Stem Cell Therapy
What is SCT (Stem Cell therapy)?
Stem cell therapy is a promising area for future research in pain medicine utilising mesenchymal stem cells which have the ability to transform (Pluripotency). Mesenchymal stem cell were initially harvested from bone marrow to treat blood disorders. These cells have now been identified as possible treatment options for patients with chronic pain. The uniqueness is te cells ability to transform and also is freely accessible in adipose tissue ( fat cells). This makes this therapy safe and minimally invasive.
Which patient are suitable for SCT?
Patients who have failed conservative management may consider this therapy. The results from clinical research is mixed with no strong recommendations. This is an area of ongoing research, SCT is usually considered when pain limits function significantly and other treatments have failed.
Some conditions which SCT have been studied are
- Spinal pain – discogenic pain
- Nerve pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Musculoskeletal pain
Is SCT Safe?
SCT is a minimally invasive therapy which is well tolerated by patients. There are no major drawbacks as its cells extracted from adipose tissue (Fat cells) or blood drawn from oneself. The complications, if they arise are from the injection approach to the site which will; be explained by your doctor.
