A herniated disc occurs when an issue with the cartilage that sits in between each vertebra in the spine is damaged. This cartilage can be injured or can shift from the natural potion. These discs are like protective sponges that are there to protect the bones by absorbing the impact of daily activities.
Sometimes, the soft inner part of the disc can protrude out, which is what a herniated disc is. This can cause extreme pain, discomfort, and numbness throughout the body.
Some causes of a herniated disc include:- Wear and tear on the spine
- Excessive weight
- Injury
How Can a Herniated Disc be Treated with Regenerative Medicine?
Regenerative medicine offers a natural alternative to these treatments, repairing the damaged cells within the herniated disc. Regenerative medicine uses treatments that repair and regrow damaged cells, organs, or tissues. Two treatment options of regenerative medicine are regenerative cellular treatment and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). These treatments are a natural, alternative solution to pain relievers and surgeries.
With the use of these treatments, the underlying cause of pain is addressed, and the need for pain relievers that only mask the pain is greatly reduced.
Regenerative cellular treatment utilizes mesenchymal cells taken from Wharton’s jelly. These cells are found in the umbilical cord tissue of cesarean section born babies. With the mother’s consent beforehand, the Wharton’s jelly is collected and is entirely painless and harmless to the mother and child.
These young, healthy cells can be effective in healing. Our bodies find it more difficult to heal itself as we grow older. This is because, as we age, our body's natural regenerative cell reserves are depleted. These strong, stable mesenchymal regenerative cells, which are extracted from Wharton's Jelly, have a high success rate at healing when introduced to the damaged area. This treatment process is less invasive than surgery and carries little to no side effects.
PRP (or Platelet-Rich Plasma) is another regenerative medicine treatment option where your own blood is used to aid in healing and pain relief. Your blood and platelets contain many growth factors and healing properties that are utilized in PRP, making it a natural and safe alternative to medications and surgery. This procedure is also non-invasive and can be done the same day as your doctor’s visit.
How PRP Injections are made:
- A sample of your blood is taken.
- The blood sample is spun down in a machine called a centrifuge. This separates the plasma and red blood cells.
- The platelets are collected and stored.
- These platelets are then made into injections and reintroduced to your body in the area in need of healing.
This treatment is successful in healing and cell repair due to platelets playing an essential role in the healing process. The highly concentrated mixture of platelets helps heal damaged cells or tissues at a rapid rate.
Due to the process of the procedure, it can also be used to treat other areas of the body that are experiencing pain.
For more information about the treatments our medical clinic offers for a herniated disc, call (732) 334-7536 to schedule a free consultation.