What are stem cells?

 Stem cells represent the body’s foundational material as they can develop into a range of different cells forms with specialized functions such as brain, heart, blood, or muscle cells. Sometimes, they repair damaged tissues or self-renew, becoming new stem cells. It is worth noting that no other cells in the human body possess the natural power to create new cells types, something which makes stem cells so important and useful.

If you’ve ever investigated cutting-edge new therapies for treating pain, you may have heard of stem cell therapy. Hailed by many as the future of medicine, this minimally invasive treatment could soon be widely adopted to combat a range of serious illnesses. So, what exactly are stem cells, and how are they used in stem cell therapy? In this brief guide, we cover the basics of this exciting treatment.

Pain, whether it be back pain, neck pain or joint pain, is primarily due to inflammation. When we inject the stem cells, they “sense” the inflammation and get activated. Once they are activated, they secrete many anti-inflammatory proteins. These are the strongest anti-inflammatory agents known to man. More importantly, unlike man-made anti-inflammatory drugs, they do not have any side effects. Once the inflammation gets better, pain relief is obtained. This is the most important reason for getting the stem cell therapy.

Stem cells also cause regeneration of the lumbar disc and cartilage for people with chronic knee, shoulder and hip pain due to osteoarthritis. This regeneration seems more microscopic rather than macroscopic. In one study, although 81% of patients got pain relief, only 40% showed positive changes on the MRI. Another study showed that when bone marrow stem cells were injected in the spine, they not only proliferated but also created extra disc tissue implying regeneration.

Stem cells also cause “immunomodulation”. Once your body senses degeneration in the spine, it tends to attack it further. Stem cells, by regulating the attacking cells, may prevent further damage in the spine. This can reverse or slow the progression of the disease.

However, the primary reason to get stem cell therapy is for its anti-inflammatory action which provides pain relief. 

• Minimally Invasive: Stem cell therapy is a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure, which often costs significantly less than traditional surgeries.
• Outpatient Procedure: Stem cell therapy typically doesn’t require hospital stays, reducing costs associated with hospital fees, anesthesia, and extended recovery care.

• Faster Recovery: Recovery after stem cell therapy is generally quicker, leading to less time off work and fewer follow-up visits. In contrast, surgery often requires a lengthy rehabilitation process, which can increase both direct medical costs and indirect costs, such as lost wages.

• Fewer Complications: Surgery comes with risks such as infections, blood clots, and complications from anesthesia, which can lead to additional treatments or hospitalizations. Stem cell therapy typically has fewer risks, reducing the likelihood of expensive post-procedure care.

• Regenerative Approach: Stem cells aim to regenerate and repair damaged tissues, potentially delaying or preventing the need for future surgeries. This can save long-term costs by addressing the underlying issue rather than just managing symptoms temporarily, as some surgeries might.

• Personalized Medicine: Stem cell therapy can be tailored to the individual patient’s condition, which may enhance effectiveness and reduce the need for additional treatments. Surgery often involves a more generalized approach, which may require revisions or further procedures over time.

• Less Post-Treatment Therapy: Surgery often necessitates months of physical therapy, adding to the overall expense. In contrast, stem cell therapy usually requires less rehabilitation, further lowering costs.