By Deborah Westergaard, MD | Pain Experts | Dallas–Plano The Umbilical Stem Cell Myth: What the FDA Really Says The Myth: You’ve probably heard it. “Umbilical stem cells are the most powerful, youthful cells you can get. Why use your own when you can have younger ones?” It’s a seductive story, especially in an era obsessed with quick rejuvenation. Clinics across the country promote umbilical, placental, and amniotic products as if they were a medical revolution already blesse

By Deborah Westergaard, MD | Pain Experts | Dallas–Plano Nerve Burning Risk | Balanced Alternatives to Radiofrequency Ablation in Dallas & Plano If you’ve been offered nerve burning (radiofrequency ablation, or RFA) for back, knee, or shoulder pain, you’ve probably heard the positive first: “Insurance covers it.” But what isn’t always discussed is the nerve burning risk. RFA works by disrupting pain signals, but in doing so, it can sometimes affect nerves that also help activ

By Deborah Westergaard, MD Board-Certified in Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology Regenexx-Affiliate Pain Experts Dallas–Plano Christine’s Story: From Daily Pain to Daily Function When Christine first arrived at Dallas Pain Experts, she described her symptoms as nearly unbearable. Her back and leg pain had reached a 9 out of 10 on bad days, making daily life difficult. The discomfort began just above the tailbone, radiating into her groin, left hip, and all the way down her leg

If you’re like many high-performing individuals, joint or back pain may be slowing you down, impacting your ability to stay active and do what you love. You might have explored advanced, non-surgical options like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or bone marrow treatments—treatments that are designed to repair damaged tissues and restore movement. Yet, you may have wondered why these innovative solutions aren’t more widely studied or promoted. The truth is, if you are having trouble

Choosing the Best Regenerative Care in a Crowded Market Navigating the world of regenerative medicine can be overwhelming for patients, especially when they face chronic pain, joint dysfunction, or spinal issues. Many patients hear about treatments from international clinics promising "cutting-edge" procedures unavailable in the U.S., leaving them questioning their options. Recently, a patient referred to me by a trusted spine surgeon came seeking regenerative treatment for l

By Deborah Westergaard, MD Pain Experts The Problem: Will Robots Replace Interventional Physicians? Advances in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) have transformed many areas of medicine, from assisting surgeons in operating rooms to analyzing complex diagnostic imaging. Recent reports even showcase robots performing precise surgical tasks, like needle manipulation and suturing, with skill comparable to human doctors. While we don’t yet have robots performing intervent

By Deborah Westergaard, MD Pain Experts The Problem: Facing Hip Replacement Too Soon For many patients experiencing chronic hip pain, the recommendation for hip replacement surgery can feel overwhelming. While surgery is sometimes inevitable, there are those who, like one of my long-term patients, wish to delay it as long as possible. This particular patient, a woman in her early 60s, had been told she was a clear candidate for hip replacement by her orthopedic surgeon. She w

By Deborah Westergaard, MD Pain Experts The Problem: Incomplete Diagnosis and Treatment of Tennis Elbow Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is often misdiagnosed or treated with outdated approaches. Many doctors rely solely on physical exams and blind injections into the extensor tendon using steroids or platelet-rich plasma (PRP). While this may provide temporary pain relief, it often misses key issues like joint involvement, ligament instability, or cartilage damage tha

By Deborah Westergaard, MD Pain Experts As a physician with close to three decades of experience, my greatest calling has always been to heal. This calling has guided me through an incredible journey, starting with groundbreaking advancements in pain management under the mentorship of legends during my fellowship at Texas Tech University Medical School. Today, I find myself more inspired than ever by the transformative potential of OrthoBiologics and the Orthobiologic physic

By Deborah Westergaard, M.D. Pain Experts Addressing Joint Pain Beyond Surface Symptoms Many patients suffering from joint pain or arthritis are offered quick, straightforward solutions: a simple injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into the joint space, often performed using landmark techniques or basic imaging guidance. While this can provide some relief, it often fails to address the complex interplay of factors that contribute to joint dysfunction. Arthritis and joint

By Deborah Westergaard, MD Pain Experts Why I Love My Patients: The Joy of Helping Others As a physician, there's something deeply fulfilling about helping people. While taking care of your own health and well-being is important, the true joy comes from seeing someone else thrive because of the care you've provided. It's an experience that goes far beyond the technicalities of medicine and speaks to the heart of why I love what I do. The Impact of Pain on Life When patients f

By Deborah Westergaard, MD Pain Experts Over the decades that I’ve practiced pain management and now non-operative orthopedics with a focus on orthobiologic treatments, I’ve watched countless individuals evolve from fully functional people experiencing some discomfort to later stages of life where mobility becomes a challenge. What’s interesting is how vastly different this experience can be for each person. We’re all unique in how we age—some of it comes down to genetics, bu

By Deboah Westergaard, MD Pain Experts When we talk about joint health, mobility, and spine wellness, it's easy to focus on treatments like orthobiologic procedures, supplements, and exercise regimens. But there's another essential factor we sometimes overlook—weight management. Maintaining a healthy weight doesn’t just help you look and feel better; it’s crucial to reducing the stress on your joints and spine. Here’s a fact that always catches people’s attention: for every f