We are increasingly turning to technology to help us with everyday stressors such as back pain. A new study shows that stem cell therapy for back pain could be the next big thing in treating chronic pain. Read on for more information about stem cell therapy for back pain and its potential benefits.
What is Stem Cell Therapy?
A stem cell is a unique form of cell found in the body that may develop into many different other cell types. Studies point to stem cells introduced into the body having the ability to develop cells capable of healing injured areas. We call this treatment “regenerative.”
Adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are the two main forms of stem cells applied in regenerative treatments right now. The body’s own tissues—bone marrow, blood, skin, and muscle—as well as other organs include adult stem cells.
Conversely, ESCs—derived from human embryos—have the power to develop into any other kind of tissue in the human body.
Why Is Stem Cell Therapy for Back Pain Being Considered?
Chronic back pain is a serious issue that affects a large number of individuals. It is estimated that nearly 80% of individuals with chronic back pain do not seek treatment. The majority of individuals who do seek treatment do so in an attempt to alleviate their pain, rather than to find a cure. Despite the challenges associated with treating chronic back pain, stem cell therapy is an emerging treatment option.
Most clinical trials currently investigating stem cell therapies are examining their use for the treatment of arthritis and other immune-mediated disorders. There is currently very little clinical evidence to support the use of stem cells for the treatment of chronic back pain. Stem cells have recently been popular for treating inflammatory disorders including persistent back pain, although there is little clinical data to support their use.
How Much is Stem Cell Therapy?
We may list the following main elements that help to define the overall cost of stem cell therapy treatment:
| Cost Component | Approximate Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Initial Consultation | $100 – $500 |
| Diagnostic Tests | $200 – $2,000 |
| Stem Cell Collection | $1,500 – $5,000 |
| Treatment Procedure | $3,000 – $50,000 |
| Post-Treatment Follow-Up | $100 – $500 |
The table above shows that the first consultation by itself can set patients back anywhere from $100 to $500, a necessary step where patients discuss their medical history, expectations, and possible treatment paths with a qualified specialist, so ensuring that they are completely informed before proceeding. Patients usually go through a battery of diagnostic tests following the consultation, which could cost between $200 and $2,000 depending on the type of tests needed to assess their fit for stem cell treatment and to customize the treatment to their particular need.
The type of stem cells used, the complexity of the operation, and the reputation and experience of the clinic performing the treatment indicate that patients should do extensive research before choosing a facility; hence, the actual treatment procedure is where the costs start to rise noticeably, with prices ranging from $3,000 to an amazing $50,000, a wide discrepancy. Apart from these expenses, post-treatment follow-up visits are also crucial since they enable doctors to track patient development and control any possible consequences, usually ranging in cost from $100 to $500.
Stem Cells and Back Pain
People who suffer from chronic back pain frequently encounter a variety of psychological and physical obstacles from the pain. These obstacles may encompass an elevated susceptibility to anxiety and depression, as well as diminished physical activity and sleep disturbance. These aspects of an individual’s existence may also be positively impacted by stem cell therapies for back pain.
According to several recent research, stem cell treatment can help people with ongoing back pain have better sleep and suffer less worry and disturbance of their sleep. Published in the journal Neuroimmunomodulation, one study examined how an exosome-based therapy affected neuroimmunological abnormalities and sleep quality in those suffering with persistent low back pain. The study involved thirty-one participants, nineteen of whom had suffered from ongoing low back pain for at least seven years.
Over twelve weeks, the subjects underwent daily exosome-based therapy. After 12 weeks of treatment, individuals reported noticeably better sleep quality and less neuroimmunological abnormalities—including lower levels of inflammation and more hippocampal neurogenesis—according to the researchers.
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