The bones of the spine called vertebrae are separated by shock-absorbing discs that act as a cushion. These discs have a strong cartilaginous outer portion and a gel-like inner core. When these discs begin to break down from either age or injury, they can result in disc bulging or what is also known as disc herniation.The discs can also tear, decrease in height or dry out. These changes in the discs can cause pain and pressure on nearby nerves ( radiculopathy). They can also cause degeneration of nearby facet joints and narrowing of the canal (spinal stenosis).
Degenerative disc disease often occurs as part of the aging process. By age 40, it is estimated that 40 percent of the population will have some degree of degenerative disc disease and by age 80, that percentage doubles.[1]
Symptoms from degenerative disc include neck pain, back pain, muscle spasms or radiating pain to the arms or legs. Pain is typically worse with bending forward or prolonged sitting.
The current standard treatment for degenerative or herniated discs includes physical therapy, medications, injection therapy, and surgery. These aim to provide symptomatic relief of the pain but most do not improve the pathology or reverse the degenerative process.
Treatment with Bone marrow-derived cells has introduced a unique approach to alleviate pain and improve function by restoring and repairing tissue injury.
What is Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC)?
The body’s bone marrow possesses unique properties that help the body heal itself naturally. It contains important therapeutic cells, growth factors and proteins that stimulate the body’s natural ability to improve circulation, decrease inflammation and heal injured tissues.
It also contains adult stem cells called Mesenchymal stem cells. These stem cells have the special ability to renew themselves and differentiate into bone, tendon, cartilage and muscle cells. These make them an ideal therapy for treating orthopedic injuries such as tendon tears, worn cartilage, and degenerated disc disease.
Bone marrow-derived cells have been shown to stimulate disc cell proliferation, increase disc support tissue, increase disc hydration, decrease inflammation, and support tissue healing.
How Effective is BMAC?
A study published by International Orthopedics reported the results of 26 patients suffering from degenerative disc disease and were candidates for major surgery such as spinal fusion or total disc replacement who underwent BMAC therapy to their discs. Three years later, 73% of these patients showed improvement in pain, 70% showed improvement in function, and 75% avoided surgery.[2]
A systematic review of seven clinical trials with a total of 97 patients and up to 72 months follow-up concluded that treatment with Bone Marrow-derived cells intradiscally showed significant improvement in pain and function with low re-injection or complication rates.
BMAC therapy is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure that does not require hospitalization or lengthy rehabilitation. Patients are generally able to begin physical therapy and gradual resumption of their daily activities within a week.
For patients who suffer from chronic low back pain from degenerative disc disease and failed standard conservative therapy, BMAC therapy performed by an experienced regenerative medicine specialist can provide an innovative, non-surgical treatment solution. Schedule a consultation with our renowned regenerative medicine physicians to see if you are a candidate for these therapies before considering spinal surgery.
Drs. Christopher J. Rogers and Mary A. Ambach of San Diego Orthobiologics Medical Group together have successfully treated hundreds of patients with BMAC and other cell-based treatments for more than three decades. They have published authors and stem cell researchers. Their FDA-compliant facility in Carlsbad contains the most advanced Regenerative Medicine technology in San Diego and offers same-day treatments with the highest level of safety and efficacy.
Like many things in life, when it comes to body fat moderation is key. Your body needs fat tissue to help its vital systems including the cardiovascular, endocrine, reproductive and central nervous systems, function properly. But too much body fat is harmful and can lead to increased risk for chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and arthritis.
Now, regenerative medicine specialists are putting fat’s natural healing abilities to work to address common orthopedic conditions such as joint and tendon injuries.
What is Micro-fragmented Adipose Tissue?
Fat or adipose tissue is rich in healing cells like mesenchymal stem cells or MSCs, growth factors and other proteins that can assist in healing tissues. Innovative procedures, like Lipogems® uses the body’s own fat with a patented system that processes and resizes the adipose tissue. A small amount of fat is collected from the buttocks, abdomen or “love handles.” There is minimal manipulation of the tissue with no enzymatic digestion or addition of other biological or pharmacological agents.
The processed tissue is called Micro-fragmented Adipose Tissue (MFAT) and it is injected into injured areas using imaging guidance to help provide cushion and support the healing of damaged tissues. The entire procedure is performed in a doctor’s clinic without the need for sedation.
What Are the Outcomes for Lipogems®?
There are more than 70 research studies published in the peer-reviewed medical literature using this treatment with up to 3 years of follow-up. More than 90 percent of San Diego Orthobiologics Medical Group patients who underwent Lipogems® experienced significant relief with the treatment and were able to resume normal, pain-free physical activity. More than 35,000 procedures are performed worldwide with a low rate of minor complications and no major complications reported. There is no risk of rejection and low risk of infection since you are using your own tissue. Individual outcomes vary based on the extent of the injury or damage as well as the patient’s overall health and fitness levels.
Fat-derived cell based therapies is a great non-surgical treatment option for patients with orthopedic injuries or conditions who failed standard therapies. Learn more about these therapies here and here. Schedule a consultation with our innovative Regenerative Medicine doctors to determine if you are a good candidate for these treatments.
Drs. Christopher J. Rogers and Mary A. Ambach of San Diego Orthobiologics Medical Group together have successfully treated thousands of patients with Lipogems® and other cell-based treatments for more than three decades. They are published authors and stem cell researchers. Their facility in Carlsbad contains the most advanced Regenerative Medicine technology in San Diego and offers same-day treatments with the highest level of safety and efficacy.
Common Shoulder Problems and Non-Surgical Options to Treat Them
Do you have bursitis, rotator cuff tear, or joint arthritis in your shoulder? What treatment options do you have that do not involve surgery? Join us and learn from our SDOMG physicians who are experts in diagnosing and treating orthopedic conditions. They will share innovative treatments in the field of Regenerative Medicine and discuss Cell-Based Therapies like PRP, Bone Marrow, and Fat Derived Stem Cell treatments for shoulder problems.
· Date and Time : May 12, 2021. 12 pm PT
· Speaker(s): Dr. Chris Rogers and Dr. Mary A. Ambach
Dr. Christopher Rogers is one of the world’s leading experts in orthopedic regenerative medicine and a renowned speaker at national medical conferences. He has developed new approaches for the treatment of tendon injuries, osteoarthritis and disc degeneration which provide a safe and viable alternative to surgery.
Dr. Mary Ambach specializes in non-surgical orthopedics, regenerative therapies, and interventional pain management. As a key thought leader in the field of Regenerative Medicine, Dr. Ambach conducts research, trains physicians, and lectures at international medical conferences.
Live Question and Answer session with Regenerative Experts
Topic: Labrum Tear
Date and Time: May 5, 2021. 12:30 PT
Watch the recording of this session below in which SDOMG physician experts answered questions on this common joint problem: labrum tear and degeneration.
How do you decide when to proceed with surgery vs. biologics for knee pain due to osteoarthritis, ligament, or meniscus injuries? When should you consider Cell-Based Therapies like PRP, Bone marrow, or Fat Derived Stem Cell treatments for Knee Joint Problems? Join us and learn from experts in the field of Regenerative Medicine!
We are excited to have an International Guest Speaker, Dr. William Murrell, join us for this webinar. He is an Orthopedic Surgeon who is active in developing innovative technology in the field of Regenerative Medicine. He will provide a valuable perspective as a surgeon using these Cell therapies in treating knee pain.
Date and Time : April 21, 2021. 12 pm PT
Speaker(s): Dr. Chris Rogers and Dr. Mary A. Ambach featuring our Guest Speaker: Dr. William Murrell
Dr. Christopher Rogers is one of the world’s leading experts in orthopedic regenerative medicine and a renowned speaker at national medical conferences. He has developed new approaches for the treatment of tendon injuries, osteoarthritis, and disc degeneration which provide a safe and viable alternative to surgery. Dr. Mary Ambach specializes in non-surgical orthopedics, regenerative therapies, and interventional pain management. As a key thought leader in the field of Regenerative Medicine, Dr. Ambach conducts research, trains physicians, and lectures at international medical conferences.
Dr. William Murrell is a Board Certified Orthopaedic surgeon with a sub-specialty in orthopaedic sports medicine and regenerative medicine. He is well recognized in the field of regenerative medicine and is active in clinical research collaborating with experts around the world.
Dr. Christopher Rogers was honored to speak at the April 2021 La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club meeting. Topics of the lecture included a history of stem cell therapy in San Diego and an update on FDA-approved clinical trials for knee osteoarthritis. To see a copy of the lecture, visit the San Diego Orthobiologics Medical Group YouTube channel or view the video linked below!
