Hundreds of thousands of people in the United States currently are living with a spinal cord injury (SCI), and, on a daily basis, hundreds more suffer accidents that affect their heads, necks, or spines. These victims must undergo countless hours of surgery, physical and psychological therapy, and treatments in order to begin to recover.
But what if there were a treatment that created new, healthy nerve and muscle tissues instead of trying to revive injured ones?
Some of the most promising SCI treatment research revolves around the use of stem cells to help regrow and replace damaged nerves and receptor cells in order for victims to regain spinal use.
The Benefits of Stem Cells
Stem cells are sort of like freshmen at Strayer or GMU who are about to decide on a major; they have an enormous amount of potential but haven’t quite decided what type of cell they need to become. Depending on where they are in the body, they grow, help and act as different types of cells; they can basically become anything if put in the right place. Therefore, when placed in the correct spots on the spine, they’ll grow and replicate to help heal any damage or injury.
- They can replace the nerve cells that have died as a result of the injury.
- Stem cells can generate new supporting cells that will help protect and encourage electrical impulse stimulation across the nerve.
- They protect the site of the injury from any further damage by soaking up toxins and free radicals while also encouraging new growth.
- Stem cells can help suppress inflammation and contain an injury from spreading
Although the research into stem cells as a viable treatment for SCIs has dramatically increased and first stage testing has shown wonderful results, a lot of work still needs to be done before stem cells are used as a common treatment for spinal cord injuries. However, with continued support, funding, research, and hope, the answer to the common SCI victim question, “How will I ever walk again?” could very well be, “With stem cell treatment.”
SCI treatments and recovery can not only be long and arduous but extremely expensive. Contact us today for a free consultation about whether you’re entitled to damages or compensation for your spinal cord injury. We can help you get the money you need and deserve for your treatment. Call today!
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