A low back disc is made up of an inner part which is filled with a gel like substance (NP- nucleus pulposis) and an outer part which acts as a layered, tough fibrous container for the gel (AF- annulus fibrosis). The problem is that as we age, the gel dries out because the cells that make the gel start to die off. As this happens, the disc becomes a poor schock absorber. In addition, the whole structure can weaken and the gel can bulge out through the tough outer covering. The problems start when the bulge starts to press on a nerve causing sciatica. Surgery can weaken the disc by cutting out parts of the outer covering, which leaves less of the tough fibrous annulus to contain the dried out gel. Is there a better way? Yes, we’ve demonstrated that your own stem cells injected into this disc using a special procedure (Regenexx procedure) can in fact make the disc bulge smaller (by repairing the tears in the annulus). In addition, we’ve also seen evidence on MRI of the inner part of the disc regaining the ability to hold onto water and becoming a shock absorber again. The FDA has taken a funny position on your own stem cells. In the interim, you can use your own cells to fix your back!
Tags: bulge, cell, cells, disc, disc buldge, disc bulge, fda, fda regenexx, low back, lumbar, pinched nerve, regenerex, regenex, regenexx, sciatica, stem, stem cell, stem cells
