Kylie Jenner, known for her entrepreneurial ventures and public persona, has openly shared her battle with severe chronic lower back pain, an affliction she experienced after the birth of her son, Aire. After enduring nearly three years of discomfort with no success from conventional treatments, the 28-year-old reality TV star sought an experimental remedy: injecting muse stem cells derived from umbilical cords into her lower back. Jenner revealed on Instagram Stories that she underwent this stem cell therapy on December 4, inspired by the significant relief her sister, Kim Kardashian, found through a similar procedure.

Kim Kardashian, 45, had previously posted about receiving the same stem cell infusion in August to address debilitating shoulder and back pain caused by a weightlifting injury. Both Jenner and Kardashian received their treatments at Eterna Health, a luxurious clinic situated in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, where procedures can cost up to $40,000. Dr. Adeel Khan, the founder of Eterna Health, confirmed to the Daily Mail that Jenner received a highly specialized type of stem cells, specifically muse stem cells, or multilineage-differentiating stress-enduring cells. These cells are affectionately referred to as the 'Rolls Royce' of stem cells due to their remarkable ability to transform into virtually any cell within the body, effectively repairing damage and alleviating pain.

Unlike many other stem cell treatments that utilize mesenchymal stem cells, muse stem cells do not trigger an immune response from the recipient's body. This is attributed to a unique protein marker they carry, which signals the immune system not to attack them. Mesenchymal stem cells, in contrast, have a more limited differentiation capacity, typically transforming into bone, cartilage, or fat cells, and reduce pain primarily by lowering inflammation. Studies indicate that approximately one in ten patients treated with mesenchymal stem cells may develop antibodies against the treatment, a risk largely absent with muse stem cells.

The muse stem cells administered at Eterna Health are ethically sourced from the umbilical cords of newborns delivered via C-section at a local hospital. Dr. Khan emphasized that mothers must provide written consent before the cells are collected, and no payment or benefit is offered to them. This policy aims to prevent any incentive for individuals to become pregnant solely for financial gain. One umbilical cord typically yields enough stem cells for 10 to 20 doses of the treatment. The clinic, MuseCell Innovations, which supplies Eterna Health, does not publicly share its consent forms or disclose the specific hospitals providing the umbilical cords.

Kylie Jenner's treatment process began with a teleconsultation, followed by an MRI and ultrasound in May or June, enabling doctors to identify the probable source of her pain by examining her muscles, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues. In December, at the clinic, she underwent an in-person consultation with Dr. Khan and a biomechanical expert before receiving injections of muse stem cells into multiple points across her lower back. Although she spent the entire day at the clinic for consultation and treatment, she was cleared to fly home the following day.

The treatment from Eterna Health is currently available in Mexico, Canada, and Dubai, with plans for a new clinic in Florida next year, which will source its stem cells from US hospitals. The availability of muse stem cell injections in the US has historically been restricted by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, which mandate extensive clinical trials to prove safety and efficacy. However, a new law passed in Florida in June permits physicians to offer certain unapproved cell procedures for applications such as wound care, pain management, and orthopedics.

Despite the promising nature of these treatments, experts like those at Swiss Medica Clinic, a regenerative medicine center, caution that stem cell infusions carry potential risks, including an increased risk of inflammation if the immune system attacks the cells, and a potential rise in cancer risk. Dr. Khan noted that Jenner's back pain severity was rated nine or ten out of ten, illustrating the intense suffering she experienced. He clarified that, contrary to some public perception, both Kim and Kylie were not exaggerating their pain, but rather possessed a high pain tolerance acquired from living with chronic conditions.

While the exact cause of Jenner's back pain was not explicitly determined, Dr. Khan generally explained that ligaments supporting the spine can stretch during pregnancy, leading to spinal imbalance, increased wear and tear on joints, and subsequent pain. He also mentioned that Jenner's pain had not yet been relieved immediately after treatment, which is an expected outcome. Typically, pain may worsen for one to two weeks post-treatment before gradual improvement begins. The cost of Jenner's specific procedure was not disclosed, but Dr. Khan stated that treatments at his clinic average $10,000 to $15,000, excluding travel, with some patients spending up to $30,000 to $40,000 depending on the number of injections required.

Beyond Kylie and Kim Kardashian, other celebrities have also sought treatment at Dr. Khan's clinics. Khloe Kardashian, 41, received muse stem cell treatment in August as a longevity measure, noting its benefits for recovery, inflammation, overall wellness, and anti-aging. She expressed her hope for wider accessibility and affordability of such treatments in the future. Scientists suggest that muse stem cells, when administered via infusion, could contribute to longevity by replacing old cells and regenerating damaged tissue. Actor Chris Hemsworth, 42, praised Dr. Khan's work as