Key Takeaways
- Uses your own cells, not donor products. BMAC (bone marrow aspirate concentrate) harvests stem cells from your own bone marrow—no third-party biological materials.
- Minimally invasive, outpatient approach. Unlike spinal fusion or disc replacement, bone marrow stem cell therapy requires no incisions, no hospital stay, and minimal downtime.
- Best suited for earlier-stage disc conditions. Ideal candidates typically have mild to moderate disc degeneration who haven’t found adequate relief from conservative treatments. Severe instability or advanced stenosis may require surgical intervention.
- Gradual response over months. The body’s response develops over weeks to months—this is supporting natural processes, not instant relief.
- Not a replacement for surgery when surgery is indicated. For severe spinal instability or advanced stenosis requiring mechanical stabilization, surgical intervention remains appropriate.
Exploring Non-Surgical Options for Chronic Back Pain
Chronic back pain affects millions of people, and many face a difficult choice: continue living with pain or undergo invasive spinal surgery. Bone marrow stem cell therapy offers a different path—a minimally invasive approach that works with your body’s own regenerative potential rather than removing or fusing spinal structures.
This treatment uses cells harvested from your own bone marrow to support your body’s natural processes in the affected disc or spinal area. While not appropriate for everyone, bone marrow stem cell therapy may be worth exploring for patients with disc-related back pain who haven’t found adequate relief from conservative treatments but want to avoid or delay surgery.
This guide explains how bone marrow stem cell therapy works for back pain, who may benefit most, and what to expect from treatment.
What Is Bone Marrow Stem Cell Therapy for Back Pain?
Bone marrow stem cell therapy—specifically BMAC (bone marrow aspirate concentrate)—is a regenerative approach that uses your body’s own cells to address back pain, particularly when disc degeneration is a contributing factor.
Understanding BMAC for the Spine
At Integrated Spine, Pain, and Wellness, we exclusively use autologous bone marrow stem cells—cells harvested directly from your own body. This is an important distinction from clinics offering third-party products from umbilical cord tissue, amniotic fluid, or other donor sources.
When we harvest bone marrow from your hip bone (iliac crest), we obtain a sample containing:
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs): Multipotent cells found naturally in your bone marrow
- Growth factors: Proteins involved in cellular signaling
- Cytokines: Molecules that play roles in cellular communication
- Other regenerative components: Various cells and proteins that support your body’s natural processes
This sample is processed and concentrated in our office, then precisely delivered to the target area using advanced image guidance.
How BMAC May Support the Spine
Once delivered to the affected disc or spinal area, the concentrated bone marrow cells interact with the local environment through several potential mechanisms:
- Cellular signaling: Growth factors and cytokines communicate with surrounding tissues
- Supporting the local environment: The concentrated cells may help create conditions favorable for your body’s natural processes
- Addressing inflammation: Components in the concentrate may help modulate inflammatory responses
- Gradual response: Unlike medications that work immediately, the body’s response to BMAC develops over weeks to months
The Important Distinction: Your Cells vs. Third-Party Products
When researching stem cell therapy for back pain, you’ll encounter clinics advertising various “stem cell” products. Understanding the differences is essential for making an informed decision.
What We Offer: Autologous Bone Marrow Stem Cells (BMAC)
- Harvested from your own bone marrow
- Processed fresh in our office on your treatment day
- Contains your own living mesenchymal stem cells
- No risk of rejection or immune response
- FDA-compliant when used appropriately
What We Don’t Use:
Many clinics offer products derived from:
- Umbilical cord tissue
- Amniotic fluid
- Adipose (fat) tissue
- Other donor sources
These products raise important questions about cell viability after processing and storage, quality control, and regulatory status. At Integrated Spine, Pain, and Wellness, Dr. Goyle has chosen to exclusively use autologous BMAC because you know exactly what you’re receiving—your own cells, processed fresh, and delivered the same day.
What Back Conditions May Be Addressed?
Bone marrow stem cell therapy for the spine is primarily focused on disc-related conditions where the disc itself is contributing to pain.
Conditions That May Be Appropriate:
- Degenerative disc disease (mild to moderate stages)
- Disc-related chronic low back pain
- Discogenic pain that hasn’t responded to conservative treatment
Conditions That May Not Be Appropriate:
- Severe, end-stage disc degeneration
- Significant spinal instability requiring mechanical stabilization
- Advanced spinal stenosis with cord compression
- Dominant leg pain (radiculopathy) rather than back pain
- Conditions requiring structural surgical correction
The Importance of Proper Evaluation
Not all back pain is the same, and not all back pain is appropriate for stem cell therapy. During your consultation, Dr. Goyle will carefully evaluate your condition—including review of MRI and other imaging—to determine whether the disc is likely the primary pain source and whether bone marrow stem cell therapy may be appropriate for your specific situation.
If your condition requires mechanical stabilization, decompression, or other structural intervention, we’ll be honest about that. Stem cell therapy isn’t a replacement for surgery when surgery is truly indicated.
Who May Be a Good Candidate?
Patient selection significantly influences outcomes. Bone marrow stem cell therapy for back pain tends to work best for certain patient profiles.
Characteristics of Potential Candidates:
- Chronic low back pain primarily originating from the disc (discogenic pain)
- Mild to moderate disc degeneration on imaging
- Have tried conservative treatments (physical therapy, medications, possibly epidural injections) for at least 6-12 weeks without adequate relief
- Good overall health
- Non-smokers or willing to stop smoking
- Back pain is the primary complaint (not leg pain)
- Realistic expectations about the gradual nature of response
Who May Not Be Ideal Candidates:
- Severe, end-stage disc degeneration or collapse
- Significant spinal instability
- Advanced spinal stenosis
- Dominant leg pain (sciatica) that overshadows back pain
- Active infection
- Those expecting immediate or guaranteed results
Why Patient Selection Matters
The success of any regenerative approach depends heavily on selecting appropriate candidates. Treating patients with conditions that aren’t suitable for this approach leads to disappointing results. That’s why we emphasize thorough evaluation and honest conversations about candidacy during your consultation.
How Does the Treatment Work?
Understanding the process helps you prepare and set appropriate expectations.
Initial Consultation and Evaluation
Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Goyle—a double board-certified physician with fellowship training from the Cleveland Clinic. During this visit:
- We review your complete medical history and current symptoms
- Dr. Goyle performs a physical examination
- We review diagnostic imaging (MRI, X-rays) to assess disc condition and identify the likely pain source
- We discuss your goals, expectations, and previous treatments
- We determine whether BMAC therapy may be appropriate
- We rule out conditions that would make you a poor candidate
This thorough evaluation ensures proper patient selection and establishes realistic expectations.
The BMAC Procedure for Back Pain
If you proceed with treatment, here’s what happens:
- Bone marrow aspiration: Using local anesthesia for comfort, Dr. Goyle extracts a small sample of bone marrow from your posterior iliac crest (back of your hip bone). Most patients tolerate this well.
- Processing: The bone marrow sample is processed in our office using specialized equipment to concentrate the mesenchymal stem cells and growth factors.
- Precise delivery: Using fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray) or CT guidance, Dr. Goyle delivers the concentrated BMAC directly to the target disc or area. This image-guided approach ensures accurate placement.
The entire procedure is performed as an outpatient—no hospital stay, no general anesthesia, no incisions. Most patients return home the same day.
Recovery and Timeline
- First few days: Some discomfort at the aspiration and injection sites is normal. Avoid anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) as directed, as these may interfere with the process.
- First 1-2 weeks: You may experience temporary increase in back discomfort before improvement begins. This is not unusual as the body responds to the injection.
- Weeks 4-8: Many patients begin noticing gradual changes during this period.
- Months 3-6: The body’s response continues to develop. This is when many patients report the most noticeable changes.
- Months 6-12 and beyond: Continued gradual response for some patients.
Individual timelines vary significantly. Some patients notice changes within weeks, while others may take several months. During your consultation, Dr. Goyle will discuss realistic expectations based on your specific condition.
How Does This Compare to Other Back Pain Treatments?
Understanding how bone marrow stem cell therapy fits among your options helps you make an informed decision.
Compared to Conservative Treatments (Physical Therapy, Medications):
Conservative treatments are typically the first line of approach and should be tried before considering regenerative options. Bone marrow stem cell therapy is generally considered after conservative treatments haven’t provided adequate relief—usually after at least 6-12 weeks of appropriate conservative care.
Compared to Epidural Steroid Injections:
Epidural injections deliver corticosteroids to reduce inflammation around nerves and provide temporary relief. They work well for many patients but typically need to be repeated and don’t address underlying disc changes. Bone marrow stem cell therapy takes a different approach—delivering your own regenerative cells to the disc itself.
At Integrated Spine, Pain, and Wellness, we offer both approaches and can help determine which is more appropriate for your situation.
Compared to Spinal Surgery (Fusion, Disc Replacement):
Spinal surgery is highly effective for appropriate conditions but involves significant recovery time, potential complications, and permanent structural changes. For patients with mild to moderate disc conditions, bone marrow stem cell therapy offers a minimally invasive option to explore before considering surgery.
However, stem cell therapy isn’t a substitute for surgery when surgery is truly indicated—particularly for severe instability, advanced stenosis with cord compression, or structural problems requiring mechanical correction.
Our Complete Approach to Back Pain
Bone marrow stem cell therapy is one component of our comprehensive approach to spine and back pain. Depending on your condition, Dr. Goyle may recommend BMAC alone or in combination with other treatments:
Interventional Procedures:
- Epidural steroid injections
- Facet joint injections
- Medial branch blocks
- Trigger point injections
Regenerative Medicine:
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy—often used in conjunction with BMAC
- Exosome therapy
- Autologous Conditioned Serum (Regenokine®)
About Regenokine®: Dr. Goyle is one of only nine physicians in the United States—and the only doctor in Arizona—offering the Regenokine® Program. This innovative treatment processes your own blood to create a serum concentrated with anti-inflammatory proteins that target inflammation at its source.
Regenokine® is the treatment professional athletes like the late Kobe Bryant used to return to competition with minimal downtime. It works through a different mechanism than stem cell therapy and may be appropriate for different conditions or used in combination.
Advanced Technology:
- MLS M8 Class IV Laser therapy—our therapeutic laser delivers light energy to support the body’s natural processes and address inflammation. This non-invasive treatment can complement regenerative injections.
Potential Risks and Considerations
Like any medical procedure, bone marrow stem cell therapy for back pain carries potential risks. Being fully informed helps you make the best decision.
Common, Typically Mild Effects:
- Soreness at the bone marrow aspiration site (hip) for several days
- Discomfort at the injection site
- Temporary increase in back pain before improvement (not unusual)
- Minor bruising
These effects typically resolve within days to a couple of weeks.
Less Common Considerations:
- Infection (rare with proper sterile technique)
- Results that don’t meet expectations
- Delayed pursuit of other treatments if stem cell therapy isn’t effective
Important Points:
- Autologous procedures using your own cells carry minimal rejection risk
- Avoiding NSAIDs as directed is important for optimal results
- Following post-procedure activity guidelines supports the process
- Not all patients respond to treatment—results vary
Dr. Goyle will discuss all potential risks specific to your situation during your consultation.
Why Choose Integrated Spine, Pain, and Wellness
Elite Credentials: Dr. Ashu Goyle is double board-certified in anesthesiology and interventional pain management, with fellowship training from the Cleveland Clinic—one of the nation’s premier medical institutions. This training provides expertise in both spine procedures and regenerative medicine.
Autologous Only: We exclusively use your own biological materials for stem cell therapy. No third-party donor products, no cells of uncertain origin or viability. You know exactly what you’re receiving.
Image-Guided Precision: Every spinal injection is performed using fluoroscopy or CT guidance, ensuring accurate delivery to the target area.
Comprehensive Spine Expertise: Dr. Goyle offers the full spectrum of interventional spine procedures. If stem cell therapy isn’t right for your condition, he can recommend appropriate alternatives—whether that’s epidural injections, other interventional procedures, or referral for surgical consultation.
Exclusive Access: As one of only nine Regenokine® providers nationwide—and the only provider in Arizona—Dr. Goyle offers treatment options unavailable elsewhere in the state.
Honest Evaluation: We don’t treat everyone who asks. Dr. Goyle provides thorough evaluations and honest guidance about whether bone marrow stem cell therapy is appropriate for your specific back condition. We believe in setting realistic expectations rather than overpromising.
Recognition: Dr. Goyle has been recognized as a Phoenix Magazine “Top Doc” from 2011-2020, reflecting his commitment to excellent patient care.
Is Bone Marrow Stem Cell Therapy Right for Your Back Pain?
The right decision depends on your individual situation. Bone marrow stem cell therapy for back pain may be worth exploring if:
- You have chronic back pain that appears to be disc-related
- You have mild to moderate disc degeneration on imaging
- Conservative treatments (physical therapy, medications, possibly injections) haven’t provided adequate relief after at least 6-12 weeks
- Your back pain is the primary complaint (not leg pain)
- You want to explore minimally invasive options before considering surgery
- You prefer an approach using your own biological materials
- You have realistic expectations about the gradual nature of the response
- You’re in reasonably good overall health
The best way to determine whether BMAC therapy is appropriate for your back is a consultation with Dr. Goyle. During this visit, we’ll evaluate your condition, review your imaging, discuss your goals, and provide honest guidance about your options.
Take the Next Step
Chronic back pain doesn’t have to mean choosing between living with discomfort or undergoing major surgery. If you’re exploring regenerative options that work with your body’s own healing potential, we’re here to help you understand whether bone marrow stem cell therapy may be appropriate for your situation.
At Integrated Spine, Pain, and Wellness in Scottsdale, every patient receives a thorough evaluation and honest guidance. We’ll assess your back condition, review your imaging, explain your options, and help you make the decision that’s right for you.
Contact Integrated Spine, Pain, and Wellness today to schedule your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of stem cell therapy do you use for back pain?
We exclusively use autologous bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC)—stem cells harvested from your own bone marrow, processed fresh in our office, and delivered the same day. We do not use third-party products from umbilical cord tissue, amniotic fluid, adipose tissue, or other donor sources. Using your own cells eliminates concerns about rejection and ensures you’re receiving viable, living cells.
What back conditions do you address with stem cell therapy?
We focus on disc-related back pain, particularly discogenic pain from mild to moderate degenerative disc disease. This approach is not appropriate for severe spinal instability, advanced stenosis requiring decompression, or conditions where leg pain (sciatica) dominates over back pain. During your consultation, Dr. Goyle will evaluate whether your specific condition may be appropriate for this approach.
How do I know if I’m a good candidate?
Ideal candidates typically have chronic low back pain primarily from the disc itself, mild to moderate disc degeneration on MRI, and have tried conservative treatments for at least 6-12 weeks without adequate relief. Patients with severe instability, advanced stenosis, or dominant leg pain are generally not good candidates. Dr. Goyle will provide honest guidance about your candidacy during your consultation.
How long before I might notice changes?
The body’s response to BMAC therapy develops gradually over weeks to months. Some patients notice initial changes within 4-8 weeks, with continued response over 3-6 months or longer. Individual timelines vary significantly. During your consultation, Dr. Goyle will discuss realistic expectations based on your specific condition.
Can stem cell therapy replace the need for back surgery?
For some patients with mild to moderate disc conditions, bone marrow stem cell therapy may help delay or potentially avoid spinal surgery. However, it’s not a substitute for surgery when surgery is truly indicated—particularly for severe instability, advanced stenosis, or structural problems requiring mechanical correction. Dr. Goyle will provide honest guidance about whether regenerative therapy is appropriate or whether surgical consultation would be more beneficial.
Is the procedure painful?
Most patients tolerate the procedure well. Both the bone marrow aspiration site (hip) and the spinal injection are numbed with local anesthesia. You may feel pressure during the procedures. Some temporary increase in back discomfort after the procedure is not unusual before improvement begins.
What is Regenokine® and can it be used for back pain?
Yes, Regenokine® can be used for spine conditions. It’s an autologous conditioned serum therapy that processes your own blood to concentrate anti-inflammatory proteins. Dr. Goyle is one of only nine physicians in the U.S.—and the only doctor in Arizona—offering this treatment. It’s the approach professional athletes like the late Kobe Bryant used. Regenokine® works through a different mechanism than stem cell therapy and may be appropriate for different situations or used in combination.
What if stem cell therapy doesn’t work for me?
Not all patients respond to treatment, and we’re honest about that. If bone marrow stem cell therapy doesn’t provide adequate relief, other options remain available—including other interventional procedures, additional regenerative approaches, or surgical consultation if appropriate. We’ll continue working with you to find the best path forward.
What are Dr. Goyle’s qualifications?
Dr. Ashu Goyle is double board-certified in anesthesiology and interventional pain management. He completed his fellowship training at the Cleveland Clinic—one of the nation’s premier medical institutions. He has been recognized as a Phoenix Magazine “Top Doc” from 2011-2020 and is one of only nine Regenokine® providers in the country—the only one in Arizona.
