Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the potential to heal several different types of tissue damage, including damage to discs, cartilage, labrum, ligament, tendon, and muscle.
Here’s how MSCs can help with each of these conditions:
- Herniated Discs (Bulging Discs) & Stenosis: The mesenchymal stem cells cannot change the size or shape of a herniated disc, but they can repair all of the damage around it to support it and eliminate pain. The goal is no pain so there is no problem slowly working on the disc over time. We have tried injecting MSCs directly into herniated discs in the past, but this added a lot of cost and risk. We had to bring in an anesthesiologist and two orthopedic surgeons for that treatment. It added a ton of cost and risk because of the anesthesia and we did not see better results. We didn’t see the discs return to full volume or shape. We have seen better results injecting around the affected disc. This allows the stem cells to heal all supporting tissues that have been damaged. They can also send out neurotrophic factors that guide neurons to regenerate nerves. This has proved highly effective at treating neuropathy such as sciatica. The stem cells will guide the repair of supporting tissues in the back and get the patient pain free. These results last and are not just a cover up of pain like a cortisone shot.
- Arthritis (Cartilage Damage): Cartilage is the tissue that cushions the joints, allowing for smooth and pain-free movement. In arthritis, the cartilage becomes damaged or worn down, resulting in pain and stiffness. MSCs can help to regenerate cartilage tissue by guiding chondrocytes, which are the cells that make up cartilage. When MSCs are injected into the joint, they can reduce inflammation and promote the growth of new cartilage cells, leading to improved joint function and reduced pain.
- Ligament Damage: Ligaments are the tough bands of tissue that connect bones to each other and help to stabilize joints. Injuries to ligaments can cause pain, inflammation, and instability. MSCs can help to heal ligament damage by promoting the growth of new tissue and preventing scar tissue formation. When injected into the injured area, MSCs can guide fibroblasts, the cells that make up ligament tissue, and promote the production of collagen, the substance that gives ligaments their strength and flexibility.
- Tendon Damage: Tendons are the tough bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones. Tendon injuries can cause pain, swelling, and weakness in the affected area. MSCs can help to repair tendon damage by promoting the growth of new cells and reducing inflammation. When injected into the injured area, MSCs can guide tenocytes, the cells that make up tendon tissue, and promote the production of collagen, the substance that gives tendons their strength.
- Muscle Damage: Muscles can become damaged due to injury, overuse, or age-related changes. Muscle damage can cause pain, weakness, and limited mobility. MSCs can help to repair muscle damage by promoting the growth of new muscle cells and reducing inflammation. When injected into the injured area, MSCs can guide myoblasts, the cells that make up muscle tissue, and promote the production of myosin and actin, the proteins that enable muscle contraction.
- Nerve Damage (Neuropathy): Nerve pain such as sciatica or numbness in the feet can be healed by the mesenchymal stem cells. They send out neurotrophic factors that guide neurons to regenerate the nerves. Nothing else available can do this. Doctors in the USA and Canada will just give patients pills like gabapentin, but that never works. We can heal the nerves with stem cells and they stay healed.
Overall, MSCs have the potential to regenerate and repair damaged tissue by guiding the cellular regeneration and promoting the growth of new cells and extracellular matrix. When injected into the affected area, MSCs can reduce inflammation, prevent and remove scar tissue formation, and improve tissue function and mobility.
