With the opioid epidemic in the U.S. showing no signs of slowing, we must start to explore more non-opioid pain management options. It’s no secret that in the U.S., people are always searching for the next best pain relief treatment. It’s also no secret that we are in the midst of a growing opioid epidemic even though Americans aren’t reporting more pain than in decades past. Patients in pain are often prescribed opioids such as morphine, fentanyl, and oxycodone, to name a few. Non-opioid pain management alternatives to these addictive narcotics exist, offering more promising outcomes. Thanks to our body’s natural ability to heal itself, coupled with the science behind regenerative medicine, there may be a way out of the opioid crisis.
For patients interested in non-opioid pain management options, alternatives to prescription pain pills as well as over-the-counter pain relief options are available. Many people who turn to opioids to relieve chronic pain feel they have no other choice. Sadly, the risk of becoming dependent on these medications is exceptionally high. In addition to the risk of addiction, opioids have unpleasant side effects. Similar to over-the-counter pain medications, opioids only temporarily relieve pain, and do not heal the source of the pain. Regenerative medicine isn’t highly-addictive and doesn’t just treat the symptoms, but also helps the body heal.
Regenerative medicine using Mesenchymal stem cells from Wharton’s Jelly and Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are two promising non-opioid pain management options.
Regenerative medicine is successful in treating a variety of conditions or ailments, including:
- Lower back pain
- Knee pain
- Joint pain
- Shoulder pain
- Hip pain
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- And more
Regenerative medicine gives patients an all-natural option for pain relief that has no risk of addiction, like opioids. Regenerative medicine helps the body heal on its own, which pain killers can’t do.
Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine For Pain
Using stem cells for pain relief is a safe and far more effective treatment option than prescription pain medications. Umbilical Cord Wharton's Jelly–Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells provided incredible regenerative properties when injected into damaged tissue. Using younger stem cells versus harvesting the patient’s own stem cells provides more rapid healing. The stem cells are collected directly from the umbilical cord after a scheduled cesarean section (with the mother’s consent), and the process poses no risk to mother or baby.
Another type of regenerative medicine, Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) is remarkable because it uses a patient’s platelets to help heal injured tissue, joints, muscles, ligaments, and more. Platelet-rich Plasma therapy is a non-invasive treatment option that will help the patient feel better faster without the dangerous side effects of using opioids.
The bonus of regenerative medicine as a non-opioid pain management option is the lasting effects. Because the stem cells and Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) assist your body in healing itself, the impact is long-lasting. Regenerative medicine allows patients to postpone the need for invasive procedures, or avoid them altogether.
