Stem Cell Treatment For Degenerative Disc Disease

Intervertebral disks from the cervical and lumbar spine have been retrieved from surgery and evaluated.

Stem cell treatment for degenerative disc disease.

Stem cell therapy for cervical degenerative disc disease is emerging as a new hope for the treatment of cervical degenerative disc disease. No other cell types in the body have the ability to generate new cells types in this way which is why stem cells are such a valuable resource in treating conditions such as degenerative disc disease. Biologic stem cell therapy injections into the disc may calm the inflammation reduce pain and may help repair the flattened brittle or protruding disc. Translational studies addressing technology for stem cell delivery are also important.

Stem cells can be taken from several sources including embryos and adult cells usually found in marrow or fat. However it is important to understand that degenerative disc disease may cause spinal instability or neurological dysfunction requiring a surgical intervention. Stem cell therapy for degenerative disc disease in particular uses mesenchymal stem cells taken from adipose and bone marrow tissue. Since an increasing number of doctors are embracing this new technique it has the potential to replace the conventional treatment modules for degenerative disc disease.

Stem cell treatment may be preferred to the other ddd treatments such as surgery to remove one or more damaged discs replacing the damaged disc with an artificial device or fusion.