Has anyone used PRP or Stem Cell Therapy to fix cervical discs

Posted by jenapower @jenapower, Aug 25, 2017

I've explained on another thread that I have one Drs opinion that I should have my C4-7 fused because of degenerated discs. He then said he could do bi-level C4-5 & C5-6 disc replacement and only fuse C6-7. I'm waiting on my second opinion Dr to give me his thoughts. I've wanted to know if the PRP or Stem Cell Therapy could help with my issues and if anyone had this for cervical problems or knew anyone who had done this. It seems like they are using it for knees and hips, don't know about other parts. The one Dr that wants to do the surgery says it's not evolved enough for discs yet, years away. I'm going to ask my second opinion doc, but I'd love to hear if anyone's done it and their outcome first.
Thanks, Jennifer

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Thank you Cobweb, I'll check it out.
Jennifer

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I had Regenex at Mayo Rochester along with PCP for my knee. Total out of pocket i believe was $4500
Insurance did pay for a few of the tests

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Thank you for sharing your experience Lynette. Can you or someone else explain what Regenex is exactly? Is it a type of product used in place of stem cells, I thought they harvested our own stem cells from our bone marrow. I know how they get the PRP, but I don't understand what exactly Regenex is.

I certainly like the Mayo's pricing better than this place I've been talking to in California. I wonder if the cost of a knee would be drastically different from the cervical spine?
Thank you again, Jennifer

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@jenapower

Thank you for sharing your experience Lynette. Can you or someone else explain what Regenex is exactly? Is it a type of product used in place of stem cells, I thought they harvested our own stem cells from our bone marrow. I know how they get the PRP, but I don't understand what exactly Regenex is.

I certainly like the Mayo's pricing better than this place I've been talking to in California. I wonder if the cost of a knee would be drastically different from the cervical spine?
Thank you again, Jennifer

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Regenexx is the name of a privately held company doing research on stem cells. They also train Drs etc. look it up on the web. A good web site to learn about stem cells.

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For my knee they took stem cells from both hips. For the PRP they used my own blood

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This discussion illustrates how wildly the prices and approaches of stem cell and PRP treatments can vary. It is so important to do your homework and due diligence when researching new treatment options. Stem cells offer a lot of hope. But where these is hope, there is hype and charlatans. @predictable brought this FDA Warning to my attention:
- FDA acts to remove unproven, potentially harmful treatment used in ‘stem cell’ centers targeting vulnerable patients https://www.fda.gov/newsevents/newsroom/pressannouncements/ucm573427.htm

You can read more about stem cells on the FDA's website here: https://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/Transparency/Basics/ucm194655.htm

Another service I encourage you to take advantage of is Mayo Clinic's Regenerative Medicine free Consult Service. If you call them, you will talk to a live person who will provide more information, research, and advice on seeking stem cell therapy from reputable providers, even if that provider is not Mayo Clinic. Their primary goal is to educate and help you find effective treatment.

Furthermore, you can add your name to a database to be notified when additional studies and information become available. Here's more information about the stem cell Consult Service http://www.mayo.edu/research/centers-programs/center-regenerative-medicine/patient-care/clinical-services/regenerative-medicine-consult-service. Or simply call 1-844-276-2003 to speak with one of our experts.

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Justin, I just watched the webinar that two of your mayo regenerative medicine doctors gave considering osteoarthritis mostly hips and knees. It is extremely informative and I thank you for posting that. I intend on calling to find out if they are doing research on the cervical spine, or just treating the cervical spine. I have found places in Los Angeles that are doing it, some more expensive than others but I don't know whether they're reputable or not. I have no idea how to even find that out. Any suggestions on how to check out a doctor or clinic? Jennifer

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Justin where do we add our email for updates

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@lynettegable

Justin where do we add our email for updates

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@lynettegable, I also am trying to find this information as I would like to sign up for any trials regarding cartilage regeneration to avoid any further arthritis in my affected joints from my genetic disorder. I will investigate this function further. In the meantime, I recommend calling the provided number and asking them directly.

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I'd love to know the same thing Lynette asked. How do you find out signing up for test trials for any situation with stem cells.
Jennifer

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