therapy

Therapy for Neuropathy

Neuropathysufferers now have a new, minimally invasive therapy option. Stem cell therapy is an alternative, revolutionary approach to relieving your neuropathy pain and symptoms. A stem cells primary function is to repair and regenerate damaged tissue. When applied, they seek out any tissue in the body that is damaged and repair it, leading to improved function.

For many people, especially those who have diabetes, peripheral neuropathy most often occurs in the feet. The discomfort is most commonly described as a sharpness, shooting, or burning. Some describe it as a feeling as if they were getting electric shocks.

No matter how the pain or tingling is described, the core reason for it is nerve damage. Stem cell-based therapy for peripheral neuropathy works to repair damaged nerves and rebuild new nerve connections.

This new therapy for neuropathy does more than just heal nerve damage. It also addresses glial cells and cytokine inflammation, which has a significant role in both the development of and the progression of neuropathy.

Neuropathic pain, including that produced by idiopathic peripheral neuropathy, doesnt always respond well to pain medication or other pharmaceutical drugs. Even when it does, there are often unwelcome side effects that accompany the response, such as weight gain, drowsiness, dry mouth, or negative mood changes.

The National Stem Cell Institutes proprietary stem cell therapy for neuropathy uses mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from the patients adipose tissue or bone marrow, so you dont have to worry that your our new therapy for neuropathy is adding to the risks and side effects of any medication.These are not embryonic stem cells or cells from fetuses. These regenerative cells come straight from your own body just a few hours before they are injected back into your body and put to work to heal disease or dysfunction. The safety of stem cell therapy procedures has been well established in countless studies and research.

After stem cell therapy for neuropathy, patients experience relief from Neuropathy Pain.* Scar tissues begin to heal and reverse to healthy tissue while inflammation and pain are relieved. This relief allows patients to increase their daily activities and movement, getting them back to a healthier, happier life.

NSIs proprietary stem cell therapy for neuropathy requires no overnight stays in a hospital. Its done on an outpatient basis with little to minimal downtime post-procedure. Most people return to their usual, everyday activities the very same day.

Youve probably seen quite a bit in the news about the dangers of pain medications such as opioids. Some researchers are studying alternatives to such risky medications and, for many patients, stem cell therapy for neuropathy may be an excellent choice.

Neuropathic pain frequently doesnt respond well to morphine or other opioid-based medication. But even if you arent taking such potent drugs for your neuropathic symptoms, your body can still build up a tolerance for whatever you do take. This can result in the need for higher and higher doses.

In many cases, the higher a patients dose of pain medication, the greater the side effects. Depending on the drug, these can include

Our new therapy for neuropathy, however, is a safe, drug-free alternative to medications. There is no risk of addiction or dependency because stem cells are not manufactured pharmaceuticals. They are a natural part of your body and are, in fact, the basis of all healing within the body.

Continue reading here:
NSI Stem Cell | Peripheral Neuropathy Stem Cell Therapy

Stem Cell Therapy – Top Rated Local Stem Cell Treatment …

What are stem cells?

Stem cells are the basic building blocks of human tissue and have the ability to repair, rebuild, and rejuvenate tissues in the body. When a disease or injury strikes, stem cells respond to specific signals and set about to facilitate the healing process by stimulating your own body to repair itself.

Stem cells that come from perinatal tissue(healthy post-natal C-sections) have distinct functional properties including immunomodulation and anti-inflammation which support the repair and regeneration of damaged tissue associated with disease and injury.

There are four known types of stem cells which include:

We provide allogeneic regenerative cytokines and mesenchymal stem cells from health post-natal C-sections.

We tap into our bodys stem cell reserve daily to repair and replace damaged or diseased tissue. When the bodys reserve is limited and as it becomes depleted, the regenerative power of our body decreases and we succumb to disease and injury.

Three sources of stem cells from a patients body are used clinically which include adipose tissue (fat), bone marrow and umbilical cord matrix(Whartons Jelly).

We provide stem cell therapy for a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions for which traditional treatment offers less than optimal options. Some conditions include Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, Plantar Fasciitis and Degenerative Disc Disease

Since each condition and patient are unique, there is no guarantee of what results will be achieved or how quickly they may be observed. According to patient feedback, many patients report results in one to three months, however, it may take as long as six to nine months. Individuals interested in stem cell therapy are urged to consult with their physician before choosing investigational allogeneic umbilical cord derived regenerative medicine allografts as a treatment option.

In order to determine if you are a good candidate for a regenerative medicine treatment, you will need to complete a medical history form which will be provided by our patient advocate team. Once you complete and submit your medical history form, our medical team will review your records and determine if you are a qualified candidate for a regenerative medicine therapy.

The side effects of intra-articular injection of a regenerative medicine allograft are minimal and may include but are not limited to: infection, minor bleeding at the treatment sites and localized pain. However, these side effects typically last no longer than 24 hours.

We provide regenerative medicine allografts from healthy post-natal C-section births that provide regenerative factors and mesenchymal stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are typically associated with ethical concerns. We do not offer embryonic stem cells.

Our regenerative medicine allografts are regulated as human cell and tissue transplants, similar to skin and bone. As structural human cell and tissue products regulated under FDA CFR 1271 Part 361, our allografts do not require FDA approval, rather we are strictly regulated to prevent the spread of communicable diseases and to maintain the structural integrity of the allografts as theyre harvested from umbilical cords and transferred for musculoskeletal cushioning, protection and supplementation. These regenerative allografts are FDA regulated rather than FDA approved. The FDA is a regulatory oversight body and doesnt exercise legal authority. If an FDA regulated tissue transplant or therapy is noted as non-compliant and not corrected according to FDA guidelines, the FDA may refer a significant public health risk to the Department of Justice or a state attorney general.

Stem cell treatment is not covered by health insurance at this time.

Although stem cells are found throughout our bodies, mesenchymal stem cells can only be harvested for native (non-cultured) use from adipose, bone marrow and umbilical cord matrix. The term amniotic stem cells is an oxymoron in that amniotic fluid and matrix products dont contain stem cells. They do however contain unique cytokines and other growth factors.

Follow this link:
Stem Cell Therapy - Top Rated Local Stem Cell Treatment ...

Vancouver Stem Cell Treatment Centre | Above all else …

UPDATE: Vancouver Sun (October 10, 2018) published an Op Editoral on Stem Cells in Canada. For full article please go to our Articles Page under Patient Resources

Regenerative medicine involves the use of early cell lines (stem cells) and cell signaling molecules harvested from a persons own body, to repair, renew and to revitalize tissues and organs.

Our Mission To advance cell technology to improve the bodys ability to regenerate and repair itself.

As affiliates of the Cell Surgical Network (CSN), we are committed to advancing access and quality of care in the area of adult stem cell regenerative medicine. We are devoted to helping people suffering from a variety of inflammatory and degenerative conditions.

What are Stem Cells? These are unspecialized cells in our bodies that have the capacity to change into any healthy cell in our body. The adult stem cell can self-renew (make exact copies of itself)as well as transform or differentiate (develop into more specialized cells) to yield some or all of the major specialized cell types of a tissue or organ. They have the ability to replicate indefinitely as compared to normal somatic cells. Stem cells are the foundation for every organ and tissue in your body.

See the original post:
Vancouver Stem Cell Treatment Centre | Above all else ...

Medicare Coverage for Stem Cell Treatments | MedicareFAQ

Pain doesnt discriminate. It doesnt care about your age, religion, sex or race. And the cause of pain can vary from a sporting injury to a car accident to degeneration over time. Regardless of the cause, there are various treatment options determined by the location of your pain and severity of the condition.

Most people have heard of the term, Arthritis. There are more than 100 different types of Arthritis or Arthritis related conditions. Regardless of the type, Arthritis affects the spine or major joints in the body.

The most common signs of Arthritis are pain, edema, stiffness and decreased range of motion. Arthritis is usually categorized as mild, moderate, or severe and will progress over time.

One of the many treatments available is stem cell injections. Stem cells can be injected directly into the arthritic joint to repair damage. Theyre able to divide and duplicate themselves, or develop into different cells if needed.

Many Medicare beneficiaries experience chronic pain due to arthritis and are in need of this type of treatment. Its important to know what Medicare coverage for stem cell treatments are included in your benefits.

Stem cells are formed at birth. The uniqueness of Stem Cells are that they can change into other types of cells found throughout the body. These cells can then regenerate and help the other cells that are vital to producing organs, muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, joints and skin.

Stem cell injections are a great alternative to surgical intervention. Due to todays technology, we are able to extract stem cells from the body and then reuse them for pain relief.

This benefits the injured joint(s) and surrounding tissues as it enhances the natural repair of the affected area.

Minimally invasive procedures are always the route to go when facing pain whether from an injury or from degeneration.

The most common stem cells used for arthritis is mesenchymal stem cells. These types of cells are extracted from the patients fatty tissue, bone marrow or blood.

Bone marrow is mostly extracted from the pelvic bone after given a local anesthetic. The process of collecting cells is called harvesting.

Stem cell treatment is recognized not only across the world, but also in the United States. Unfortunately, the FDA has not yet approved the treatments for interventional pain management.

Being that the pain aspect of stem cell injections are something thats fairly new, without FDA approval insurance wont cover these procedures. Stem Cell treatments will be considered all out of pocket and can be quite costly.

Thats not to say that stem cell injections wont eventually be recognized by the FDA as they do recognize stem cell treatment for some other medical conditions. Once approved it will then ignite insurance coverage.

And Medicare is always updating whats covered and not covered. Your best bet is to contact Medicare directly to see what treatment options will be covered.

Remember, Medicare only pays for 80% of your medical treatment. This leaves you with the remaining 20% to pay for along with co-pays, deductibles and coinsurance. Most interventional l treatments can be costly.

If Medicare does cover it, youll want help paying the remaining out of pocket costs. A Medicare Supplement plan will do just that. These plans are very affordable, you can compare rates in your area online here.

There are multiple treatment options for those suffering from Arthritis pain including:

Read more:
Medicare Coverage for Stem Cell Treatments | MedicareFAQ

FAQs – Stem Cell Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease | StemGenex

Stem Cell Therapy for Parkinsons Disease

Today, new treatments and advances in research are giving new hope to people affected by Parkinsons Disease. StemGenexStem Cell Research Centre provides Parkinsons stem cell therapy to help those with unmet clinical needs achieve optimum health and better quality of life. A clinical study registered through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) atwww.clinicaltrials.gov/stemgenex has been established to evaluate the quality of life changes in individuals with Parkinsons Disease following stem cell therapy.

Parkinsons Disease stem cell therapy is being studied for efficacy in improving the complications in patients through the use of their own stem cells.These procedures may help patients who dont respond to typical drug treatment, want to reduce their reliance on medication, or are looking to try stem cell therapy before starting drug treatment for Parkinsons.

To learn more about becoming a patient and receiving stem cell therapy through StemGenex Stem Cell Research Centre, please contact one of our Patient Advocates at (800) 609-7795. Below are some frequently asked questions aboutstem cell therapy for Parkinsons Disease.

The majority of complications in Parkinsons patients are related to the failure of dopamine neurons to do their job properly. Dopamine sends signals to the part of your brain that controls movement. It lets your muscles move smoothly and do what you want them to do. Once the nerve cells break down you no longer have enough dopamine, and you have trouble moving and completing tasks.

This stem cell treatment for Parkinson's disease is designed to target these neurons and to help with the creation of new dopamine producing neurons. In addition, stem cells may release natural chemicals called cytokines which can induce differentiation of the stem cells into dopamine producing neurons.

Upholding the highest levels of ethical conduct, safety and efficacy is our primary focus. Five clinical stem cell studies for Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are registered through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/stemgenex. Each clinical study is reviewed and approved by an independent Institutional Review Board (IRB) to ensure proper oversight and protocols are being followed.

Stem cells are the basic building blocks of human tissue and have the ability to repair, rebuild, and rejuvenate tissues in the body. When a disease or injury strikes, stem cells respond to specific signals and set about to facilitate the healing process by differentiating into specialized cells required for the bodys repair.

There are four known types of stem cells which include:

StemGenex provides autologous adult stem cells (from fat tissue) where the stem cells come from the person receiving treatment.

StemGenex provides autologous adult adipose-derived stem cells (from fat tissue) where the stem cells come from the person receiving treatment.

We tap into our bodys stem cell reserve daily to repair and replace damaged or diseased tissue. When the bodys reserve is limited and as it becomes depleted, the regenerative power of our body decreases and we succumb to disease and injury.

Three sources of stem cells from a patients body are used clinically which include adipose tissue (fat), bone marrow and peripheral blood.

Performed by Board Certified Physicians, dormant stem cells are extracted from the patients adipose tissue (fat) through a minimally invasive mini-liposuction procedure with little to no downtime.

During the liposuction procedure, a small area (typically the abdomen) is numbed with an anesthetic and patients receive mild to moderate sedation. Next, the extracted dormant stem cells are isolated from the fat and activated, and then comfortably infused back into the patient intravenously (IV) and via other directly targeted methods of administration. The out-patient procedure takes approximately four to five hours.

StemGenex provides multiple administration methods for Parkinson's Disease patients to best target the disease related conditions and symptoms which include:

Since each condition and patient are unique, there is no guarantee of what results will be achieved or how quickly they may be observed. According to patient feedback, many patients report results in one to three months, however, it may take as long as six to nine months. Individuals interested in stem cell therapy are urged to consult with their physician before choosing investigational autologous adipose-derived stem cell therapy as a treatment option.

In order to determine if you are a good candidate for adult stem cell treatment, you will need to complete a medical history form which will be provided by your StemGenex Patient Advocate. Once you complete and submit your medical history form, our medical team will review your records and determine if you are a qualified candidate for adult stem cell therapy.

StemGenex team members are here to help assist and guide you through the patient process.

Patients travel to StemGenex located in Del Mar, California located in San Diego County for stem cell treatment from all over the United States, Canada and around the globe. Treatment will consist of one visit lasting a total of three days. The therapy is minimally invasive and there is little to no down time. Majority of patients fly home the day after treatment.

We provide stem cell therapy for a wide variety of diseases and conditions for which traditional treatment offers less than optimal options. Some conditions include Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

The side effects of the mini-liposuction procedure are minimal and may include but are not limited to: minor swelling, bruising and redness at the procedure site, minor fever, headache, or nausea. However, these side effects typically last no longer than 24 hours and are experienced mostly by people with sensitivity to mild anesthesia. No long-term negative side effects or risks have been reported.

The side effects of adipose-derived stem cell therapy are minimal and may include but are not limited to: infection, minor bleeding at the treatment sites and localized pain. However, these side effects typically last no longer than 24 hours. No long-term negative side effects or risks have been reported.

StemGenex provides adult stem cell treatment with mesenchymal stem cells which come from the person receiving treatment. Embryonic stem cells are typically associated with ethical and political controversies.

The FDA is currently in the process of defining a regulatory path for cellular therapies. A Scientific Workshop and Public Hearing Draft Guidances Relating to the Regulation of Human Cells, Tissues or Cellular or Tissue-Based Products was held in September 2016 at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, MD. Currently, stem cell treatment is not FDA approved.

In March 2016, bipartisan legislation, the REGROW Act was introduced to the Senate and House of Representatives to develop and advance stem cell therapies.

Stem cell treatment is not covered by health insurance at this time. The cost for standard preoperative labs are included. Additional specific labs may be requested at the patients expense.

People suffering from Parkinson's Disease often suffer from the following complications::

Excerpt from:
FAQs - Stem Cell Therapy for Parkinson's Disease | StemGenex

Stem Cell Therapy for Knee Injuries and Arthritis – StemCell ARTS

Utilizing your own stem cells to help the healing process of injured or degenerated joints The human body is made of billions of specialized cells that form specific organs like the brain, skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and bone. Each day these cells go through a degenerative and regenerative process. As older cells die, new cells are born from stem cells with the unique capability of being able to create multiple types of other cells. However, when tissues are injured, the degenerative process exceeds this regenerative process, resulting in structures that become weaker, painful and less functional. While there are several types of stem cells, those that are best at promoting musculoskeletal healing (tendon, ligament, cartilage and bone) are found in bone marrow. These mesenchymal stem cells, or MSCs, are essential to successful patient outcomes and at Stem Cell ARTS we utilize the patented Regenexx Stem Cell Protocol, which iscapable of yielding much higher concentrations of these important cells. Most Commonly Treated Knee Conditions and Injuries Below is a list of the most common knee injuries and conditions that we treat with stem cells or platelet procedures. This is not an all-inclusive list. Knee Patient Outcome Data

This Regenexx bone marrow derived stem cell treatment outcome data analysis is part of the Regenexx data download of patients who were tracked in the Regenexx advanced patient registry.

Regenexx has published more data on stem cell safety in peer reviewed medical research for orthopedic applications than any other group world-wide. This is a report of 1,591 patients and 1,949 procedures treated with the Regenexx Stem Cell Procedure. Based on our analysis of this treatment registry data, the Regenexx Stem Cell Procedure is about as safe as any typical injection procedure, which is consistent with what we see every day in the clinic.

To use, begin playing the first video. Then use the Playlist Dropdown Menu in the upper left corner of the video display to show all video titles. Use the Scroll Bar on the right hand side of the playlist to browse all video titles if required.

These non-surgical stem cell injection procedures happen within a single day and may offer a viable alternative for those who are facing surgery or even joint replacement. Patients are typically able to return to normal activity following the procedure and are able to avoid the painful and lengthy rehabilitation periods that are typically required to help restore strength, mobility and range-of-motion following invasive joint surgeries. Lastly, patients are far less vulnerable to the risks of surgeries, such as infection and blood clots.

Modern techniques in todays medicine allows us to withdraw stem cells from bone marrow, concentrate them through a lab process and then re-inject them precisely into the injured tissues in other areas of the body using advanced imaging guidance. Through Fluoroscopy and MSK Ultrasound, were able to ensure the cells are being introduced into the exact area of need. When the stem cells are re-injected, they enhance the natural repair process of degenerated and injured tendons, ligaments, and arthritic joints Turning the tables on the natural breakdown process that occurs from aging, overuse and injury.

If you are suffering from a joint injury or degenerative condition such as osteoarthritis, you may be a good candidate for a stem cell procedure. Please complete the form below and we will immediately send you an email with additional information and next steps in determining whether youre a candidate for these advanced stem cell procedures.

Visit link:
Stem Cell Therapy for Knee Injuries and Arthritis - StemCell ARTS

Regenerative Stem Cell Therapy | Treatment for Back Pain | VSI

share

Regenerative therapiesfor the spine are the future for spinal treatments. We are excited to offer innovative techniques as new and improved ways to try to heal spinal problems without having to undergo surgery. Regenerative therapy options hold wonderful healing potential and represent the future of modern medicine. We are excited to offer innovative techniques as new and improved ways to try to heal spinal problems without having to undergo surgery.

In the United States alone, more than 400,000 lumbar discectomies and 500,000 spinal fusions are performed each year for symptoms related to lumbar disc degeneration. The ability to get these to heal without surgery has been a long-term goal of many patients and physicians alike.

At Virginia Spine Institute, we are working to promote healing without surgery. Virginia Spine Institute continues to be on the forefront of treatment options and is proud to offerstem cell therapy treatmentsfor patients as part of ourcomprehensivenon-operative treatmentoptions.

Painful discs in the neck or low back are common causes of severe back pain and disability. Historically, therapies did not exist to regenerate the degenerative process in a vertebral disc, often leaving surgical intervention as the only option if other non-operative treatment options have failed. In selected patients, we now have hopes of better ways to treat spinal disease.

Learn if you are a candidate for this treatment.

Click to Schedule Your Initial Consultation

We obtain a patients own stem cells by aspirating tissue from the patient's hip bone or from their fat cells. These cells are centrifuged down to identify and separate specific primitive cells that will help heal tissues. Stem cells are theninjected into the disc, stimulating healing of the disc by using these primitive blood cells to stimulate regeneration of the collagen within the disc. We are excited to report improvements in our patients treated with stem cells.

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the potential to become specialized types of cells. Stem cells can be categorized as embryonic stem cells or adult stem cells.Embryonic stem cells are derived from a human fetus; there are many ethical concerns with embryonic stem cells, and these are not used in our practice.

Adult stem cells are derived from adults, sometimes obtained from your very own body! Adult stem cells are further divided into different categories. For example, the types of adult stem cells we use to treat musculoskeletal issues are known as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). These are multi-potent cells that can differentiate into bone cells, cartilage cells, or fat cells. Its important to note that they cannot differentiate into any other type of cell.

The human body has multiple storage sites for stem cells to repair degenerated and injured structures. We have found that obtaining stem cells from the hip bone (iliac bone) is easily performed within minutes and, in most cases, is a fairly painless procedure for the patient. The stem cells are obtained from your own bone marrow; just minutes later, they are used for treatment.

This procedure is done in our office and starts with the patient lying face down on the examination table. The skin is first numbed with a novocaine solution. After that, the cortex of the hip bone (iliac bone) is numbed. Next, under x-ray (fluoroscopic) guidance, a special needle is advanced through the bone to the cortex of your hip bone into the bone marrow. The liquid marrow - which contains the stem cells - is then withdrawn into a syringe. Finally, the needle is removed, and a small bandage is placed where the needle was inserted.

After the procedure, the syringe of stem cells is taken to the lab and placed in a specialized machine called a centrifuge. The centrifuge spins the bone marrow solution and stem cells are separated from the non-useful cells. The concentrated stem cells are then transferred to a new syringe. Now, the stem cells are ready for the treatment.

Not all patients will be a candidate for these disc regeneration procedures. For those whom are ideal candidates, this provides great hope with reduction in pain and improved quality of life without the need for major surgery. We are excited about these great advances in health care and look forward to helping you live pain free.

Stem cell injections are most commonly used for treatment of the following conditions:

The area of injury is first identified using ultrasound or fluoroscopy. The area is then sterilized, and the skin above the area is numbed with a novocaine-type solution. Using ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance, the needle is guided to the area of injury, and the stem cell solution is injected. All the regenerative injections performed at our practice are performed under image guidance with ultrasound or fluoroscopy to confirm accurate placement of the stem cells.

The risks depend on the area being treated; however, there is always a potential risk of an injection causing infection, bleeding, or nerve damage. It is important to note that there is no risk of allergic reaction since you are using your own stem cells. At Virginia Spine Institute we always recommended the safest and most efficient procedures for our patients, however, your physician will review any possible risks associated with this treatment prior to administering.

The benefit is usually seen approximately two to three months after the whole treatment protocol has completed; however, you may start to notice the benefit sooner than this.

In most cases, patients respond very well to just one treatment; however, the patient may require two to three injections. We never perform more than three injections within a span of 12 months.

Click to Schedule Your Initial Consultation

Original post:
Regenerative Stem Cell Therapy | Treatment for Back Pain | VSI

Stem Cell Therapy for Back Pain – ThriveMD Vail & Denver, CO

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD), Herniated Discs & Sciatica Causing Lumbar Back Pain

What is degenerative disc disease and what are the symptoms?

Spinal disc degeneration and disc herniations are two of the most common causes of back pain, affecting in particular the lumbar spine (low back). Spinal discs are soft, compressible structures that separate the vertebrae of the spine. The discs act as shock absorbers, allowing the spine to flex, bend, and twist.

Sciatica is the name for the horrible leg pain that is caused when a bulging lumbar disc irritates a lumbar nerve root. The discomfort can be a combination of burning pain and numbness that responds poorly to pain medication.

There is a normal amount of expected wear and tear of our spinal discs as we age. On the other hand, arthritis, injury, and extreme wear and tear of sports can accelerate the degeneration. On a cellular level, there is continual loss of healthy cells inside the disc that is responsible for the discs structure. Over time, normal cells are damaged and hydration is lost, leading to tears in the internal structure of the discs.

When discs degenerate, mobility is affected and function is limited, resulting in symptoms that include stiffness, weakness, and ultimately, unrelenting pain.

What is spinal facet disease and what are the symptoms?

Spinal facet disease is one of the most common causes of neck and back pain and can cause pain at any level of the spine. The spinal facets joints are located on both sides of the back of each spinal segment. They connect each spinal level and are responsible for stabilizing the vertebral bodies and counterbalancing the intervertebral discs. The facets can be injured during acute trauma often seen in flexion extension injuries such as a whiplash event or sports accident. The surfaces of the facet joints are covered by articular cartilage and are also prone to chronic degenerative arthritis much like the larger joints such as knees and hips.

Pain that is caused by facet dysfunction is typically isolated to the back of the lumbar spine, thoracic region and neck. The discomfort can be isolated to one side or may affect both sides of the spine at once. The pain may radiate into the muscles but does not extend into the extremities like sciatic pain that is caused from a disc herniation. Typically the pain is worsened with extension and or rotation of the neck or back. Diagnosis of facet pain begins with a physical exam and imaging studies, but often requires diagnostic injection with local anesthetic and or steroid to confirm the diagnosis.

When the facet joints are injured mobility is affected and function is limited, resulting in symptoms that can mimic disc disease such as stiffness, weakness, and ultimately, unrelenting pain.

Link:
Stem Cell Therapy for Back Pain - ThriveMD Vail & Denver, CO

Stem Cell Treatment – AA Spine & Pain

What is Stem Cell Therapy?

Stem Cell Therapy utilizes the patients own stem cells to replace dying cells and regenerate damaged tissue to eliminate pain. These cells are obtained from the patients own bone marrow or fat tissues through a sterile closed surgical process. The cells are isolated in a centrifuge and injected into the pain site to begin healing. The cells are collected and injected on the same day using specialized imaging technology to ensure the most effective treatment.

Stem Cell Therapy accelerates the bodys own natural healing processes and is effective for treating pain. When the body is injured, adult stem cells are dispatched to the area of the injury to regenerate healthy cells, but this isnt always enough. Stem Cell Therapy collects concentrated amounts of stem cells from healthy areas of the body, and injects the cells directly into the area of injury. Stem Cell Therapy is effective for many types of tissue including cartilage, tendons, ligaments, bone, and fibrous connective tissue. Stem Cell Therapy reduces pain and promotes healing without the need for pain medications or steroid injections.

Dr. Johnson and his compassionate staff at AA Spine & Pain Clinic believe that no one should have to live in pain. We will take the time to educate our patients about their conditions and their available treatment options so they can make the best decisions about their care. Each patient will receive individualized treatment based on their specific needs to ensure the best possible outcome.

You may be considering stem cell therapy if you suffer from ongoing pain from an injury or if you are currently managing pain through medication or injection therapy. Stem Cell Therapy is a relatively new procedure and is not yet covered by most insurances. We want to provide the best treatment options for your pain, and will review your specific situation and treatment options with you.

Each Stem Cell Therapy procedure is performed in our medical office and usually takes less than an hour to complete. It does not require surgery, general anesthesia, or hospital stays. Most people find they can return to work the day after receiving Stem Cell Therapy, but strenuous physical exercise should be avoided for several weeks afterwards to promote healing and to prevent injury.

Read the original:
Stem Cell Treatment - AA Spine & Pain