Back Pain Care in Korea: Regenerative, Non‑Surgical Stem Cell Options at Lydian Clinic

Welcome to Lydian Clinic—designated by Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare as an Advanced Regenerative Medicine Implementing Institution. We see many international patients who have tried multiple injections or even neuroplasty elsewhere, yet their back pain keeps returning. If that sounds familiar, this guide explains why some standard non-surgical treatments offer short-lived relief and introduces a regulated regenerative approach designed for longer-term improvement.

Note: This article focuses on non-surgical options. Surgery can be vital in urgent cases (for example, severe or progressive motor weakness), but most back pain can be addressed first with non-surgical care.

Why Back Pain Often Comes Back

• Back pain from herniated discs or spinal stenosis frequently involves inflamed or compressed nerves and stressed supporting tissues.
• Treatments that only calm inflammation may help in the short term but often do not repair underlying tissue changes.
• Without strategies aimed at tissue recovery and function, symptoms can return within months.

What Injection Therapy Can and Cannot Do

Steroid-based injections (such as triamcinolone) are commonly used to reduce inflammation around irritated nerves and joints.

What they can do:

• Provide rapid symptom relief during acute pain flares
• Reduce inflammation to enable physical therapy and activity

What they cannot do:

• Reverse structural changes or repair damaged tissues
• Guarantee durable results (effects are typically temporary)

Points to consider:

• Repeated steroid exposure carries potential risks (for example, effects on bone and soft tissues). Your physician will weigh benefits and risks based on your medical history and current health.
• If pain relapses repeatedly after injections, it may be time to consider additional strategies.

Nerve Blocks and Neuroplasty: Targeted Relief, Limited Regeneration

Nerve blocks and neuroplasty deliver medication near compressed or irritated nerves and can be very effective at quieting inflammation where it matters most.

Where they help:

• Precise, targeted relief in cases of nerve-related pain (e.g., stenosis, herniated disc)
• Improved short-term mobility and comfort

Where they fall short:

• They do not directly regenerate nerve or disc tissues
• Pain can recur if the underlying tissue health is not addressed

A Regenerative Option for Complex Back Pain

For patients whose symptoms recur despite standard care, a regenerative approach may be considered. In line with our designation as an Advanced Regenerative Medicine Implementing Institution, Lydian Clinic offers carefully selected regenerative therapies, including cell-based treatments, under strict oversight.

Potential goals of regenerative therapy:

• Modulate excessive inflammation in and around compressed nerves
• Support tissue healing, circulation, and a healthier microenvironment
• Complement targeted procedures and rehabilitation to improve function

Important context:

• Evidence for cell-based therapy in spine conditions is evolving. Outcomes vary, and no therapy can guarantee regeneration or pain resolution.
• Eligibility, technique, source of cells, and care setting depend on local regulations and your medical profile.
• At Lydian Clinic, treatments are delivered within the Ministry’s regulatory framework and applicable institutional review processes.

Why Choose a Ministry-Designated Advanced Regenerative Medicine Institution

• Verified standards: Facilities must meet rigorous criteria for expertise, infrastructure, safety, and ethical oversight.
• Regulated care pathways: Therapies are provided under approved protocols with monitoring and follow-up.
• Multidisciplinary assessment: Specialists collaborate to optimize your non-surgical plan and identify when surgery is indicated.

Is Regenerative Therapy Right for You?

You may consider an evaluation if:

• You have recurrent back pain from conditions such as spinal stenosis or herniated discs
• You experienced only temporary relief from injections, nerve blocks, or neuroplasty
• You want a non-surgical option and are open to a regulated regenerative care pathway

Note: This article was translated and published from the original with consent from the author.