Medical Review: Dr. Gerald Mastaw, MD – Board-Certified Physician
Last Updated: October 2025
What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when trauma or disease disrupts the communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
This damage can result from accidents, falls, infections, or tumors, and depending on where the injury occurs, it can affect movement, sensation, and bodily control.
Common Symptoms May Include:
- Partial or complete loss of movement (paralysis)
- Numbness or tingling below the injury
- Muscle weakness or spasticity
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Breathing difficulties, especially with injuries higher in the spine
Spinal cord injuries are life-altering, and recovery often requires patience, persistence, and a combination of therapies aimed at maximizing independence and quality of life.
Conventional Treatment Approaches
While there’s currently no cure for spinal cord injury, modern medical care focuses on preventing further damage and enhancing recovery.
Common Interventions Include:
- Rehabilitation therapy: Physical and occupational therapy to rebuild strength and function.
- Assistive devices: Braces, wheelchairs, and adaptive tools that improve mobility and independence.
- Medications: Used to reduce inflammation, control pain, or manage muscle spasticity.
- Surgery: Sometimes required to stabilize the spine or decompress injured nerves.
These treatments can make a meaningful difference, but many patients eventually reach a recovery plateau where additional progress becomes difficult.
A Regenerative Medicine Approach to Recovery
Regenerative medicine offers an innovative, biologically driven approach that aims to support the body’s own repair mechanisms. Among the most studied treatments are umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCT-MSCs)—young, versatile cells with strong anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.
Potential Benefits of UCT-MSC Therapy
Research suggests these cells may:
- Reduce inflammation within the spinal cord
- Protect surviving nerve cells from further injury
- Encourage nerve regeneration and remyelination
- Improve sensory and motor function over time
- Support better bladder, bowel, or autonomic control
While these therapies are still investigational, they represent an exciting and rapidly advancing field focused on neural repair and improved function.
Note: Stem cell and exosome treatments for spinal cord injuries are currently not FDA-approved. However, early clinical studies show encouraging safety profiles and measurable neurological gains in some patients.
Recent Clinical Studies on Regenerative Medicine for SCI
2025 – Multi-Route UCT-MSC Administration Shows Functional Gains
Title: Multiroute Administration of Wharton’s Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Chronic Complete SCI: Phase I Study
Journal: PubMed – Full Text
Summary:
In this 2025 trial, patients with chronic complete spinal cord injury received Wharton’s jelly-derived MSCs through three delivery routes (intrathecal, intramuscular near the injury, and intravenous).
The therapy was safe and well-tolerated. At one-year follow-up, participants showed improved sensation, motor recovery, and reduced spasticity, leading to higher independence scores in daily activities. The results support the multi-route method as both feasible and potentially more effective for functional restoration.
2024 – Exosome Therapy Improves Sensation and Autonomic Function
Title: Safety and Potential Effects of Intrathecal Injection of UC-MSC-Derived Exosomes in Complete Subacute SCI
Journal: PubMed – Full Text
Summary:
Nine patients with recent (subacute) complete SCI received a single intrathecal injection of MSC-derived exosomes—tiny vesicles carrying regenerative signals.
At 12 months, no serious complications were reported.
Patients demonstrated better light-touch and pin-prick sensation below the injury, improved daily-living scores (SCIM), and enhanced bowel function.
Though motor improvements were modest, the sensory and autonomic recovery marked a meaningful step toward non-cellular regenerative options.
2021 – Randomized Controlled Trial Using Wharton’s Jelly MSCs
Title: Intrathecal Administration of Wharton’s Jelly MSCs in Chronic Complete SCI
Journal: Cytotherapy – Abstract
Summary:
This placebo-controlled study tested a single intrathecal dose of Wharton’s jelly MSCs in chronic SCI patients.
Results showed significant sensory recovery (return of pin-prick sensation) in treated patients versus placebo, though no measurable motor gains were recorded.
Researchers suggested that repeat dosing or combined rehabilitation protocols might be required to further enhance motor outcomes.
2021 – Repeated UC-MSC Injections Improve Function and Quality of Life
Title: Repeated Subarachnoid Administrations of Allogeneic UC-MSCs for SCI: Phase 1/2 Pilot Study
Journal: PubMed – Full Text
Summary:
Participants received four monthly intrathecal infusions of UC-MSCs.
The therapy was safe, with only mild transient fevers or headaches reported.
Over several months, patients experienced sensory improvement, some voluntary motor recovery, reduced spasticity, and better bladder and bowel control.
Overall quality of life and independence significantly improved, indicating that repeated dosing may amplify the therapeutic effects.
Is Regenerative Therapy Right for You?
You may consider exploring regenerative therapy if you:
- Have a spinal cord injury with limited movement or sensation after rehabilitation
- Have reached a plateau in traditional therapy progress
- Are seeking a non-surgical, biologic approach to recovery
- Want to learn about evidence-informed options that focus on healing and function
At Stemedix, our team provides comprehensive evaluations for patients recovering from spinal cord injuries. Each plan is individualized to your needs, focusing on realistic goals and supportive care designed to enhance your long-term quality of life.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
Stem cell and exosome therapies for spinal cord injuries are investigational and not FDA-approved. Results vary by individual, and all treatment decisions should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare provider.
References
- Salgado M. et al. Multiroute Administration of Wharton’s Jelly MSCs in Chronic SCI. PubMed., 2025. Full Text
- Zhang J. et al. Intrathecal UC-MSC-Derived Exosomes in Subacute SCI. PubMed., 2024. Full Text
- Park H. et al. Wharton’s Jelly MSCs in Chronic SCI: Randomized Trial. Cytotherapy., 2021. Abstract
- Xu L. et al. Repeated Subarachnoid UC-MSC Infusions for SCI. PubMed., 2021. Full Text