What most folks do not realize is that these injections have many more complications or side-effects than frequently discussed.  That said, the steroids do a good job of reducing or eliminating pain for many suffering patients, even considering the risks. The search for a better long lasting “super anti-inflammatory” substance has been ongoing for many years with little to nothing to show for it. Yes, we have gotten better at dosing and warning patients to have no more than three injections a year, but up until now, no drug or treatment could match what steroids could do. Yes, I said: “up until now”!

PL-Disc Procedure vs Steroid Epidural Procedure

Regenexx has conducted a small study comparing patients who received their PL-Disc procedure vs Steroid Epidural procedure and the results are surprising. The study was done comparing 147 patients who received the PL-Disc injections to 85 Steroid Epidural injections. The results were collected by an independent registry that followed these patients for up to 6 months. All patients completed a baseline questionnaire that asked about pain, activities such as sitting, standing, walking, activities of daily living etc., before undergoing their procedure and again at 3 months and 6 months. The results showed that the Steroid Epidural patients had a much poorer improvement compared to the Regenexx PL-Disc patients. You can see for yourself: -Click here for an infographic that shows outcome information for the Regenexx-PL-Disc procedure…

The procedure consists of taking some of your blood and processing it in our on-site laboratory. From this processing we produce a Platelet Lysate that was developed and pioneered by Regenexx that produces concentrated natural growth factors from your own immune system. The administration of the PL-Disc procedure is performed under Fluoroscopic guidance precisely delivering the natural growth factors to the damaged area’s of the spine. The results speak for themselves; at three months, the steroid patients reported an improvement from baseline of a little more than 2, while the Regenexx PL-Disc patients were greater than 9. Even more stunning was at 6 months, the Steroid group was less than one, while the Regenexx PL-Disc patients were greater than 7.  Regenexx will be initiating a larger study very shortly with data collected from their nationwide provider network.

This is a major breakthrough, as millions of folks get the Steroid Epidurals every year and suffer from the side-effects such as:

• Weakening of tendons and surrounding tissues due to the inhibition of natural healing
• Osteoporosis and brittle bone disease
• Elevation of blood sugar that can especially affect diabetics
• Reduced immune function that can suppress the body’s ability to fight infection, worsen the infection or mask the infection by suppressing the signs and symptoms of inflammation
• Associated with greater cartilage breakdowns in animal models and been shown to cause ligament failure and breakdown
• The preservative used in the steroid suspension contains benzalkonium chloride that is very toxic toward cartilage cells
• Reduces the body’s ability to produce new bone
• Oral steroid patients can develop avascular necrosis of the bone (bone death)
• Substantially reduces bone density in post menopausal females
• Causes the body to hold on to sodium and lose potassium resulting in fluid retention that can lead to edema, swelling, pooling of fluid in the legs and elevated blood pressure
• Can cause weight gain as a result of fluid retention and fat accumulation around the central abdomen

We are very optimistic that the Regenexx PL-Disc and other PL procedures will become a new standard of care for patients who are suffering from joint and spinal pain. It only makes sense that using your body’s own healing mechanism is a better alternative to injecting foreign chemicals. There are no side effects or risks other than normal risks associated with puncturing the skin. Imagine, you can now have treatment that not only works on relieving pain, but does it by healing and regenerating damaged tissues.

When orthopedic surgery failed, he benefited from Regenexx-SD (same-day) stem cell procedure

CC was initially evaluated by Dr. Hanson at the Colorado clinic, and was now being seen by Dr. Zinni at Health Link Medical Center in Oceanside, CA. After Dr. Zinni performed his own evaluation, the doctors conferred and agreed that CC would benefit from our same day stem cell procedure (Regenexx-SD). He went through the three injection process consisting of a pre injection to stabilize his joint, the stem cell transplant to repair the damage and a final post injection of platelets and growth factors to continue to stimulate repair. We are pleased with his report and want to let folks know that even with poor orthopedic surgery outcomes, there still may be hope. He recently sent this email reporting his outcome after 3 months:

“Everything is going well. Since my procedure in August…I had a tough first 6 weeks. I did the Egosque therapy along with Dr. Zinni’s outlined activity schedule. I still had a lot of pain, tightness, discomfort, lack of function and activity level during the first 6 weeks. Upon talking to Dr. Zinni and Dr. Hanson in Denver, they recommended that I start doing pool therapy. At the point of walking and doing exercises in the pool I have seen a dramatic difference. I actually stopped the Egoscue and only did the pool. I haven’t done Egoscue since. My activity level, pain, and overall function has improved. I haven’t had to take any pain medicine in 2 months or so…just Tylenol. I actually played golf back to back days for the first time in over a year this past weekend. It is usually stiff and sore after golf, but I feel like I am recovering faster. My mornings are MUCH better. I usually had to deal with a lot of pain and stiffness in the mornings…that is almost nonexistent. I used to lay in bed in the mornings and not want to get out of be because I didn’t want to deal with the pain. I have been able to get back to my morning workout routines…get to the office earlier…and even be more productive at work…which isn’t necessarily physical…but has certainly improved my day to day life.” 

Prolotherapy – An Excellent Solution for Resolving Joint Instability

Prolotherapy can be very helpful and important treatment for unstable joints. We frequently see this condition in knees, shoulders, ankles, wrist and the spine. Joint instability contributes to the rapid onset and continuing progression of joint degeneration that can result in serious pain and disability. Our protocols address joint instability as a necessary pre-treatment for most regenerative procedures. Learn more about our Prolotherapy Treatments here.

Normal Joint vs. Osteoarthritis

Jim is happy he chose stem cells over knee replacement for his arthritis

JB, a 59 year old man, came to our center with left knee pain and stiffness for the past year and is diagnosed with arthritis by his primary care physician and orthopedist. On a scale of 1 to 10, the pain can be anywhere from 0 to 9, worse with walking, stair climbing and in the lateral posterior of the left knee (outside and back).  He was advised by the orthopedist that he should have a knee replacement as he had reached that stage.  He had two cortisone injections that helped with the pain for a short time, but had to take ibuprofen daily to be able to function. Dr. Zinni carefully reviewed his MRI and history by phone and recommended a same day stem cell treatment (Regenexx-SD). JB decided to move forward and had his procedure in late August. Here is his follow up email:

Hello Everyone;

I am doing not only well but great! What a wonderful procedure. I no longer have swelling. I am exercising 3 to 4 times a day (with the brace on of course). My knee gets stronger every day. I went for a 3 mile walk (with brace) the other day, but it did create some pain and I needed to stop a few times, but the next day it was even stronger with no residual effects. I am starting to push my knee beyond the 90 degree, bending slowly each day. I only hope this is not a temporary situation and that wears off in a year. If it continues to improve, it is a miracle in my mind. It is amazing how the body can heal itself with the right help. Before I could only walk a half a block with considerable pain and swelling that took ice and medication to kill pain. No pain killers or swelling is occurring. I do not wear the brace any longer unless long walks or exercise. Will keep you posted and thank you for following up.

Best Regards,

JB 

Dr. MB, a 57 year old medical doctor from northern California had been researching regenerative procedures for his Left hip and flew down to our center this past August. His MRI showed that he had severe degeneration and arthritis with a very large subchondral cyst and several smaller one as well. The cartilage was nearly absent (bone on bone). He had been suffering for about 3 years with pain going from dull to very sharp. He was otherwise healthy and active, however he was no longer able to participate in his favorite sport racquetball and walk for any period of time without suffering.  Dr. Phillip Zinni examined him, performed a diagnostic ultrasound and recommended the Regenexx (same day) SD stem cell transplant procedure. He had a pre-injection of super concentrated platelets (SCP), followed in 2 days with the marrow aspiration, stem cell harvest and fluoroscopic guided transplant of his own stem cells into his degenerated joint.  Dr. Zinni then performed his post transplant injection of Regenexx-SCP two days after his same-day stem cell procedure at our southern California clinic. He then went a local Egoscue center to learn specific exercises to strengthen his muscles and improve his range of motion.

Now it is 90 days since his treatment and I thought I would pass on his recent email talking about his progress. Keep in mind that this is very early in the healing process that can take up to 18 months.

“I am doing well, occasional pain which I believe is mostly muscle spasms. I have been able to increase my activity, rarely taking any pain meds, and then it is usually for something else. We went to Monterrey this past weekend and I was able to walk several miles a day without difficulty. I am still doing Egoscue and I am standing up much straighter, and I believe my gait is back to normal. I have found a couple of things which cause pain, usually those things that require more rapid movement, dancing, jogging will stir up pain, but I think most of the pain is still muscle pain there, though it may be some hip pain. I have worked hard at improving range of motion, and it is much better, my left hamstring was very tight and I was not able to fully extend the left knee before, I can now. So, while I am not perfect, I am much improved, and very thankful for all the wonderful care, (and torture also). My wife is glad to see my progress, and I am hoping to continue to increase my activity gradually. I have talked about the procedure with several patients who are considering it.”

Dr. B

Stem Cells, PRP and Regenerative Medicine – How our California Clinics Began

Dr. Norman Deitch and Dr. Bryan Hawkins

Health Link Medical Center began performing regenerative procedures in August, 2010. I was the first patient and our specialist Dr. Bryan Hawkins performed the procedure. It was a Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injection that was given in my right hip under ultrasound guidance. My right hip and left knee are both severely degenerated as I have been a big guy, very athletic and turned 70 this past October. My right hip had been very painful to the point where I nearly underwent the recommended total hip replacement amputation.  Desperately seeking an alternative solution, I discovered PRP therapy from several orthopedic journals showing significant potential for cartilage repair. I searched for a doctor in San Diego to perform the procedure, but couldn’t find anyone who did this procedure with needle guidance. That is how we began our journey into this exciting new area of medicine.

Health Link today has two clinics, three specialists and the most modern biological laboratories and procedure facilities in California. We have been chosen and licensed to provide the Regenexx family of procedures in California. Regenexx (www.regenexx.com) is one of the world’s leading organizations specializing in Regenerative Interventional Orthopedics.  Regenexx was founded by two outstanding physicians in the Boulder, Colorado area who began to pioneer new regenerative techniques that were being developed and implemented in the veterinarian field. Dr. Chris Centeno, began working with a Veterinarian friend of his on some of these cutting edge breakthroughs not available to humans at that time. Beginning in 2005, Regenexx began to provide some of these treatments to human patients that began the establishment of one of the world’s most acknowledged, published and experienced regenerative orthopedic centers. In 2011, Regenexx has four areas of focus; clinical research, laboratory research, bioengineering and regenerative medicine. Each one of these specialty area’s are staffed with exceptionally qualified individuals all working together to “re-invent orthopedic surgery” for the 21^st century.

I hope you will find my blog interesting and useful. If you do, please pass it on to your friends and family.

Thank you,

Norman Deitch, D.C.

For information on the opening of this clinic, please contact us at 800-281-3757.

Do you struggle with sudden hot flashes? Is finding the energy to get through the day more of a challenge than it used to be? Do you find yourself forgetting things more often? You are not alone. Millions of Americans face these age-related symptoms, but you don’t have to. BioIdentical hormone replacement therapy can safely and easily restore the vim and vigor you had 20 years ago.
What is BioIdentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

BioIdentical hormone replacement therapy uses natural botanicals, tailored specifically to your body, to replace hormone levels that become depleted as we get older. This is a long term treatment that offers gradual results, unlike the roller coaster effects often experienced from San Diego bioidentical hormone therapy has many benefits for older patients hormone replacement injections and creams.

BioIdentical hormone replacement therapy is not just for women. Men, too, can benefit from bringing the testosterone and estrogen in their body to more youthful levels. Both sexes will feel a rejuvenation, with increased energy, more mental clarity and a more positive outlook on life.
Benefits of BioIdentical Hormone Therapy

The benefits of bioidentical hormone therapy are many. These include improved moods, stronger bones, increased sex drive, better weight control and improved mental clarity and energy levels. In addition, the effects of the SottoPelle hormone replacement therapy last longer than more commonly used synthetic pharmaceutical treatments.

Healthlink Medical Center serves patients throughout Oceanside and the greater San Diego area. In addition to hormone replacement therapy, we offer a variety of restorative treatments, such as regenerative cell therapy, and traditional chiropractics for pain management and the effects of aging.

Have you ever had bioidentical hormone therapy? Did it help you to manage the symptoms of aging? Would you recommend the treatment to others? Share your experience with our readers by leaving a message below.

Chiropractic Care for knee pain

We at the Healthlink Medical Center understand that you have many options for Pain Management in San Diego, so we have worked hard to continually educate our staff about new breakthroughs in the world of pain care. Chiropractic care is one excellent method for dealing with pain, especially the type of pain that occurs with arthritic knees. Our chiropractors can help patients to regain lost mobility, can help to reduce inflammation (which is a major cause of pain), and can help patients to develop an exercise program that will allow the knees and joints to grow stronger. While arthritis is not curable, it is most certainly manageable and proper care helps our patients to enjoy life even with arthritis conditions.

Patients who suffer from knee and back pain may also benefit from Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy, also called PRP therapy. This therapy is a series of injections that give the body adult stem cells, proteins, collagen, and a variety of growth factors. When these are introduced into the bloodstream, the body is much better able to repair its own tissues, and further injury or degeneration is far less likely. This type of therapy has had some tremendously impressive results with patients who suffer from arthritic knees, and it often gives results just as good — or better than — an invasive surgery would have given.

San Diego chiropractors treat knee pain non-invasively for patients in Carlsbad and Orange County.Another good choice for patients who have knee soreness and pain is peripheral joint injections. These joint injections combine a type of steroid called Sarapin and an anesthetic that minimizes patient discomfort. When pain occurs in the knee joints, the exact source of the pain can often be found via musculoskeletal ultrasound. Once the ultrasound shows the place the injection is needed, it is quickly done. Normally a series of between one and three injections is done over a period of around a year, and patients experience dramatically reduced pain levels as a result.

Patients who suffer from arthritis do not have to resort to medications or surgery to get pain relief. Our therapies are non-invasive, gentle, and have been proven through years of pain-free patients.

Questions about PRP or other types of knee pain relief?

Leave them here and we will be happy to answer!