One in five adults in the U.S. reports having chronic pain, which amounts to 50 million people. As one of the most common reasons people visit their doctors, this frustrating symptom is linked to issues like restricted daily activities, dependence on prescription medications, anxiety and depression, and overall reduced quality of life. It can stem from many causes, including chronic conditions and lingering effects of previous injuries, and often intensifies with advancing age. Some of the most common conditions linked to chronic pain include arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis. Alternative Treatment for Chronic Pain: Stem Cell Therapy.
Traditional treatments for chronic pain include over-the-counter pain relievers or opioids, along with non-medication techniques such as physical therapy, acupuncture, and exercise. Unfortunately, many patients find that the side effects of long-term pain medication can further diminish their quality of life, and other treatments often fall short when it comes to providing relief. It’s therefore no surprise that many of these patients willingly embrace new treatments, such as stem cell therapy.
Stem Cell Therapy as an Alternative Treatment for Chronic Pain
Stem cell therapy is a new form of regenerative medicine which uses the body’s natural regenerative healing mechanisms, stem cells, to repair and renew damaged tissue. These cells have the ability to self-renew and differentiate into other cell types. They also have immune-modulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help address the swelling and discomfort that arises in many chronic conditions and injuries. Research suggests that their ability to home in on affected sites makes them a powerful means of treating inflammatory pain and trauma.
In patients with chronic pain, stem cells can be injected at appropriate sites to rebuild and regenerate tissue, suppress inflammation, and reduce the severity of symptoms. The treatment has been used for neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis, autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, and musculoskeletal injuries.
Although many chronic conditions still have no cure, stem cell therapy is a promising new alternative for treating them. It goes beyond simply masking symptoms to spur healing at a cellular level, thereby leading to stronger outcomes that can significantly improve the way of life for patients experiencing chronic pain. If stem cell therapy is something you are interested in then contact us today for a free consultation.