Is degenerative disc disease actually a disease?

It is a name for the natural drying and thinning of spinal discs with age and wear. Everyone's discs change over time. It becomes a problem when the change causes persistent pain, stiffness or nerve irritation.

How is the treatment given?

As image-guided injections at the affected disc levels, sometimes combined with intravenous delivery, in a single visit to our licensed clinic in San José. No general anesthetic, no hospital stay.

Is this an alternative to fusion surgery?

For some patients it may delay or avoid surgery. For others, particularly with instability, fusion remains the right choice. Our physicians tell you which they believe applies to you.

When might I notice a change?

Responses vary with the number of levels involved and how long you have had symptoms. Some patients report changes within weeks; others over several months.

Who is not a candidate?

Active infection, certain cancers, spinal instability or progressive weakness requiring surgery, and some other conditions rule treatment out. Your medical review determines candidacy, not this page.

Degenerative Disc Disease Stem Cell Treatment

How stem cell therapy may help with degenerative disc disease

Spinal discs are the cushions between your vertebrae. With age and load they lose water and height, the spine takes on more strain, and the tissue around each disc stays inflamed. Standard care aims to manage the pain. It does not address the disc.

Mesenchymal stem cells are studied for their ability to reduce inflammation in damaged disc tissue and nearby nerve structures.
Research examines how cell signalling may affect inflammation and the tissue environment. Evidence and clinical outcomes vary by application.
Treatment is delivered to the affected disc levels under imaging guidance.
Cells are prepared in our own laboratory and used fresh, never frozen.
The protocol is written for your spine, your imaging and your goals.

Concerns to discuss with your care team

Constant low back or neck pain

Worse after sitting, standing, lifting or a long drive.

Stiffness and lost motion

A spine that no longer bends or twists the way it did.

Nerve irritation

Radiating pain, numbness or tingling as lost disc height presses on a nerve root.

Tired, overworked muscles

The back and neck muscles compensating for what the discs no longer provide.

Who may be a candidate

Adults with degenerative disc disease confirmed by MRI, who have not found lasting relief from physical therapy, medication or injections, may be evaluated. This includes patients weighing the risks of surgery or long-term medication. Candidacy is decided by our physicians after a medical review of your history and imaging, never by a form.

Treatment is not offered where there is spinal instability or progressive neurological weakness requiring surgery, active infection, certain cancers, or other conditions identified in review.

What to expect

1. Evaluation

A call with a patient advisor, then a medical review of your records and spinal MRI.

2. Treatment plan

Protocol, schedule and the full investment, written for your case and discussed with you before you travel.

3. Treatment in San José

Travel and stay arranged for you. Treatment by our physicians in our Ministry of Health–licensed clinic.

4. Follow-up care

Scheduled check-ins with our team after you return home.

Investment

Each plan is built for one patient. In your consultation we walk through the full investment and exactly what it includes: cells, clinical care, and the arrangements around your stay.

The Cellebration approach

Fresh, never frozen. Ask how cells are prepared and evaluated for your proposed care.
Physician-led. Clinical decisions by our medical team, in a licensed clinic.
An informed discussion. Review the evidence, limitations and alternatives relevant to your condition.
Personalized support. A care team helps coordinate the treatment journey.

Degenerative Disc Disease