Assessing the Safety of Intrathecal Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for Neurological Disorders: Insights from a Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Assessing the Safety of Intrathecal Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for Neurological Disorders: Insights from a Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Intrathecal cell delivery has emerged as a promising approach for improving the quality of life for patients with neurological conditions, thanks to previous studies showing its safety and potential benefits. 

As part of this review, Mesa Bedoya et al. summarize the findings of a systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at evaluating the safety of intrathecally delivered mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).

Neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis, significantly impact patients’ quality of life and contribute to a substantial global disease burden. With limited treatment options available, MSC therapy has gained attention due to its ability to differentiate into various cell types, secrete growth factors, and provide neuroprotection. MSCs can be delivered through several routes, including intrathecal administration, which allows for direct delivery to the central nervous system (CNS) and has been shown to enhance cell bioavailability near damaged areas.

The authors’ primary goal was to assess the safety of intrathecal MSC administration by analyzing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing this method to control treatments in adult patients with neurological conditions.

As part of this review, Mesa Bedoya et al. conducted a thorough search of several databases up through April 2023, including RCTs that compared intrathecal MSC delivery with control treatments. They focused on adverse events (AEs) and performed a meta-analysis using statistical models to evaluate the overall safety. The authors also examined potential factors influencing the occurrence of AEs and assessed publication bias.

A total of 303 records were reviewed, with nine RCTs involving 540 patients meeting the inclusion criteria. The analysis revealed that intrathecal MSCs were associated with an increased probability of AEs related to musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders. Specifically, fresh MSCs had a higher probability of causing AEs compared to cryopreserved MSCs. Additionally, multiple doses of MSCs were associated with a 36% reduction in the probability of AEs compared to single doses.

Despite these findings, the data did not show significant associations between AEs and various study covariates. The review highlighted that, while there was a higher incidence of musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders, no serious adverse events (SAEs) were reported. The most common AEs, which included back pain, pain in extremities, and muscle aches, were generally transient and minimal in risk if patients were monitored appropriately.

Mesa Bedoya et al’s study supports the notion that intrathecal MSC delivery is a generally safe procedure, with an increased risk of specific, minor AEs. It also confirms previous findings that suggest this method is a viable option for delivering MSC therapy to patients with neurological conditions.

However, the authors also acknowledge limitations, including potential small-study effects and issues related to the crossover design of some included trials. These limitations suggest that the results should be interpreted with caution, and the findings highlight the need for larger, well-designed RCTs with longer follow-up periods to validate the safety and efficacy of intrathecal MSC delivery.

The authors conclude that this review indicates that intrathecal delivery of MSCs results in a minor increase in AEs related to musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders but no serious adverse events. This supports the safety of intrathecal MSC therapy for neurological conditions, though further research with larger sample sizes and more rigorous study designs is needed to confirm these findings and address the limitations identified.

Source: Mesa Bedoya, L.E., Camacho Barbosa, J.C., López Quiceno, L. et al. The safety profile of mesenchymal stem cell therapy administered through intrathecal injections for treating neurological disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Stem Cell Res Ther 15, 146 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-024-03748-7

Stem Cell Therapy for Orthopedic Injuries: A Game Changer

Stem Cell Therapy for Orthopedic Injuries: A Game Changer

In recent years, the field of regenerative medicine has made remarkable strides, with stem cell therapy emerging as a revolutionary approach to treating various conditions. Among the most promising applications of stem cell therapy is its use in orthopedic injuries, which include conditions such as sports injuries, osteoarthritis, and degenerative disc disease. This innovative treatment has the potential to transform the way we approach the healing and recovery process for these conditions, offering hope for faster and more effective recovery.

Understanding Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell therapy involves the use of stem cells to repair, regenerate, or replace damaged or diseased tissues in the body. Stem cells are unique in their ability to differentiate into various types of cells, making them ideal candidates for treating a wide range of medical conditions. In orthopedic injuries, stem cells can be used to promote the healing of damaged cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and bones.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult stem cells found in bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord tissue. MSCs are commonly used in orthopedic treatments due to their ability to differentiate into bone, cartilage, and muscle cells.

Stem Cell Therapy for Orthopedic Injuries

Orthopedic injuries can result from trauma, overuse, or degenerative conditions, and they often affect the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, and soft tissues. Common orthopedic injuries that may benefit from stem cell therapy include:

  1. Sports Injuries: Athletes are particularly susceptible to injuries such as ligament tears, tendonitis, and muscle strains. Stem cell therapy can accelerate the healing process, reduce inflammation, and promote the regeneration of damaged tissues. For instance, studies have shown that stem cell therapy can be effective in treating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, a common sports injury that can sideline athletes for months​ (Oxford Academic).
  2. Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Traditional treatments for osteoarthritis primarily focus on symptom management, but stem cell therapy offers a more targeted approach. By injecting stem cells into the affected joint, it’s possible to stimulate cartilage regeneration and reduce inflammation, potentially slowing or even reversing the progression of the disease​ (BioMed Central).
  3. Degenerative Disc Disease: This condition occurs when the intervertebral discs, which act as cushions between the vertebrae, begin to deteriorate, leading to back pain and discomfort. Stem cell therapy can help regenerate the damaged disc tissue, reduce pain, and improve function. Research has shown promising results in using stem cells to treat degenerative disc disease, offering patients an alternative to invasive surgical procedures​ (SpringerLink).

How Stem Cell Therapy Works for Orthopedic Injuries

The process of stem cell therapy for orthopedic injuries typically involves several key steps:

  1. Harvesting Stem Cells: Depending on the source of the stem cells, they can be harvested from the patient’s bone marrow, adipose tissue, or from donor sources such as umbilical cord tissue. The cells are then processed and prepared for injection.
  2. Injection: The concentrated stem cells are then injected directly into the injured area using imaging guidance such as ultrasound or fluoroscopy to ensure precise delivery. In some cases, multiple injections may be required over time to achieve optimal results.
  3. Recovery and Monitoring: Following the procedure, patients are monitored to assess their response to the therapy. Recovery times can vary, but many patients begin to notice improvements within weeks to months after the treatment.

Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy for Orthopedic Injuries

Stem cell therapy offers several advantages over traditional treatments for orthopedic injuries:

  • Minimally Invasive: Unlike surgical interventions, stem cell therapy is minimally invasive, involving only injections rather than incisions. This reduces the risk of complications and shortens recovery times.
  • Reduced Pain and Inflammation: Stem cells have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain and swelling at the injury site, promoting faster healing.
  • Promotes Tissue Regeneration: One of the most significant benefits of stem cell therapy is its ability to promote the regeneration of damaged tissues, which can lead to more durable and long-lasting recovery.
  • Potential to Delay or Avoid Surgery: For conditions like osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease, stem cell therapy may help delay or even eliminate the need for surgical intervention, providing a less invasive treatment option.
  • Customizable Treatment: Stem cell therapy can be tailored to the specific needs of the patient, allowing for personalized treatment plans that address the unique aspects of each injury.

Challenges and Considerations

While stem cell therapy holds great promise, it is important to acknowledge that it is still a relatively new field, and there are challenges to be addressed:

  • Variability in Outcomes: The effectiveness of stem cell therapy can vary depending on factors such as the type of injury, the source of stem cells, and the patient’s overall health. More research is needed to establish standardized protocols and determine the best practices for different conditions.
  • Regulatory and Ethical Considerations: The use of certain types of stem cells, such as embryonic stem cells, raises ethical questions and is subject to strict regulations. However, the use of adult stem cells, including MSCs, is generally considered ethical and is more widely accepted.
  • Cost and Accessibility: Stem cell therapy can be expensive, and it is not covered by insurance. This can limit access for some patients, particularly those who may benefit most from the treatment.

The Future of Stem Cell Therapy in Orthopedics

As research in stem cell therapy continues to advance, its potential applications for treating orthopedic injuries are expanding rapidly. The ongoing development of new techniques for harvesting, processing, and delivering stem cells is likely to improve the effectiveness and accessibility of these treatments. Scientists are also exploring ways to enhance the regenerative capabilities of stem cells through genetic modifications and the use of bioengineered scaffolds, which could lead to even more impressive outcomes.

In the future, stem cell therapy may become a standard treatment for a wide range of orthopedic conditions, from sports injuries to degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease. This would offer patients a minimally invasive option that promotes natural healing and regeneration, potentially reducing the need for more invasive surgical procedures.

Conclusion

Stem cell therapy is revolutionizing the field of orthopedic medicine, offering a promising new approach to treating injuries and degenerative conditions. By harnessing the body’s natural healing processes, stem cell therapy has the potential to improve outcomes, reduce recovery times, and enhance the quality of life for patients suffering from orthopedic injuries. While challenges remain, the continued advancement of stem cell research holds the promise of making these treatments more effective and accessible to a broader range of patients in the near future.

References and Further Reading

To learn more about the studies and research supporting the use of stem cell therapy in orthopedic injuries, you can explore the following references:

  1. Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Sports Injuries:
  2. Stem Cell Therapy for Osteoarthritis:
  3. Stem Cells for Degenerative Disc Disease:
  4. Stem Cell Therapy Mechanisms and Outcomes:

These references provide a deeper dive into the science behind stem cell therapy and its growing role in the treatment of orthopedic conditions. As this field continues to evolve, it offers exciting possibilities for improving patient care and outcomes in orthopedics.

Stem Cell Therapies for Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

Stem Cell Therapies for Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a long-term inflammatory disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS) of an estimated 3 million people worldwide. Characterized by the loss of the protective covering (myelin) of nerve fibers and degeneration of the nerve fibers themselves, MS damage disrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Most MS patients start with a form known as relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), where symptoms flare up at intervals and then partially or fully improve. Typical symptoms during these flare-ups include lack of muscle control, fatigue, and sensory impairments.

As the disease progresses, many individuals transition from RRMS to a progressive form of MS. Progressive MS is marked by a steady decline in function and an accumulation of disabilities, rather than periodic attacks. Unfortunately, the treatment options for progressive MS (PMS) are limited and often ineffective. The few available medications can help with active forms of PMS but are generally poor at slowing down the disease’s progression or promoting repair of damaged tissues.

The Promise of Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell therapy has emerged as a promising approach to addressing the needs of patients with PMS. Stem cells have the unique ability to develop into various types of cells and offer several potential benefits, including providing support to nerve cells, modulating the immune system, and even replacing damaged cells. These characteristics make stem cells an attractive option for treating the complex pathology of PMS.

Current State of Stem Cell Therapy Research

In this review, Smith et al. explore the current state of preclinical and clinical evidence supporting the use of stem cells in treating PMS and discuss prospective hurdles impeding their translation into revolutionary regenerative medicines.

According to the authors, preclinical studies suggest that stem cells might help by reducing inflammation and protecting nerve cells in the CNS. However, translating these findings into effective treatments for humans remains a challenge.

Existing disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) have improved the treatment of RRMS by targeting the immune system to prevent the attacks that cause demyelination and nerve damage. These therapies work well for RRMS because they address the inflammatory processes that drive the disease. Unfortunately, as patients transition to the progressive phase of MS, conventional DMTs become less effective. PMS is characterized by a different set of pathological processes, including persistent inflammation behind a closed blood-brain barrier and activation of microglia (the brain’s immune cells) rather than T and B cells.

Stem Cell Therapy’s Potential Benefits

According to Smith et al. stem cell therapy offers potential benefits in several ways, including

  • Neuroprotection: Stem cells can potentially protect nerve cells from damage and death, which is crucial in progressive forms of MS.
  • Immunomodulation: Stem cells might help modulate the immune system, reducing harmful inflammation that contributes to disease progression.
  • Cell Replacement: Stem cells have the potential to replace damaged cells and promote the repair of damaged tissues.

While these potential benefits are compelling, the authors have found that the effectiveness of stem cell therapy in PMS is still largely unproven in clinical settings. The majority of current stem cell research focuses on the relapsing forms of MS or other diseases, with fewer studies dedicated specifically to PMS.

Current Status and Future Prospects

Stem cell therapy has demonstrated safety and feasibility across different types of cells and administration methods. The most promising results so far have been in studies involving neural stem cells (NSCs), which have shown potential in preclinical models for reducing chronic neuroinflammation. However, substantial clinical research is needed to validate these findings and determine the practical benefits of stem cell therapy for PMS.

The authors conclude that while stem cell therapy holds considerable promise for treating progressive multiple sclerosis, more research is needed. Future studies should focus on large, well-designed clinical trials to assess the benefits and risks of stem cell treatments. If proven effective, Smith et al. believe that stem cell therapy could become a revolutionary treatment for PMS and offer hope to millions of patients affected by this debilitating condition.

Source: Smith JA, Nicaise AM, Ionescu RB, Hamel R, Peruzzotti-Jametti L, Pluchino S. Stem Cell Therapies for Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. Front Cell Dev Biol. 2021;9:696434. Published 2021 Jul 9. doi:10.3389/fcell.2021.696434

Exploring the Efficacy and Safety of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for Liver Cirrhosis

Exploring the Efficacy and Safety of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for Liver Cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis (LC) is a severe global health problem, contributing to an estimated two million deaths annually. LC results from chronic liver diseases such as hepatitis B and C, alcohol consumption, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and autoimmune liver disease. When these diseases progress unchecked, they lead to liver cirrhosis, characterized by inflammation and fibrosis. Most patients with LC die from complications due to a lack of effective treatments and poor patient compliance. While liver transplantation is effective, it is costly and comes with risks like immune rejection and recurrent infections. This has led to an urgent need for alternative treatments for LC.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) offer a promising alternative due to their ability to renew themselves and differentiate into various cell types. MSCs have gained attention for their potential to treat tissue-damaging diseases due to their low immunogenicity and ability to home to injury sites. Animal studies have shown MSCs to be safe and effective in treating LC, and clinical trials indicate improvements in liver function with no significant adverse effects. 

Lu et al.’s study aims to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of MSCs for treating liver cirrhosis through a meta-analysis of clinical trials.

As part of this study, the authors analyzed data from PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library up through May 2023. Researchers used the PICOS principle for literature screening and assessed the risk of bias. Data from each study’s outcome indicators, such as liver function and adverse events, were then extracted and analyzed using Review Manager 5.4.

Eleven clinical trials met the criteria for this analysis. The pooled data showed significant improvements in primary and secondary liver function indicators. Patients who received MSC infusions had higher albumin (ALB) levels at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months, and lower MELD scores at 1 month, 2 months, and 6 months compared to the control group. Hepatic arterial injections were particularly effective in improving these scores. Importantly, none of the studies reported severe adverse effects, indicating the safety of MSC therapy.

Key Findings and Recommendations

Considering the findings of this study, the authors provide a number of key findings and recommendations, including:

  • Duration of MSC Therapy: The study found that prolonging MSC treatment enhances its effectiveness in end-stage liver disease, improving symptoms such as appetite loss, mental depression, and jaundice. 
  • Types of MSCs: MSCs can be derived from various tissues, and their effectiveness may vary. Most studies evaluated used bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs), which have shown superior therapeutic effects compared to umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs). However, more research is needed to determine the best type of MSC for treating LC.
  • Routes of Administration: Different transplantation methods can impact the efficacy of MSC therapy. The hepatic artery route was found to be the most effective, likely due to better MSC homing to the liver. However, this method has clinical limitations such as high surgical risk. Intravenous administration, while safer, was less effective. The authors call for further research to optimize the administration route.
  • Secondary Indicators: While primary indicators like MELD score and ALB levels showed significant improvements, secondary indicators such as ALT, AST, TBIL, and INR did not show significant differences between the MSC and control groups. The authors believe this could be due to variability in disease cause, patient population, and follow-up duration.
  • Complications and Prognosis: MSC therapy also showed potential in reducing LC complications, such as portal hypertension and ascites, and decreasing mortality and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence. However, more clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings and assess the long-term prognosis of MSC therapy in LC.

Lu et al. conclude that mesenchymal stem cell therapy is a safe and effective treatment for liver cirrhosis, significantly improving liver function without severe adverse effects. However, to fully realize the potential of MSC therapy, a standardized treatment protocol is needed. This includes optimizing the timing, dosage, frequency, and administration route of MSC infusions.

 Additionally, MSC-derived exosomes show promise as an alternative treatment strategy. The authors call for further research, including multicenter, large-scale, long-term RCTs, to address these questions and improve the therapeutic outcomes for LC patients.

Source: Zhao, Y., Liu, Y., Zhang, W., Li, H., & Wang, L. “Efficacy and safety of mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of liver cirrhosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.” Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 2023. https://stemcellres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13287-023-03518-x.

Phase II Trial Shows Promise of Repeated Stem Cell Injections for ALS Treatment

Phase II Trial Shows Promise of Repeated Stem Cell Injections for ALS Treatment

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a degenerative disease that affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle paralysis and death, typically within 3-5 years of onset. Despite two FDA-approved therapies, Riluzole, and Edravarone, which offer limited benefits, there remains no cure for ALS. 

Considering this, researchers have turned to Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), which have shown promise in animal models and preliminary human trials for neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS.

Understanding ALS and MSC Therapy

ALS is characterized by the rapid degeneration of motor neurons, leading to muscle paralysis. The exact cause of ALS is complex and not fully understood. About 10% of cases are familial, while 90% are sporadic. Existing treatments only modestly slow disease progression and extend survival by a few months.

Stem cells, particularly MSCs, have shown potential in neuroprotection and immunomodulation. MSCs can be derived from various sources, including bone marrow, adipose tissue, embryonic tissue, cord blood, reprogrammed mature cells, and perinatal tissue. They support hematopoiesis and produce mesodermal cells. MSCs have demonstrated immunomodulatory and neurotrophic effects in animal models and early human trials.

As part of this study, Petrou et al. aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of repeated spinal injections of autologous MSCs in ALS patients. This open-label clinical trial included patients aged 20-70, with definite ALS diagnoses and ALS Functional Rating Scale Revised (ALSFRS-R) scores above 20. The patients received 1-4 intrathecal MSC injections at intervals of 3-6 months, with safety and tolerability as primary endpoints, and efficacy as secondary endpoints.

This trial found no serious adverse events, demonstrating the safety of repeated MSC injections. As evidence, the authors point out that, 15 out of 19 patients showed a reduction in the progression rate of their ALSFRS-R scores by more than 25% between the first and second injections, with an average improvement of 107.1%. Similar improvements were observed between subsequent injections. Thirteen patients experienced a 25% improvement in their progression rate over the entire treatment period, with an average improvement of 47.4%. Seven patients showed clinical improvement after the first transplantation, and five remained improved after the second cycle. These benefits were correlated with the intervals between the injections, suggesting that regular MSC administrations might be crucial for sustained efficacy.

Previous Studies on MSCs in ALS

Several small, open-label clinical trials have suggested that MSC treatment can be beneficial for neurological diseases, including ALS. In a phase I/II trial by the same research group, ALS patients received intrathecal and intravenous MSC injections, which were safe and showed a trend toward disease stabilization over six months. Another phase I/II and IIa trial with Brainstorm® used modified MSCs producing neurotrophic factors (MSC-NTF), showing at least a 25% improvement in disease progression, particularly in the intrathecally treated group.

Additional trials, including a randomized, placebo-controlled phase II study, demonstrated mixed results. While some trials noted improvements in a subgroup of rapid progressors, others did not show significant differences between MSC-treated and placebo groups overall. These studies highlight the need for repeated injections to maintain the benefits of MSC therapy.

Implications From the Current Study

According to Petrou et al., repeated intrathecal injections of MSCs over a longer follow-up period appears to induce significant, but short-term, clinical improvements and slow disease progression in a majority of patients. This study also reaffirmed the safety profile of MSC, with only mild and transient adverse events observed.

The study highlights the potential of MSC therapy in providing neuroprotection and slowing ALS progression. The immunomodulatory effects of MSCs, possibly reducing inflammation in the central nervous system, may also contribute to their therapeutic benefits. However, the small sample size and open-label design are limitations, necessitating larger, controlled trials to confirm these findings.

Future Directions

Petrou et al. concluded that repeated intrathecal injections of autologous MSCs are safe for ALS patients and suggest potential medium-term clinical benefits. However, larger studies are needed to confirm these findings. The consistent observation of safety and indications of efficacy across multiple cycles of treatment is encouraging, indicating that MSC therapy could slow the progression of ALS and improve patients’ quality of life.

The study’s promising results support the continued exploration of MSC therapy for ALS. The authors call for future trials to focus on optimizing the timing and frequency of MSC injections to maximize clinical benefits. Larger, controlled studies are essential to validate these findings and potentially establish MSC therapy as a viable treatment option for ALS. By addressing the unmet needs in neuroprotection and immunomodulation, MSC therapy holds the potential of improving the quality of life and survival for ALS patients.

Source: Panayiota Petrou, Ibrahim Kassis, Nour Eddine Yaghmour, Ariel Ginzberg, Dimitrios Karussis. A phase II clinical trial with repeated intrathecal injections of autologous mesenchymal stem cells in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Front. Biosci. (Landmark Ed) 2021, 26(10), 693–706. https://doi.org/10.52586/4980

Common Cause of Back Pain and Its Treatments

Common Cause of Back Pain and Its Treatments

“Back pain” is a general term that can mean many different things. From nerve pain to strained back muscles, there are various reasons your back might hurt. Dealing with chronic back pain is mentally and physically exhausting, and you deserve relief.  The first step in properly managing your chronic back pain is to know what’s behind it. Use this guide to shed some light on the potential root cause of back pain, and available treatments for your comfort. 

Why Does Your Back Hurt? 

If you’ve experienced severe back pain before, your first question is probably, “Why?” It might feel like you’re willing to do anything to stop the pain. 

Unfortunately, there isn’t one universal cause for severe back pain. If you’re struggling with it, it’s time to examine what might be causing it. 

Some of the circumstances that can cause chronic back pain include: 

  • Neurodegenerative disease (like MS or ALS) 
  • Car accidents 
  • Sports injuries 
  • Musculoskeletal problems 
  • Spinal alignment issues 
  • Spinal cord infections and diseases 
  • Orthopedic (bone) problems 
  • Strained back muscles 
  • Poor posture 
  • Neuropathic pain 

These are just a few of the debilitating problems you may be dealing with. A qualified healthcare professional can guide you to the proper diagnosis. 

Muscular Back Pain

Your back is full of muscles that help you sit, stand, and move around. When one of these muscles’ experiences overuse, stress, or strain, you’ll feel it in major ways. 

Movement Injuries 

If you twist, sleep, or lift something in the wrong manner, you could end up with a strained back muscle. This will feel different than regular soreness after a back workout. 

Sports injuries can affect your back muscles. Especially in contact sports and other intense activities, your back faces many risks each time you play. The more conditioned and flexible you are, the less likely you are to get an overuse or muscle strain injury. 

Stress 

Psychological stress can also lead to muscular back pain. When you’re stressed, your body tenses up in ways you may not even notice. The muscles in your back may become stiff, strained, or generally uncomfortable as a result. 

Lack of Sleep 

You also tend to lose sleep when you’re undergoing lots of mental stress. Your body uses sleep as the primary time to repair your muscles and make them stronger. If you aren’t getting enough rest at night or you work the third shift, your back muscles are more prone to pain and injury. 

Neurological Back Problems 

Your nervous system sends messages to all parts of your body using electrical impulses. The central hub for all of the nerves that extend outward from your body is your spinal cord. Neurological diseases and spinal cord injuries can impair your back in surprising ways. 

Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathy develops when nerves throughout your body become damaged in some way. This is a common symptom of neurodegenerative diseases like MS. When your peripheral nerves are damaged, they can’t communicate with your brain properly, leading to strange sensations and pain. 

Neuropathic back pain may feel like numbness, tingling, burning, “pins and needles,” or sharp excruciating pains. If you suffer from a neurological health condition, there’s a solid chance your back pain is related. 

Car Accidents and Spine Injuries 

Automobile accidents exert a lot of force and impact on your body all at once. When you get into an accident, even if it’s minor, your back and neck muscles can experience whiplash. In extreme cases, car accidents can also cause spinal injuries. 

Spinal cord injuries are very serious. Your spinal cord protects your nerves and secures their pathway to your brain. Chronic back pain, numbness, and loss of limb function could indicate an underlying spinal injury. 

Herniated Discs and Pinched Nerves 

If one of the cartilage discs between your vertebrae becomes dislodged, it can press on the nerves surrounding it. A herniated disc can spell trouble for your mobility, limb functions, and comfort for years. 

Vertebral problems can also pinch the nerves in your back, which results in the same thing — long-lasting sharp back pain. Discomfort from a pinched nerve will likely feel sudden, sharp, and breathtaking. 

Lifestyle Factors and Back Pain

Certain aspects of your lifestyle may be causing your chronic back pain and soreness. These factors aren’t considered diseases themselves, but they can lead to chronic health problems that become long-term conditions. 

The following are risk factors for chronic back pain: 

  • Obesity 
  • Poor posture 
  • Sedentary lifestyle 
  • Overtraining 
  • Poor nutrition 
  • Labor-intensive jobs 
  • Improper lifting techniques 

Whenever possible, you should avoid these risks. Steps like wearing a posture corrector and lifting heavy objects with your leg muscles can help prevent chronic back problems. 

Solving Your Pain: Back Treatment Options

You don’t have to live in unbearable pain forever. You have options when it comes to severe back pain treatment. Every person has a different threshold for pain, and you may prefer less invasive, more natural treatments than someone else. 

Medication 

Pain medication will block your brain from receiving pain signals in your back. Medication is a valid option for people struggling to function due to chronic back problems. However, most medications don’t treat the root cause of your back pain. It’s a good idea to consider other treatments along with medication. 

Surgery

Back surgery is intense, invasive, and risky, but for some people, it’s the best and only option. Severe spinal cord injuries and disc herniations may require immediate surgery to correct the problem. After surgery, you’ll likely be instructed to perform back exercises to improve your mobility. 

Regenerative Medicine

Regenerative medicine, also known as stem cell therapy, for back pain may offer an innovative and cutting-edge option. By utilizing human-derived stem cells to repair and renew damaged tissues throughout your body, these “blank” cells can form into almost any type of specialized cell, making them a potential effective modality to help manage and heal chronic back pain. 

Evaluating Your Options 

It may take a few different interventions before you experience back pain relief. What’s important is that you don’t give up. With the proper treatment, you can experience mild to intense relief and continue on with your life. Medicine is always improving, and you have more options than ever before. 

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