According to studies by the CDC, approximately 6 in 10 adults in the country are battling chronic diseases while approximately 6 in 10 adults are suffering from more than one chronic disease. Chronic illnesses are persistent and often incurable by nature. Millions of patients are left searching for remedies when they exist, but they frequently fall short of providing significant symptom alleviation.
While medications and invasive procedures have long been the backbone of chronic disease management, stem cell therapy now offers another alternative. Here is what you need to know if you're curious about stem cell therapy and whether it is good for you.
What is Stem Cell Therapy?
Stem cell treatment is a type of regenerative medicine that aims to restore damaged cells inside your body by lowering inflammation and regulating your immune system. Because of this phenomenon, stem cell therapy has become a potential treatment alternative for a wide range of medical problems. Stem cell therapy is being utilized to treat inflammatory, autoimmune, orthopedic, neurological, and traumatic disorders, with studies being undertaken on its use for Multiple Sclerosis, Crohn's disease, COPD, Lupus, Parkinson's, stroke recovery, ALS, as well as other conditions.
Even though stem cell therapy doesn't always give a remedy for these disorders, the aim is to enable the body to mend itself sufficiently enough to alleviate the symptoms for extended periods. In many circumstances, this response can significantly improve a patient's quality of life while also delaying disease advancement.
What are Stem Cells?
The stem cells are the body's building blocks, which are cells that give rise to every other cell with specific roles. Stem cells may differentiate into many different kinds of cells, unlike many other cells that are distinctive (such as muscle or skin cells), which renders them essential in the treatment of many persistent medical problems. Under the proper settings in the lab or the body, stem cells split to create other cells known as daughter cells.
The daughter cells can develop into new stem cells or into differentiated cells that have a more specialized role, such as blood, brain, bone, or cardiac muscle cells. There are no other cells inside the body that can create new cell varieties on their own. The ability of the stem cells to differentiate (transform) into separate forms of cells is referred to as pluripotency.
Initial stem cell research depended on embryos donated for the extraction of embryonic stem cells. But currently, medical professionals and researchers may take these cells out of bone marrow and adipose tissue, among other areas.
When stem cell therapy is being performed, your body's cells are drawn out, cleaned up, and then reintroduced into your system. Once injected into your circulation, the cells move to the locations that have been damaged and grow into the new tissues your body requires to mend and fix itself.
What is the Source of Mesenchymal Stem Cells?
Stem cells can be sourced from a variety of locations in the body:
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Embryonic Stem Cells
Embryonic stem cells are derived from three to five-day-old embryos. During this phase, an embryo is known as a blastocyst that contains approximately 150 cells. The cells are pluripotent cells, which means they can split into additional stem cells or even become any form of cell within the human body. Because of their adaptability, embryonic stem cells can be utilized to restore or repair damaged organs and tissues.
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Adult Stem Cells
Many adult tissues, including bone marrow and fat, contain a tiny amount of these stem cells. Adult stem cells are less able to develop into different types of body cells when compared to embryonic stem cells.
Up until recently, scientists believed that adult stem cells can only produce cells of the same kind. For example, scientists once believed that bone marrow-resident stem cells can only generate blood cells.
Nevertheless, new research indicates that adult stem cells might have the capacity to generate a variety of cell varieties. As an illustration, bone marrow stem cells might be capable of producing heart or bone muscle cells.
Early-stage medical studies to evaluate relevance and efficacy in humans have been made possible by this research. Adult stem cells, for instance, are now being tried on patients with neurological or cardiovascular conditions.
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Adult Cells that Have Been Modified to Possess Embryonic Stem Cells Characteristics
Genetic reprogramming has been used to successfully convert normal adult cells to become stem cells. Researchers can reconfigure adult cells to function like embryonic stem cells by making changes to their DNA.
By using modified cells rather than embryonic stem cells, this novel procedure could avoid a patient's immune system from rejecting the introduced stem cells. Unfortunately, it is unknown at this time if utilizing modified adult cells will have negative impacts on patients.
Ordinary connective tissue cells can be modified to become functioning heart cells, according to researchers. In trials, animals suffering from heart failure who received injections of fresh heart cells had better heart function as well as longer survival times.
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Perinatal Stem Cells
Experts have detected stem cells in both the umbilical cord blood and amniotic fluid. These stem cells possess the capacity to differentiate into many types of cells. The sac that envelopes and shields a growing fetus inside the uterus is filled with amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid specimens taken from expectant women for screening or therapy (a process known as amniocentesis) have been shown to contain stem cells, according to the studies.
How Stem Cell Therapy Works
Our bodies have numerous locations where stem cells can restore deteriorated and damaged structures. Once the stem cells have been collected, they can be utilized for treatment within minutes. Image guiding (for example, ultrasounds or fluoroscopy) is used to guarantee correct stem cell implantation during restorative stem cell administrations. After sterilizing and numbing the affected spot using a novocaine-type fluid, stem cells are administered into the injured area in an attempt to induce a healing reaction, repairing and strengthening weaker tissues.
How are Stem Cells Administered in Therapy?
The majority of stem cell administrations are intravenous, intraarticular, intramuscular, or intrathecal. Subcutaneous implantation of a stem cell-rich tissue could also be employed in certain procedures.
Intravenous
Intravenous (IV) stem cell treatments are a popular method of administering regenerative treatments for a variety of persistent degenerative disorders. Patients with certain pre-existing DNA alterations are not eligible for this treatment. A skilled doctor should be consulted before administering Intravenous stem cells. IV stem cells therapy could take approximately one to two hours from initiation to completion.
Intramuscular
Intramuscular (IM) stem cells are administered directly inside the muscles to facilitate recovery. This treatment can aid in the healing of sports-related injuries, orthopedic disorders, as well as tissue injuries. In most cases, no anesthetic is necessary for this treatment.
Intra-articular
Intra-articular (IA) stem cells are administered into an injured joint to address orthopedic disorders including osteoarthritis and arthritis. The natural restoration of the joint tendons, cartilage, ligaments, and bone is greatly enhanced by this targeted injection. In most cases, no anesthetic is necessary for this administration. This procedure takes about one to two hours to complete.
Intrathecal Injection/Spinal Puncture
When treating spine injuries, multiple sclerosis, strokes, or autoimmune illnesses that impact the central nervous system, stem cells are injected into the intrathecal region of the spine (also known as the subarachnoid space) to access the brain and the cerebrospinal fluid. An epidural-type injection will be administered by a physician or a medical practitioner through a vertebra, often in the lower part of the lumbar region, into the spinal column. The spinal cord or intrathecal stem cell treatment normally takes two to three hours from beginning to end.
Subcutaneous Tissue Implant
A subcutaneous stem cell-rich implant tissue known as the lyophilized placenta is inserted into the abdominal area to enhance the body's function and interaction with newer stem cells from the umbilical cord. A skilled doctor will create a small incision, inject the stem cell-rich tissue, and stitch the opening. Anesthesia is administered for this procedure. This form of stem cell implant procedure takes approximately thirty minutes to complete. These procedures are performed by a knowledgeable doctor or a certified nurse under the guidance and supervision of a doctor.
What Are the Advantages of Stem Cell Therapy?
Stem cell therapy, a non-surgical procedure that promotes regeneration and offers pain relief, can enable patients of all ages to reclaim their lives in a short period. In comparison, certain procedures can take months to fully recover. Additionally, alternative treatments such as corticosteroids as well as other drugs may have restrictions on how often they can be taken. Regenerative medicine, such as stem cell therapies can assist your body in revving up its regenerative power while avoiding a number of the adverse effects associated with conventional medicines.
Since stem cell treatment is a regenerative medicine method, it does not just suppress a patient's symptoms or pain. Rather, it naturally aids in the healing of the underlying source of the condition. Stem cell therapy also helps in:
- Pain alleviation and inflammation reduction
- Improvements in functioning and motion range in the affected region
- Recovery time is reduced when compared to regular therapy alternatives.
- It is a long-term therapy option that is natural
- An efficient substitute for surgical interventions
- Anesthesia-free outpatient procedure
Other benefits of stem cell therapy include:
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Surgical Healing
Stem cell therapy may be applied during surgery, if that is necessary, to aid in the encouragement of recovery in the affected region. For instance, stem cells could be introduced into the injured area to hasten the healing process after a surgical procedure to mend a ruptured tendon. Regions of the human body that usually require longer healing durations or present a greater threat during surgical operations can benefit from the use of stem cells for treatment. Our facility employs diagnostic imaging procedures to determine the best location of stem cells when they are administered into the extremities, such as specific joints, tendons, muscles, as well as ligaments. We utilize x-ray imaging, including fluoroscopy, for accurate guidance when introducing stem cells inside the spine's structures.
Conditions That Benefit From Stem Cell Therapy
The management of long-term, chronic illnesses, particularly those that produce pain among other symptoms, can benefit greatly from stem cell therapy. Therapy may be utilized alone, but for best results, it's frequently combined with other treatments. The following conditions can benefit from stem cell therapy:
Cancer
Transplants of stem cells can be utilized to address leukemia as well as lymphoma by replacing disease-damaged cells.
Parkinson’s disease
New research indicates that stem cell treatment could help restore brain cells that produce dopamine lost as a result of Parkinson's disease. Stem cells could also be utilized to treat nerve degeneration that results from the condition.
Heart disease
Those suffering from heart attacks, heart problems, and even individuals with large or small vessel diseases can benefit from cardiac rejuvenation with stem cell treatment. Treatment in every condition aims to enable stem cells to restore and repair destroyed blood and heart vascular tissue.
Arthritis
This is an inflammatory disease that damages our joints. Fortunately, stem cell therapy can aid in the regeneration of affected joint cartilage as well as the reduction of inflammation within and surrounding the joints.
Multiple sclerosis
In addition to their capacity to pass directly into brain anomalies and boost the health of brain cells, stem cells are employed to assist in repairing neurological damage caused by MS. Additionally, stem cells assist in regulating the abnormal immune system function that is a major feature in Multiple Sclerosis.
Fibromyalgia
The modulation of inflammatory reactions, particularly the inflammation believed to be related to fibromyalgia, could be greatly improved by stem cells. Additionally, they can aid in the regeneration of injured nerve cells that have the potential to "misfire," producing a sensation of pain in the absence of pain stimuli.
Diabetes
Stem cells could aid in the replacement of missing or injured beta cells, which are unique cells inside the pancreas that create insulin. Type 1, as well as type 2 diabetes, have beta cell issues (either there aren't enough beta cells, or perhaps those cells do not function correctly). Stem cell therapy could help people with whichever type of diabetes.
Kidney Disease
Stem cells are utilized to address both severe and persistent kidney injuries as well as a renal disease since they possess the capacity to differentiate into a variety of different cell types, such as kidney tissue. The objective is to replenish lost and destroyed cells that have so far been destroyed as a result of tissue injury.
This isn't an exhaustive list. Your doctor may recommend that you undergo stem cell therapy for several other conditions, based on your medical background as well as your symptoms.
Risks Associated with Stem Cell Therapy Procedures
Stem cell therapy is regarded as a low-risk treatment. Risks or allergic reactions are less likely to occur with stem cells than with other treatments because the stem cells are sourced from the body
Possible risks or complications of stem cell therapy could entail tissue damage, infection, bleeding, or nerve injury. Aspirin, Motrin, Advil, and other anti-inflammatory drugs should also be avoided when using stem cell therapy because they can slow the process of healing.
However, patients need to be cognizant of possible risks associated with experimental stem cell therapies including:
- Reaction at the injection location
- The cells' failure to function as anticipated
- Tumor growth
- Infections
- Possibility of product contamination
- The capacity of cells to leave their original locations, reproduce, or transform into unwanted cell types
For detailed advice, make sure to speak with your medical practitioner.
Stem Cell Therapy FAQS
Frequently asked questions include:
When Can a Patient Start Experience the Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy?
Injections of stem cells are intended to strengthen and repair damaged tissue. As a result, 2 to 3 years after the full course of therapy is finished, patients begin to experience pain relief, which continues to enhance recovery until about a year after treatment.
How will Stem Cell Therapy Help Me?
Stem cell therapy is the best long-term treatment option available if you have unsolved pain or prefer an alternative to surgery. This cutting-edge therapy option makes use of the natural healing mechanism to repair damaged tissue, speed up the therapeutic of injuries, and get rid of the pain. With less downtime than surgical procedures, stem cell therapy increases functionality and mobility while addressing the underlying causes of pain with no need for drugs or procedures.
Is Stem Cell Therapy the Best Treatment for Me?
Getting well after an injury can frequently seem like a delayed, difficult journey. However, the idea of having surgery can also entail a lengthy recovery period for sportsmen as well as weekend warriors who have been diagnosed with a certain condition. The best rehabilitation outcomes can only be achieved with commitment and patience. Another component, nevertheless, has the potential to provide a large benefit without producing unfavorable or unpleasant consequences. Stem cell therapy is a well-liked, drug-free procedure that speeds up the body's self-healing abilities.
Numerous illnesses, including sports injuries, osteoarthritis, wounds, as well as spinal injuries, can be treated with stem cell therapy. Stem cells are a quick and efficient therapeutic option since they may be administered to affected or injured muscles, ligaments, and joints.
Find a Stem Cell Therapy Clinic Near Me
Stem cell therapy is a revolutionary outpatient technique that restores injured tissue, addresses injuries more efficiently, and relieves pain by utilizing the natural healing process of the body. Stem cell therapy addresses the root of pain rather than masking it with medicine or surgeries, resulting in enhanced functionality as well as mobility with a faster recovery period than invasive procedures. Stem cells can differentiate into cartilage, bone, or even fat cells to promote healing.
At Hollywood Healthcare & Diagnostic Imaging, we frequently employ stem cell therapy as a non-invasive, restorative medicine treatment because it has a low risk and requires little recovery time for patients while still producing outstanding results. Contact our Los Angeles practice today at 323-486-7502 to book an appointment.
