In Episode 2056 of The Joe Rogan Experience, bull rider Dale Brisby joined Joe Rogan to discuss a recurring issue for many athletes: back injuries and the search for effective treatments. With years of wear and tear, Dale has endured his fair share of back problems, including multiple surgeries, which have taken a toll on his ability to perform. While traditional surgery remains the go-to option for many, stem cell therapy is emerging as a promising alternative. However, the challenge is that these treatments often require a trip across the border to Mexico.
Dale’s journey with back injuries began with a discectomy—a procedure to remove a portion of a bulging disc that was pressing on nerves. While the initial surgery provided some relief, the effects were short-lived. He ultimately needed multiple surgeries, and the recovery process was long and challenging. Even after surgery, many athletes are left with lingering pain or limited mobility, often questioning if there’s a better way.
Back surgeries, such as discectomies, aim to remove the problematic part of a disc. However, by doing so, they also reduce the cushioning between vertebrae, which can lead to further complications down the road. Dale mentioned other athletes, like former UFC fighter Daniel Cormier, who have said they would never opt for back surgery again, knowing now about alternatives like stem cells.
Stem cell therapy has emerged as a potential game-changer for athletes with degenerative disc disease or chronic pain. The treatment involves injecting stem cells directly into damaged discs, which can potentially regenerate the lost tissue. According to Joe and Dale, the therapy has shown promising results for those suffering from compressed or bulging discs. Athletes who have undergone this treatment report significant improvements in mobility and reduced pain—sometimes avoiding surgery altogether.
Despite these potential benefits, stem cell treatments for spinal issues aren’t widely available in the U.S. Because of FDA regulations, many people seeking stem cell therapy are turning to countries like Mexico, Panama, and Colombia. These destinations not only offer access to stem cell therapy but often provide more advanced options than what is currently permitted in the United States.
Joe and Dale touched on the frustration that many Americans face when seeking these treatments. While stem cells may offer a less invasive alternative to surgery, the regulatory landscape in the U.S. makes it difficult to access them. Dale shared stories of friends who traveled to Tijuana for stem cell injections into their spinal discs. The procedure can promote tissue regeneration, swelling the disc back up to alleviate pain and restore function. Yet, because of the regulatory hurdles in the U.S., many people feel they have no choice but to seek treatment abroad.
The restrictions are likely due to a combination of FDA oversight and pressure from pharmaceutical interests. As Joe noted, if stem cell therapies were easily accessible, they could significantly reduce the demand for painkillers, anti-inflammatories, and other treatments that currently dominate the market. It’s a scenario that raises questions about why such beneficial treatments aren’t more readily available to those who could benefit from them.
While the regulatory landscape in the U.S. remains a hurdle, there is hope that stem cell therapy will become more widely accessible in the future. In the meantime, athletes like Dale Brisby are exploring all options to manage pain and improve their quality of life. Dale’s experience highlights both the potential of stem cell therapy and the frustration of navigating a healthcare system that doesn’t always make cutting-edge treatments readily available.
For now, athletes with chronic injuries must weigh the benefits of traveling abroad for potentially life-changing treatments. The journey may not be convenient, but as more success stories emerge, the demand for stem cell therapy will most certainly grow. As the conversation around these therapies continues, one day, stem cell treatments may be just as accessible in the U.S. as they are elsewhere.
