Lower back pain is the second leading cause of disability in the U.S., much of which can be attributed to degenerative disc disease, Dr. Arora said.
Recent research published in The Journal of Spine Surgery concluded that plasma-rich platelet injections are a safe and effective treatment for discogenic back pain. A study in the Biomedical Journal of Scientific and Technical Research concluded that bone marrow concentrate is a promising option for lower back pain treatment, given its low rate of adverse effects compared to surgery.
In stem cell therapy, cells obtained from bone marrow or adipose tissue are centrifuged to isolate and obtain the specific cells needed to stimulate collagen regeneration when injected into a damaged spinal disc. Dr. Arora believes more research is needed to perfect centrifuging techniques and improve patient outcomes but sees promise in these new approaches to lower back pain treatment.
“All of us carry within ourselves the molecular material for restoring and returning damaged or aged tissue to health,” Dr. Arora said. “That’s what makes these biologic therapies so promising. They are utilizing our own resources to treat injury and disease successfully.”
More articles on biologics:
Fujifilm, Cynata to collaborate on stem cell therapy trials for transplant patients: 4 insights
Hospital for Special Surgery researchers launch study of Organogenesis’ ReNu for knee defects: 5 insights
Viewpoint: A stem cell provider registry program will improve treatments
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.
