The Science of Stem Cells: How They Work in Spine Treatment
The St. Charles Spine Institute in Southern California endeavors to utilize the latest medical advancements that have demonstrated their efficacy in treating spinal conditions. One of the most promising innovations in this field is stem cell therapy, which has the potential to promote healing and restore function in patients with specific spinal disorders.
Researchers are having remarkable success in this field, and it is now a mainstream treatment in numerous medical practice areas. However, many patients are unfamiliar with this therapy or regard it as experimental. To appreciate why many doctors regard stem cell therapy as offering potentially game-changing promise in treating various conditions, you must understand the science beyond stem cells, how they work, and their role in treatment.
What Are Stem Cells?
The term “stem cell” describes unique, undifferentiated cells that are capable of developing into various specialized cell types. To illustrate, conceptualize a human at the moment of conception. The human zygote begins as a single cell, which then reproduces itself into two cells, then four, then eight, and so on. These original cells are called stem cells, and they carry all the DNA to develop every part of the human body. At some point, however, they cannot keep reproducing the same type of cell; the baby has to develop different organs and tissues: lungs, heart, kidneys, blood vessels, skin, muscles, and so on. So, these cells ultimately “differentiate” to become different parts of the body.
Scientists still do not understand by what mechanism that differentiation occurs; however, they recognize that stem cells carry a special trait in that they can differentiate into specialized cells. Once they differentiate, they have a fixed function and can no longer become other types of cells; a skin cell, for example, will only reproduce to become another skin cell.
Regenerative Medicine Using Stem Cells
The unique trait by which stem cells can self-renew and differentiate into specific tissue types depending on the body’s needs has revolutionized medicine by introducing the possibility that stem cells can be harvested and injected into the site of some medical trauma and reproduce and repair damaged tissue. This regenerative capability makes it possible to use stem cells to treat degenerative conditions and to aid in healing from injuries. Stem cell therapy has been particularly effective in treating problems in the knees, hips, shoulders, and hands, as well as spinal conditions such as degenerative disc disease.
When discussing stem cell research and therapy, it is vital to understand the difference between the two main types of stem cells that are involved:
Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs): These stem cells are derived from early-stage embryos; however, their use in medical treatments is controversial and therefore not common.
Adult Stem Cells (ASCs): Adults still produce stem cells in bone marrow and fat tissues. Although these cells have more limited differentiation capabilities, they are widely used in regenerative medicine. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a type of adult stem cell, and it is these cells that are most commonly utilized for stem cell therapy. MSCs can become bone, cartilage, and muscle tissues, making them particularly useful for repairing joints and spinal structures.
At St. Charles Spine Institute, our stem cell treatments use only MSCs.
The Stem Cell Therapy Procedure
Stem cell therapy primarily focuses on tissue regeneration, reducing inflammation, and alleviating pain. If you undergo stem cell therapy, here is a brief rundown of the process:
- Harvesting Stem Cells: Stem cells are typically extracted from bone marrow or adipose (fat) tissue, which are rich in MSCs. One common extraction source is the marrow of the pelvic bone. A long needle is inserted into the pelvic bone to extract marrow. The extraction site will be sore for a few days following the procedure.
- Processing and Concentration: Once harvested, the stem cells are processed and concentrated in a laboratory setting to isolate the stem cells.
- Injection into Treatment Site: The processed stem cells are then precisely injected into the damaged area guided by an imaging device such as a fluoroscope or ultrasound. The entire procedure, from arrival to discharge, usually lasts a couple of hours and is an outpatient procedure.
- Regeneration and Healing: Once injected, stem cells begin repairing damaged tissue by differentiating into new bone, cartilage, or other tissue while reducing inflammation and promoting healing. Tissue regeneration is gradual; while you can resume low-key activities after a few days, optimal healing will generally take about six weeks.
Benefits of Stem Cell Treatments
Stem cell therapy possesses several advantages over alternative treatments:
- Minimally Invasive: The procedure requires only simple extraction and injection with a needle, avoiding the trauma and infection risks associated with traditional open surgery.
- Natural Healing: The therapy utilizes the patient’s own cells, reducing the risk of adverse reactions.
- Reduced Pain and Inflammation: Stem cells have powerful anti-inflammatory properties, helping to alleviate chronic pain conditions and aiding in quick recovery.
- Potential for Long-Term Relief: Stem cells have the potential to address and remedy the source of the injury or degeneration and promote lasting improvement.
The Future of Stem Cell Therapy
While stem cell therapy for different conditions is still the subject of much research, ongoing clinical studies support its potential as a revolutionary treatment, particularly for degenerative spinal conditions. As technology advances, stem cell applications may become even more refined, leading to improved patient outcomes and expanding their application.
The use of stem cell therapy is an exciting frontier for spine treatment, offering patients a regenerative approach to healing without invasive surgery. It has already been proven to provide significant therapeutic properties for patients who suffer from several joint and spinal conditions. If you are struggling with a joint or spinal condition and want to explore whether stem cell options may provide an avenue for relief from pain or debility, contact St. Charles Spine Institute in Thousand Oaks, California, today to schedule a consultation.