Bad discs. Old discs. Flat discs. None of them sound attractive
in the least! But 80% of us will experience them some
time in our life. (1) 5.7 million people a year in the
US suffer with spine related injuries. (2) We will miss
work days, fun days, and financial opportunities because of the
pain and loss of function. (Additionally $12.2 to 90.6 million in the US is spent on low back
pain treatment!) So what would we want?
How about a NEW disc? Of course, Millville back pain
sufferers with degenerated discs would really like a new disc. Sadly,
they’ve been tried. They’re metal, and the body doesn’t always take to them very well. They don’t continually
give all the function we want. Sometimes they simply fail. What is next? Researchers are wondering that,
too. While they do that, your Millville
chiropractor at Wilson Family Chiropractic will keep offering what research shows
is working now:
spinal mobilization and nutritional supplements with glucosamine and chondroitin
sulfate and other chiropractic services. Read on for what’s
happening currently with all of these things.
BAD DISCS
In a new report, the loss of
proteoglycans was a central issue in intervertebral disc degeneration, natural
disc failure. The central part of the disc – the nucleus pulposus –
was most commonly altered by the degeneration
which ultimately altered the whole
spine’s biomechanics. Degenerative changes to the disc extended to
the structures around the disc, leading to higher
risk of injury and functional change. (3)
This natural loss of proteoglycans has researchers thinking about
how to more naturally deal with new disc formation…natural and
artificial.
GROWING A NEW SPINE – NUTRITION vs LAB
Treatment for degenerated discs typically concentrates
on relief of the pain and discomfort they produce. NSAIDs, PT,
massage, acupuncture, chiropractic and nutritional supplements were typical
approaches in this study.
Artificial discs have a way to go as they do
not always assimilate into the spinal tissue nor
return structure and function as desired. New disc replacement
research is centering on tissue engineering and regeneration to boost
the body’s incorporation of the new disc material. There is a
long way to go for this as researchers study the disc’s metabolism and cellular environment. The enthusiasm for disc
repair and regeneration intensifies. (2) More precisely
hydrogels are biomaterial regenerative medicine and research is investigating.
They hold water and cells (like real discs!). They can be injected and modified
as necessary. They have low toxicity. They may be good for treatment
of Millville osteoarthritis and degenerated discs. (4) Researchers say
that there is a need for more study yet for hydrogels
to prove themselves. Meanwhile,
Wilson Family Chiropractic offers current research-supported preference
of Millville spinal mobilization and nutrition.
DEALING WITH THE SPINE AS IT IS NOW - MOBILIZATION
Until the “growing a new spine” concept and artificial
disc are developed more fully, your Millville
chiropractor is here to help with the one you have. Nutrition helps. Spinal
mobilization helps. A recent paper pronounced spinal
mobilization as a most preferred approach for reducing pain
and disability in chronic low back pain and degenerated disc patients. (5) As
for terminology, “mobilization” and “non-thrust manipulation” are interchangeable in medical papers. (1) Wilson Family Chiropractic offers
Cox®
Technic, a non-thrust gentle, relieving manipulation
treatment. As part
of the Cox®
Technic system, nutritional supplements with glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin
sulfate may [[aid in inflammation reduction|reduce inflammation, rehydrate a degenerated
disc, and reduce pain.
CONTACT Wilson Family Chiropractic
Listen to this PODCAST
with Dr. James Cox on The Back
Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as the Cox®
Technic System of Spinal Pain Management is described
relieving for low back pain due to disc degeneration without a new or artificial
disc!
Schedule your next Millville chiropractic
appointment at Wilson Family Chiropractic today. Your “bad” discs will thank you. Your improved
quality of life will thank you.