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The Discovery of Stem Cells –– 1960s Stem cells are a naturally occurring component of human biology. In that sense, they’ve been around forever. Stem cells are special cells within the body that have the ability to self-replicate and to develop tissue-specific functionality over time. Because of this, stem cells have been referred to as “master cells” or biological “building blocks.” Scientists Ernest McCulloch and James Till were the first researchers to identify and characterize what we have eventually come to know as stem cells.  Embryonic Stem Cells –– 1980s …

What is a Stem Cell Treatment for the Spine? Every person has stem cells that are located throughout the body. Stem cells are cells that can become many (if not all) types of cells. Most of the time, cells originate in a certain type of tissue and can only make more cells of that tissue type. In this way, heart cells come from heart tissue, liver cells from liver tissue, and so on. Stem cells, however, can “transform” into a specific type of cell even if they exist in a …

How Does Spinal Disc Regeneration Work?  For many, back pain occurs because of damage to the structure of their spinal discs. Additionally, damaged discs inhibit mobility. As such, often the most effective way to treat back issues is to repair the spinal discs. Spinal disc regeneration is a form of stem cell therapy. Stem cells, in simple terms, are the body’s “master cells.” Unlike other cells in the body, they can take on a number of different functions based on their location. Therefore, doctors may inject stem cells into a …

Today, stem cell therapy is at the forefront of regenerative medicine. Stem cells are the body’s original building blocks, capable of differentiating into and constructing the tissues in our bodies, either initially or as part of a physiological response. Early understanding of stem cells had them originating only as part of embryonic development. Now we know they exist in adult tissues, as well. In fact, they not only reside in adult tissues; they have the potential to replace, repair and regrow defective tissue when removed from their original tissue source(s) …

The cervical spine includes the first seven of the spine’s 33 vertebrae. It begins at the base of the skull and runs the length of the neck. Between each of the cervical vertebrae lies a fluid-filled disc that acts as: 1) a shock absorber, limiting the trauma of repetitive impact; and 2) an anchor, tethering the other vertebrae together so that the spine can provide structural support while still facilitating overall flexibility. But because it supports the weight of the skull and controls head and neck movement, the cervical spine …