Spinal facet disease is one of the most common causes of neck pain and can cause pain at any level of the spine. The spinal facet joints are located on both sides of the back of each spinal segment. They connect each spinal level and are responsible for stabilizing the vertebral bodies and counterbalancing the intervertebral discs. The facets can be injured during acute trauma often seen in flexion extension injuries such as whiplash or sports accidents. The surfaces of the facet joints are covered by articular cartilage and are also prone to chronic degenerative arthritis much like the larger joints such as knees and hips.

Pain that is caused by facet dysfunction is typically isolated to the back of the lumbar spine, thoracic region and neck. The pain may radiate into the muscles but does not extend into the extremities. Typically, the pain is worsened with extension and or rotation of the neck. Diagnosis of facet pain begins with a physical exam and imaging studies, but often requires diagnostic injection with local anesthetic and or steroid to confirm the diagnosis.

Stem cell treatment of facet disease is a minimally-invasive, out-patient procedure where your own adult stem cells are harvested and injected into the damaged joints to potentially restore structure (disc height), hydration and function, and minimize pain. Dr. Theofilos is one of currently just a handful of pioneers practicing stem cell therapy for degenerative disc disease and facet joint pain in the United States.

We use adipose-derived stem cells, which are harvested from the patients abdominal fat reserves one of the richest sources of mesenchymal adult stem cells. We also harvest stem cells from bone marrow to provide additional regenerative cells. Although bone marrow has fewer stem cells per volume than fat, its unique growth factors and significant hematopoietic cells help to drive tissue regeneration. The procedure is a multi-step process that builds new soft tissue, cartilage, tendon and also halts the degenerative process and further protects the joints.

Voted as one of Americas Top Surgeons, Charles S. Theofilos, MD, Neurosurgeon and Founder of The Spine Center is a leading provider of the state-of-the-art, most comfortable and effective surgical, minimally invasive and non-surgical treatment options for a full range of cervical and spinal ailments, including stem cell therapy and artificial disc replacement. He was among a field of 20 top neuro and orthopedic surgeons in the U.S. chosen to participate in the groundbreaking Artificial Disc Study, which compared the clinical outcome of disc replacement versus traditional spinal fusion. A widely sought after educator and lecturer, Dr. Theofilos has offices in Palm Beach Gardens and Port St. Lucie. In an effort to maintain and honor the commitment to our patients, we will continue to accept Medicare and Medicare Advantage insurance plans for all new and follow up appointments.

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11621 Kew Gardens Ave., Suite 101; Palm Beach Gardens

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Stem cell therapy for disc and facet joint pain - Palm Beach Post