It’s important to know that you’re not alone when it comes to chronic pain. In fact, according to a report in 2018 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some estimates about the number of adults nationwide who suffer from chronic pain range from 11-40%. Additionally, the report states that around 8% of adults in the U.S. suffer from a more specific classification called high-impact chronic pain, or pain that means you can’t maintain your daily activities.
Unfortunately, modern medicine still has a long way to go when it comes to managing chronic pain in ways that don’t involve a regimen of pills and high cost. Stem cell therapies and regenerative medicine have shown promise where traditional treatment methods don’t, so let’s look at some of the most common forms of chronic pain and how stem cells can help.
Osteoarthritis
One study estimates that about 27 million adults in the U.S. suffer from osteoarthritis, sometimes called degenerative arthritis. Unlike some other types of arthritis, osteoarthritis can come with constant pain that doesn’t resolve even when staying still. This makes it one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. The pain often stems from degeneration of the joint’s soft tissues which normally allow the bones to glide and move. When these tissues degenerate, the bones move against each other. Without treatment, osteoarthritis can become worse.
Stem Cell therapy has shown effectiveness in regenerating the important tissues of the joints, treating the underlying causes rather than focusing solely on pain management. For the 27 million adults in the U.S. who experience difficulty going about daily activities because of degenerative joint pain, stem cells can have huge potential.
Chronic Back Pain
Lower back pain is experienced by almost 80% of adults at some point in their lives. In fact, it’s one of the leading causes of missed work days and job-related disability. For some people, it can be sharp and suddenly debilitating, while for others it can be dull and constantly throbbing. Chronic back pain is often defined as lasting for 12 weeks or longer, even after the initial injury or cause subsides. There are a range of causes, from sprains and strains to spinal disc concerns to pinched nerves. Unfortunately, all of these factors can drastically limit your activity level and don’t have many options outside of pain medications.
Whether the result of nerve damage, tissue degeneration, or inflammation, stem cells are an effective option to regenerate tissues and relieve pain. This means you can get back to the things you love with long-term results.
Fibromyalgia
It’s estimated that about 5 million people in the U.S. suffer from fibromyalgia and is classified as one of the most common chronic pain conditions. This condition is complex and not well understood, but it manifests as chronic pain and other debilitating symptoms that can require a life-long battle. Because it’s thought to be caused by misunderstandings by the brain and nerves during everyday sensations like touch or pressure, there are few options for treatment outside of managing pain.
Stem cells have shown promise when it comes to decreasing chronic pain by reducing inflammation and regenerating important tissues like nerves. It is also important to understand that there is an underlying cause of Fibromyalgia that many standard physicians don’t search for. For patients with fibromyalgia who experience regular pain and associated symptoms, relief with stem cells can be life-changing.
Schedule an Appointment
Chronic pain can come with a high cost to your budget, your lifestyle, and your health. It’s time to look at your options— to learn more about breaking free of chronic pain with the latest in regenerative medicine, contact our Kirkland office by calling or filling out our online form.
