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Old 11-30-2010, 09:22 PM
annapurna annapurna is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OnTheFence View Post
Stem cell sounds promising but I was just wondering how it would help with back pain when the issue is the facet joints?
Stem cells are currently being used to help strength the disk annulus and a stem cell-like procedure is being used to encourage rehydration of disks affected by DDD. I haven't heard of anyone currently using stem cells for facet joint problems but Regenexx might be. Delivery to the facet joints would require a seriously skilled needle jockey and it would probably only help with early stage facet arthritis or facet capsular irritation. Middle stage arthritis would probably be questionable and end-stage is probably too far gone for stem cells to address. Theoretically stem cell treatments would be very good for facet joint problems if you can get them in early enough before the damage accumulates as we've got something like 25+ years of experience out there for stem cell treatments of simple joints.
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Laura - L5S1 Charitee
C5/6 and 6/7 Prodisc C
Facet problems L4-S1
General joint hypermobility

Jim - C4/5, C5/6, L4/5 disk bulges and facet damage, L4/5 disk tears, currently using regenerative medicine to address

"There are many Annapurnas in the lives of men" Maurice Herzog
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