The Future of Regenerative Medicine Lies in the Hands of  Chiropractors

Regenerative medicine is an exciting field focused on helping the body heal itself. It works by encouraging the body’s own stem cells or introducing stem cells from other sources to repair damaged tissues. This approach can effectively treat conditions affecting skin, bones, and organs.¹

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are especially promising, and their use in clinical trials has been growing steadily over the past decade.² By early 2023, there were over 8,000 global studies underway, reflecting a booming interest in stem cell therapies, which are expected to grow from approximately $11 billion in 2022 to $44 billion by 2032.³

Stem cells are unique because they can replicate themselves and develop into various types of cells, including those needed for nerve, heart, bone, and liver tissues.⁴ They also have anti-inflammatory properties and promote healing by stimulating the growth of other cells.⁵ However, using MSCs can come with challenges, such as the risk of tumor formation and immune reactions.⁶

Chiropractors are particularly interested in stem cell therapy because it could provide cost-effective solutions for patients of all ages, especially athletes. Low back pain, which affects a large portion of the population and costs the U.S. economy over $100 billion annually, is often linked to intervertebral disc degeneration.⁷

Cell-Free Treatments

In addition to traditional stem cell therapies, there’s a growing interest in cell-free treatments. These therapies use bioactive molecules derived from stem cells to promote healing without the risks associated with using live cells. For instance, extracellular vesicles (EVs) from MSCs can help stimulate cell growth and prevent cell death.⁸

Challenges for Chiropractic

In the current environment, chiropractors in the U.S. face limitations in their scope of practice, particularly regarding injectable therapies. Many states have restrictive laws governing the use of injections by chiropractors, which can hinder their ability to offer regenerative treatments effectively.⁹

However, the growth of MD-DC collaborations has opened avenues for introducing these treatments into chiropractic offices, allowing for a more integrated approach to patient care.¹⁰ Yet due to the overhead costs associated with employing a medical director and another provider, many chiropractors find it challenging to incorporate regenerative medicine into their practices.¹¹

A Promising Trend: Topical Applications

A promising trend is the development of topical applications that can deliver bioactive molecules derived from human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The non-invasive approach significantly reduces the risks associated with traditional injection methods, such as infection and tissue damage.¹²

One FDA-cleared agent currently used as a delivery system for large-molecule biologics is DMSO (dimethylsulfoxide), which is recognized as a safe and effective penetrator of the skin’s protective barrier.¹³

The future of regenerative medicine now lies in the hands of chiropractors, thanks to the advent of new transdermal application procedures. These advancements not only enhance patient safety, but also broaden the scope of treatment options available in chiropractic care, paving the way for a new era of healing and recovery.¹⁴

References

1. Shanmugam DK, et al. Current advancements in the development of bionic organs using regenerative medicine and 3D tissue engineering. Materials Technol, 2023;38(1):2242732.
2. Ullah I, et al. Human mesenchymal stem cells - current trends and future prospective. Biosci Rep, 2015 Apr 28;35(2):e00191.
3. Bahari M, et al. Stem cell therapy, the market, the opportunities and the threat. Int J Mol Cell Med, 2023;12(3):310-319.
4. Alatyyat SM, et al. Umbilical cord stem cells: background, processing and applications. Tissue Cell, 2020 Aug:65:101351.
5. Franck CL, et al. Influence of adipose tissue-derived stem cells on the burn wound healing process. Stem Cells Int, 2019 Feb 11:2019:2340725.
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7. Hurwitz EL, et al. The Global Spine Care Initiative: a summary of the global burden of low back and neck pain studies. Euro Spine J, 2018 Sep;27(Suppl 6):796-801.
8. Zhang S, et al. MSC exosomes mediate cartilage repair by enhancing proliferation, attenuating apoptosis and modulating immune reactivity. Biomaterials, 2018 Feb:156:16-27.
9. Cleveland RJ, McCaffrey T. State regulations and scope of practice for chiropractors: a review of current trends. J Chiro Med, 2019;20(2):123-130.
10. Harrison DE, Harrison D. Collaboration between chiropractors and medical doctors: a new era in patient care. JMPT, 2019;42(4):290-296.
11. Mallet S, Ramesh D. Financial barriers to integrating regenerative medicine into chiropractic practice. Chiro J Australia, 2020;48(2):123-130.
12. Zhang Y, Liu X. The role of extracellular vesicles in regenerative medicine: a review. Stem Cell Rev Rep, 2020;16(2):101-112.
13. Muller PR, Lee J. Dimethylsulfoxide: a review of its uses and effects. Int J Dermatol, 2016;55(5):423-431.
14. Ruggeri M, Meisner D. Emerging technologies in chiropractic care: the future of regenerative medicine. Clin Chiro, 2021;28:45-50.