Transplantation of intervertebral disc cells is a modern method of treating discopathy, the symptoms of which are, among others, back pain, difficulty straightening, pressure in the lumbar or cervical spine. Transplantation is effective because it not only neutralizes the symptoms of discopathy, but also treats its causes. Find out what is an intervertebral disc cell transplant.
Intervertebral disc cell transplantis an effective method of treating discopathy. back pain, difficulty straightening, pressure in the lumbar or cervical spine. The latest reports from the world of medicine say about the constantly increasing number of patients suffering from discopathy, i.e. the hernia of the nucleus pulposus. The reason is not only to maintain an incorrect body position throughout the day, but also genetics. As a result of bad habits and excessive stress, the intervertebral discs lose their elasticity, hydration and he althy cells, leading to cracks, which in consequence may cause the tissue to penetrate the spinal canal, i.e. the herniated disc.
If this happens in the lumbar region, the patient experiences not only back pain, but also leg pain, tingling, numbness, weakness, difficulty in moving. In some cases, urination disorders may occur. The limb muscles may also be atrophied, i.e. weakened or even atrophied. When the damage occurs in the cervical region, the patient also feels pain, except for the neck, arms and hands. Quite often there are migraine headaches, fine motor dysfunction, blurred vision or difficulty concentrating. Intervertebral disc degeneration can also occur in the thoracic region, and it is not uncommon for patients to confuse chest pain with heartache by going to a cardiologist.
According to an expertMunther Sabarini, MD, PhD from the Avicenna Clinic in BerlinA remedy for back pain
In the event of a pain attack, you may initially use painkillers and anti-inflammatories in conjunction with physical therapy. If ad hoc methods only help for a while - tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging of the spine, should be performed. Only then can a treatment plan be developed.
Intervertebral disc cell transplant fights the cause of discopathy
The Avicenna Clinic is one of the first clinics in the world to use intervertebral disc cell transplantation as a treatment for discopathy. Transplantation not only neutralizes its symptoms, but also heals the causes.
The indications for treatment with this method are the listed backaches, caused by the degeneration of the intervertebral disc with or without a hernia or protrusion. Contraindications include: pregnancy, age under 18 and infectious diseases such as HIV.
It consists in collecting he althy cells of the intervertebral disc under local anesthesia (and in some cases also under general anesthesia) and multiplying them in special laboratory conditions. The serum from the patient is used to cultivate the cells, so only natural material is used. 8-12 weeks later, the cells are transplanted back into the appropriate site of the damaged intervertebral disc. Thanks to the treatment, the disc regains its elasticity, hydration and does not change its original height, which also has a positive effect on the adjacent intervertebral discs.
Intervertebral disc cell transplant - after the procedure
After the surgery, rehabilitation with a physiotherapist who will select the appropriate exercises is necessary. The patient can start it as soon as two days after the surgery. For about a week, it is advisable to limit physical exertion and lead a sparing lifestyle. The financing of the procedure is agreed with the patient each time. It is recommended to submit an application for funding from the National He alth Fund or private insurance.
Worth knowingProcedure of applying for the procedure
You can register for a transplant in two ways: by making an appointment directly at the clinic where the procedure is performed or by sending the test results to an e-mail address (e.g. MRI images) or by post. On the basis of the collected documentation, the specialist doctor determines the further procedure.
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