Here are some interesting studies (referenced at bottom of article) on stem cell for discs.
Mesenchymal stem cell tracking in the intervertebral disc
Mesenchymal stem cell tracking in the intervertebral disc
Had stem cell procedure done on 12/23/15. Was pretty easy. Minimal pain. Dr. said that he placed stem cells at L2-3, L4-5, and L5-S1. When he injected he felt resistance only in L5-S1 disc. Resistance is good because it means the material will be contained. Because the material is thick and sticky it may still help the other 2 sites. I am not too optimistic about the other 2 sites. The 2 sites likely have fissures in the discs.
I have a follow-up appt a week from Tuesday.
Where did you find a Dr to do this?
How long before you'll know if it's working/worked?
I had it done it didnt do anything a waste of several thousand dollars. The studies I reviewed aftewards said the disc enviroment is to harsh for the MSC stem cells to stimulate regenerative change that really make an impact. they do, but not enough to make impact.
**broken link removed**
This is a very interesting and informative post, thanks. After about 5 years of increasing back issues, the past year it traveled down my left leg(sciatica), I was told I had two hernated disks and scoliosis. I had two epidurals last year which gave me about 3 months of relief each. After doing a flooring DIY project I really pissed my back off and was in bed for 2 1/2 weeks with the worst pain I have ever experienced. Pain guy set up a facet injection, which did nothing. He sent me to a surgeon ASAP. I was told I also have severe spinal stenosis that he was surprised I wasn't there long before this. He set up a laminectomy with a double fusion (L3,4,5). I was scheduled Dec 21, I also read of the failure rate and the possibility of future herniations and surgeries, I postponed the surgery. Once I was able to sit and actually drive again (about 4 weeks) I started going to a spine rehab place which did decompression, accupuncture, chiro, laser therapy, massage and pt all in one session. It has helped, I do not have the pain, I went back to the gym (light workouts). I feel the decompression helped alot as well as the chiro adjustments. I have a torn quad tendon from years ago that was misdiagnosed at the time but besides buckling I was living with. Now since the sciatica in that leg weakened the leg, I have fallen 5 times in the last two weeks. I am not ruling out the fusion, I just want to first get other neurosurgeon opinions but mostly because walking is a huge part of pt with a back, I need to get my leg fixed first.
This is a very interesting and informative post, thanks. After about 5 years of increasing back issues, the past year it traveled down my left leg(sciatica), I was told I had two hernated disks and scoliosis. I had two epidurals last year which gave me about 3 months of relief each. After doing a flooring DIY project I really pissed my back off and was in bed for 2 1/2 weeks with the worst pain I have ever experienced. Pain guy set up a facet injection, which did nothing. He sent me to a surgeon ASAP. I was told I also have severe spinal stenosis that he was surprised I wasn't there long before this. He set up a laminectomy with a double fusion (L3,4,5). I was scheduled Dec 21, I also read of the failure rate and the possibility of future herniations and surgeries, I postponed the surgery. Once I was able to sit and actually drive again (about 4 weeks) I started going to a spine rehab place which did decompression, accupuncture, chiro, laser therapy, massage and pt all in one session. It has helped, I do not have the pain, I went back to the gym (light workouts). I feel the decompression helped alot as well as the chiro adjustments. I have a torn quad tendon from years ago that was misdiagnosed at the time but besides buckling I was living with. Now since the sciatica in that leg weakened the leg, I have fallen 5 times in the last two weeks. I am not ruling out the fusion, I just want to first get other neurosurgeon opinions but mostly because walking is a huge part of pt with a back, I need to get my leg fixed first.
They want to do a laminectomy (decompression surgery) but was told they need to do the fusion to stabilize the back from the scoliosis. My back looks like an upside down question mark now. So far the rehab place I mentioned has helped with the unbelievable pain I was in last month. I was so bad even high dose morphine pills didn't help. Like I said, I am still trying to find an orthopedist that is able to do the surgery on my years old quad tear. I need to be able to walk to rehab from any back surgery. 30 years of gear use and those 600+ lb squats and 400 lb bent over rows is now making me pay. I love bodybuilding but now I now feel real old and that invinceable feelings of my 20s is long gone. The past 10 years (I am 49) I have seen so many surgeries and health scares I can write a book.