Issue 48.15
Stem cell therapy, a form of regenerative medicine, has become a hot topic in medical literature and patients have become interested in what regenerative medicine can do for them. Regenerative medicine employs treatments that have the potential to help the body to heal, and to restore and establish normal function. One area of regenerative medicine that may have the potential to treat chronic painful conditions involves the use of stem cells. Because stem cell treatment is new, we wanted to share with you some FAQ’s about stem cell treatment, to help you understand the potential benefits and concerns with these types of services.
What are stem cells? Our body is made of cells. At one point, every cell in our body came from a stem cell. Stem cells are cells which have the potential capability to become other cells within their lineage and also have potential to signal to cells around them to perform certain functions. A good way to think about them is that they are like parent cells that can give rise to other cells. Depending on the type of stem cell, they can potentially become bone, muscle, nerve, and other organ tissues. They may also help other cells perform their functions properly and efficiently.
So why are stem cells being used? Theoretically, stem cells are being used because they have the potential to help diseased or damaged tissue regain function, and the potential to replace improperly functioning or damaged cells.
Where do stem cells come from and how do we get them to use for treatments? Stem cells can come from a variety of sources, including; adipose tissue (fat), bone marrow, amniotic fluid, and umbilical cord blood. Currently, Southwest Spine and Pain providers are utilizing stem cells obtained from a patient’s own bone marrow or from placenta tissue and amniotic fluid obtained following scheduled cesarean section (C-section) and the birth of a healthy baby. We do not utilize any cells obtained from embryonic tissue.
How are stem cells used to treat various conditions? Stem cells are harvested or donated and come in a liquid form. They can then be injected into various parts of the body or infused into the blood stream.
What types of conditions are being treated with stem cells? There are several disorders and diseases being treated with stem cells. Some cancers and blood disorders have been treated with bone marrow transplants for years. Use of stem cells in diseases such as heart failure and other organ failures are being studied. More recently stems cells have been used and studied to treat degenerative and chronic diseases, including osteoarthritis(joint pain) and degenerative disc disease (spine pain). Southwest Spine and Pain is currently involved in a national research study, approved by the FDA, which utilizes stem cells for the treatment of lumbar degenerative disc disease. Currently most uses of stem cells are not yet well studied and are considered experimental. Because stem cell treatments are considered experimental, most treatments are not typically covered by insurance. You should discuss any stem cell therapy with your physician prior to treatment.
How effective and safe is stem cell treatment? Effectiveness and safety for some treatments, such as bone marrow transplants, is well documented and understood. Treatment for other disorders such as osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, plantar fasciitis, and tendinopathies is still considered experimental, although early studies have showed some promise. Further studies are needed to validate the effectiveness and safety of these treatments.
Where can I find stem cell treatment in St. George? The physicians at Southwest Spine and Pain have performed over 50,000 spine and joint procedures and are trained to perform stem cell treatments when appropriate. They are also well versed in the most up to date information regarding stem cell treatments for pain. If you are interested in learning more about stem cell therapy they would be happy to speak to you.
For more information, visit www.southwestspineandpain.com or call 435-656-2424.