Bone Marrow “Cell” Injection (BMAC): Harnessing Your Body’s Natural Healing Cells

Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) is a regenerative, image-guided procedure that uses a patient’s own bone marrow cells to help reduce inflammation and support tissue healing.

It’s designed for patients with chronic spine or joint pain who want to avoid surgery and promote natural repair using their own biologic resources.

What Is BMAC?

Bone marrow contains a rich supply of cells, including platelets and progenitor cells that release growth factors involved in healing.

During the procedure, a small sample of bone marrow is collected usually from the back of the hip (iliac crest) and then concentrated in a sterile centrifuge.

The resulting concentrate (BMAC) is then re-injected into the target area under fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance.

Why It’s Done

BMAC may be recommended to help support healing in:

• Degenerative Disc Disease or joint arthritis

• Chronic facet or sacroiliac joint pain

• Tendon or ligament injuries around the spine or pelvis

• Delayed tissue recovery after injury or procedure

The goal is to enhance the body’s own healing capacity and decrease pain without the need for synthetic implants or major surgery.

How the Procedure Works

• Preparation – You’ll be awake and comfortable with local anesthesia and light sedation if needed.

• Bone Marrow Collection – A small needle is placed into the back of the hip bone to withdraw
a sample of marrow.

• Processing – The sample is spun in a sterile centrifuge to concentrate the healing cells and growth factors.

• Injection – Under X-ray or ultrasound guidance, the concentrate is precisely injected into the target area of the spine or joint.

The entire process takes about 60–90 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis.

What to Expect Afterward

• Mild soreness at the hip or injection site for
 2–3 days

• Avoid strenuous activity for 48 hours; light movement encouraged thereafter

• Improvement develops gradually over 4–8 weeks as healing occurs

• Some patients benefit from a single procedure; others may receive a series depending on response

Safety and Risks

Because BMAC uses your own cells, it eliminates the risk of rejection or disease transmission.

Possible effects include:

• Temporary soreness at the donor or injection site

• Minor bruising or stiffness

• Rare infection (minimized by sterile technique)

BMAC is a biologic procedure, not a surgery; no hardware or implants are used.

When to See a Specialist

If you have chronic back or joint pain and want to explore non-surgical, biologic options, Bone Marrow Cell Therapy may be right for you.

Our physicians use fluoroscopy and ultrasound to deliver treatments with maximum precision and safety.