The Rejuvenating Potential of Stem Cells
By Chris Brown
Although stem cell research has gathered its share of controversy in the past, there is growing evidence that it may become a vital resource for the future of medicine. Research is still ongoing, but human trials have started to crop up over the last few years, studying stem cells' effectiveness on everything from spinal cord injuries to diabetes with positive results. Regardless of its past, stem cells are trending toward a future mainstream medical treatment with amazing potential.
What Is a Stem Cell?
At its simplest definition, stem cells are blank cells that can be transformed into any specialized cell of the body. The possible outcomes of a single stem cell is endless, ranging from replacing dead nerve cells to rebuilding the liver to regenerating more stem cells. They serve as repair systems in their natural state, but with limited functionality. With medical research, manipulating stem cells has exciting potential to heal otherwise incurable diseases and injuries. And, because we all contain stem cells within our bodies, there is increasing ability to extract cells directly from our own tissues.
Regenerative Stem Cells
Since stem cells are the universal building blocks of the body, their greatest medical potential lies in their ability to repair and replace damaged cells. The list of potential applications is vast and includes spinal cord injuries, diabetes, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, heart disease and stroke, burns, cancer and osteoarthritis. In a review on the state of stem cell research and experimentation in 2015, the Jagiellonian University researchers noted several successful cases for each use. Particularly, there have been magnificent results when used for spinal or nervous system injuries and diseases. In 2018, four patients with chronic spinal cord injuries underwent experimental stem cell treatment. Two of the patients gained one to two levels of neurological improvement with no adverse effects for any of the participants.
The Chiropractic and Stem Cells Symbiosis
Chiropractic's ability to optimize the system could make it a powerful complement to stem cells' rejuvenating abilities. This is because chiropractic's ability to remove nerve limiting spinal subluxations speed the body's natural recovery process. When the tools of blank slate reparative stem cells are added, that body-brain optimization would, theoretically, jump recovery into hyperdrive.
While the potential benefits of stem cells are enormous, especially if suffering from a devastating incurable disease, but it is important to note that most uses are still in the research phase. The FDA recommends patients to do their research regarding potential side effects before engaging in any treatments. However, for some, future stem cell therapy may provide an otherwise non-existent hope for recovery.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Boca Raton, Fla.