Neck Pain

Regenerative Therapy For Neck Pain

Statistics indicate that, at any given time, approximately 10 percent of adults complain of neck stiffness. X-ray imaging of the cervical spines of adults over the age of 50 indicates that half of these people show signs of osteoarthritis. Furthermore, imaging shows that 30 to 40 percent of adults over the age of 50 exhibit signs of disc problems. Neck pain is one of the most pervasive problems among adults today. While it does not constitute a serious disease in most cases, a painful neck condition can impede one’s ability to perform daily activities comfortably.

Historically, neck pain has been treated with conservative modalities and, when damage was deemed severe, surgery. Today, we have a new option. More doctors are using regenerative therapy and platelet-rich plasma to help the body heal more efficiently.

How does Regenerative Therapy treat Neck Pain?

The use of regenerative therapy for neck pain is increasing worldwide as hundreds of clinical studies are underway. This form of regenerative therapy works by inserting the body’s repair cells into an area of damage, such as the area around a herniated disc. The value in regenerative therapy is that they have not yet determined what they will become. Therefore, when they are injected into an area of damaged cartilage, they are expected to mature into cartilage cells. When they are injected into damaged bone, they are expected to develop into bone cells. In this way, regenerative therapy may assist the body in regenerating appropriate cellular matter to repair tissue damage. Additionally, regenerative therapy has been found to release powerful anti-inflammatory proteins, which reduce inflammation and can decrease pain.

What Conditions can Regenerative Therapy treat in the Neck?

Regenerative therapy and platelet-rich plasma are two techniques that have been used to reduce inflammation and provoke healing in spinal discs and other spinal structures. Commonly treated cervical conditions include:

• Nerve pain
• Annular tear
• Bulging disc
• Pinched nerves
• Spinal stenosis
• Radiculopathy
• Chronic pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Bone spurs
• Facet joint syndrome
• Degenerative disc disease
• Torn or herniated disc

Am I A Candidate for Regenerative Therapy for Neck Pain?

Many adults are good candidates for regenerative therapy to reduce the symptoms of neck pain. Though very few studies have been performed on the use of regenerative therapy for cervical conditions, providers report achieving good results with patients suffering from ongoing neck pain. To determine if you are a good candidate for platelet-rich plasma or regenerative therapy, an experienced specialist will conduct a thorough examination and health history. Imaging is also critical to the formation of an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

How long is the Regenerative Therapy procedure for Neck Pain?

The duration of the procedure may vary based on the area of the neck being treated and the solution used to treat the spine or soft tissue around it. Appointments in which stem cells are obtained from the patient’s bone marrow may take longer than those that involve the use of platelet-rich plasma alone or umbilical cord-derived stem cells. Our specialist can provide more detailed information regarding your procedure after your consultation.

Are There Any Risks to Regenerative Therapy for Neck Pain?

The main concerns related to regenerative therapy have been the potential for rejection. This is related only to umbilical cord cells because they are not obtained from the patient’s own body. Risks associated with platelet-rich plasma and autologous stem cells taken from the patient’s bone marrow are far fewer. Another concern regarding regenerative therapy is that the activity in these cells changes as we get older, decreasing their effectiveness. However, cells that are less active than they were in our youth are still more effective than doing nothing to help an injury repair itself.

Are There Any Side Effects to Regenerative Therapy for Neck Pain?

Neck injections of platelet-rich plasma or stem cells generally result in mild side effects such as swelling and bruising. After treatment, an inflammatory response occurs. 

This can cause soreness or ache in the treated tissue. Anti-inflammatory medications must be avoided so the body can complete this phase of healing and move on to the phase of tissue regeneration. Ice packs can be applied to ease discomfort as needed for a few days.

Schedule Your A Consultation

Neck pain can become a chronic issue if an injury is not diagnosed and treated properly. Regenerative medicine solutions are providing new hope for patients who are tired of living with pain. To learn more, call 610-999-1690.