It’s no secret that stem cell therapy is a hot topic right now, and for good reason. Not only are stem cells completely changing the face of modern medicine, but the more we learn, the more excited we get about the future of healthcare and medicine. In recent years, there have been numerous important breakthroughs in stem cell research, namely surrounding heart disease and other complications of the heart.
For many, the very words ‘stem cell therapy’ can be intimidating and even downright confusing. While most people have heard of stem cells before, not everyone understands what, exactly, they are and why they are so vital to our future. Stem cells are the cells from which all other cells in the body that have specific functions are created. There are more than 200 different types of tissue in the body that stem cells can be harvested from, which is pretty incredible if you think about it! These naturally-occurring materials give us the tools to help the body heal itself, whether you are suffering from chronic neck and back pain, heart disease, or a myriad of other conditions. That being said, there are numerous myths out there surrounding stem cells that simply aren’t true. Today we are going to debunk these myths with the intention of giving you, the patient, a more well-rounded understanding of stem cell therapy and research.
Myth #1: Stem cells must be taken from embryos – One of the most common misconceptions about stem cells is that they can only be harvested from embryos. While there is a certain type of stem cell that comes from embryos (embryonic stem cells), stem cells can also be found in many different tissues and parts of the body, including bone marrow and fat.
Myth #2: Adult stem cells must come from bone marrow – While it is true that bone marrow is one of the most common sources for adult stem cells, this is not the only place they are extracted from. In fact, as you get older, the number of stem cells found in bone marrow are much fewer.
Myth #3: Stem cells can be rejected by your body – False. Because adult stem cells are only taken from your own body, there is no chance of rejection. If the stem cells are coming from another person (which is far less common) there is, of course, a chance of rejection, as is with any other donated organ or tissue.
Myth #4: Stem cell therapy is unsafe – We know of no major risks linked to stem cell therapy. This is because they cannot be rejected from the body and the treatment is 100 percent natural. Stem cell therapy is also a far less invasive option than many other treatments for common conditions.
Myth #5: Stem cell therapy is going to turn into human cloning – False. Many people mistakenly believe that stem cell therapy will lead to human cloning, but this is simply not the case. Because ethics are such an important part of stem cell therapy and cloning human beings is illegal, there is nothing to fear in this realm.
If you have questions about stem cell therapy or are wondering if you may be a good candidate, please do not hesitate to contact Texas Partners Healthcare Group today. As the leading pain management clinic in Frisco, we can provide you with all the answers to your questions about stem cell therapy or other forms of regenerative medicine.