Stem Cell Therapy: A Game-Changer for Adults With Arthritis

Over 54 million Americans struggle with some form of arthritis, and it’s a leading cause of disability across the nation. Adults with arthritis often suffer from chronic pain and decreased mobility in affected joints, which can lead to declining productivity.

Fortunately, there are treatments available that aim to decrease pain and get you back to living a more active life. Conventional treatments such as physical therapy, medication, and surgery have been used with success, but not everyone wants to go the surgical route. New treatments, involving the use of stem cells, offer patients simple treatment with great results -- and no surgery required.

Here at Premier Spine Institute, Dr. Ngu is ready to help you live a pain-free life with cutting-edge stem cell treatments for your arthritis.

What is stem cell therapy?

Our bodies have stem cells that are undifferentiated, which means they can turn into many other types of cells that are needed in various tissues in your body. When you have arthritis, you may need to regenerate cells such as cartilage, muscle, and ligaments.

Treatment with stem cells involves the extraction of tissue from your bone marrow. The contents are then spun in a machine called a centrifuge to separate out the stem cells, and then Dr. Ngu injects them into the painful, arthritic area. Treatment may take a couple rounds of injections, with periods of rest afterward to let the healing begin.

Stem cells and arthritis

Stem cells have been successfully tested in arthritis of the knee, and hold promise for pain relief in other affected joints. One study at the Mayo Clinic found that individuals who’d received stem cell injections in their affected knees had a successful outcome, and function was greatly improved. Since the procedure is noninvasive, healing time is reduced, and you’re returned to normal life very quickly.

Why try stem cells?

If you’re faced with needing surgery on an arthritic joint because you’ve tried everything else and are still in pain, stem cells are definitely worth a look. Stem cell injections may help you avoid painful surgery and get you back to a normal activity level without incisions or a lengthy recovery.

Think this treatment option is for you? Use our online appointment request feature or call us to schedule an appointment at one of our three locations. Dr. Ngu and his staff are happy to discuss the potential benefits you’d gain from stem cell therapy, and how it might save you a trip to the operating room.