Stem cells are the body's raw materials; cells from which all other cells with specialized functions are generated. Under the right conditions in the body or a laboratory, stem cells divide to form more cells called daughter cells. These daughter cells either become new stem cells (self-renewal) or become specialized cells (differentiation) with a more specific function, such as blood cells, brain cells, heart muscle cells or bone cells. No other cell in the body has the natural ability to generate new cell types.
Stem-cell therapy is the use of stem cells to treat or prevent a disease or condition. Research is underway to develop various sources for stem cells, as well as to apply stem-cell treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and conditions such as diabetes and heart disease among others.
Stem
cell therapy (regenerative medicine) promotes the repair response of diseased,
dysfunctional or injured tissue using stem cells or their derivatives. It is
the next chapter in organ transplantation and uses cells instead of donor
organs, which are limited in supply. Researchers grow stem cells in a lab.
These stem cells are manipulated to specialize into specific types of cells,
such as heart muscle cells, blood cells or nerve cells.
The
human body has an amazing ability to heal itself. The specialized cells can
then be implanted into a person. Stem cells can multiply and turn into
“specialized” cells to target whatever injury or condition needs healing within
the body. For example, if the person has
heart disease, the cells could be injected into the heart muscle. The healthy
transplanted heart muscle cells could then contribute to repairing defective
heart muscle. Researchers have already shown that adult bone marrow cells
guided to become heart-like cells can repair heart tissue in people, and more
research is ongoing.
Stem cell therapy is showing that this form of regenerative
medicine has become a help for people overcoming insufferable chronic joint
pain, which restores their function and mobility, and improves their quality of
life. Here are five things to know about how stem cell therapy for people in
misery from unending hurt.
1.
Medication is
not the only way for pain relief: Medications
may help with inflammation and pain, but unfortunately, they are only
temporarily. Use of stem cells rather than medication is way more effective.
Using the person’s own cells to promote tissue healing and regeneration is a
much better route for reducing inflammation and lowering pain, when compared to
seemingly endless cycles of prescription medication.
2.
Stem cell
treatments has potential benefits for treating recovery from many conditions
including: Osteoarthritis/Rheumatoid arthritis, Back pain, commonly
lower back pain, Sciatica, Neck pain, Tendonitis, Torn meniscus, Sprains and
strains, Broken bones, Achilles tendonitis, and Rotator cuff tears.
3.
Stem cells are
most effective to relieve pain if collected from bone marrow: Stem cells can be gathered from several locations, most
commonly bone marrow and fat (adipose tissue). When it comes to pain management,
the stem cells gathered from bone marrow seem to be the most effective at
treating painful conditions and injuries.
4.
Stem cells
decreases nerve damage and formation of scar tissue: Stem
cells are able to repair nerve damage, improve muscle control, and restore
function and mobility. During adulthood, stem cells are present within
tissues/organs including the central nervous system. Stem cells have the
ability to treat spinal cord injuries, among multiple other painful conditions
and injuries to body parts that are essential in protecting and giving our body
the ability to function and move. As new tissue forms after the injury starts
to heal itself, the appearance and formation of painful scar tissue all too
common after surgery can be reduced.
5.
Stem cells do
relieve pain but aim to repair damaged regions: Not
only do stem cells work to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with
these conditions; they also work to repair and regenerate the damaged region.
“Stem cell research holds
enormous promise for easing human suffering, and federal support is critical to
its success” (Tom Harkin)[i]
[i] Sources used:
·
“Five Things to Know About
Stem Cell Therapy for Pain Management” By Yenny Rojas
·
“Stem cells: What they are
and what they do” By
Mayo Clinic Staff
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