By: Sean Walters
For more than two decades, Thomas Buchheit, M.D., has worked in the field of pain medicine, treating patients with arthritis, neuropathy, and chronic joint conditions. Formerly the Director of the Regenerative Pain Therapies Program and Division Chief of Pain Medicine at Duke University, Buchheit is now the founder of Triangle Regen Medicine and Biologics Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Across these roles, his work has focused on a central question: how the body’s own repair systems can be better supported in the context of pain care.
That perspective informs his book, Healing Joints and Nerves, which is written for patients seeking a clearer understanding of joint and nerve pain and the range of approaches currently being explored to address it. Rather than offering treatment prescriptions, the book aims to explain how pain develops, how the immune system is involved in healing, and why different approaches may work differently from person to person.
“I wrote this book to explain how regenerative therapies work to a broad audience and to highlight the new knowledge we’ve gained in treating arthritis and neuropathy,” Buchheit says. He notes that many patients arrive in pain clinics with limited time to ask questions or fully understand their options. The book, he explains, is meant to extend those conversations beyond the exam room.
Rethinking Inflammation and Pain
One area Buchheit explores is inflammation, which is often discussed as something to eliminate. He points to emerging research that examines inflammation more as a complex biological process than a simple problem to suppress.
“Most pain management strategies focus on ‘fighting inflammation’ with anti-inflammatories and steroid injections,” Buchheit explains. “However, recent research strongly indicates that ‘fighting inflammation’ might cause more harm than good over time.”
According to Buchheit, anti-inflammatory medications and steroid injections work by suppressing immune activity, which may relieve symptoms temporarily. “Anti-inflammatories (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) and steroid injections suppress our natural immune-based healing systems,” he says.
Understanding Regenerative Therapies
In Healing Joints and Nerves, Buchheit discusses regenerative therapies such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and autologous conditioned serum (ACS), also known as the Regenokine Program. These therapies, he notes, are designed to stimulate immune signaling rather than replace damaged tissue outright.
“When injected into a joint or other painful area, stem cells don’t create new cartilage or other tissues,” Buchheit explains. “Instead, they act like PRP by stimulating immune cells. All regenerative therapies, including stem cells, depend on the body’s natural healing processes.”
Exercise, Recovery, and the Immune System
Exercise is another topic Buchheit addresses, particularly its relationship to inflammation. “Exercise produces acute inflammation, which activates the body’s immune-based healing systems,” he explains.
A Focus on Women’s Health and Informed Decision-Making
Buchheit notes that osteoarthritis affects women at higher rates than men, particularly after age 50. In the book, he discusses how women are often treated with repeated steroid injections and encourages readers to ask questions and seek information.
Education, Not Prescription
Healing Joints and Nerves is intended to provide general information about pain care and emerging research. It does not replace individualized medical advice, and readers are encouraged to consult qualified healthcare professionals when making decisions about pain management and treatment options.
Disclaimer: The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any medical conditions. Always consult a healthcare professional before making changes to your pain management or treatment plan.
