Williamson Chiropractic Care of an Aging Spine: Nutrition & Manipulation

Wrinkles, frown lines, smile lines, disc degeneration…natural events with growing older (and, might we add, wiser!). (Many Williamson chiropractic patients coming to Apple Country Chiropractic are quite wise!) Discs degenerate. As a matter of fact, discs are stated to start degenerating in the 2nd decade of life. By your 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, it would be less common to not see disc degeneration. Research today is presenting some promise in the care of disc degeneration with even the possibility being floated in the literature of potential disc regeneration. This is exciting to your Williamson chiropractor and to chiropractic patients everywhere!

THE ROLE OF THE DISC

The disc is the spine’s shock absorber. The disc resists the compressive loads put on the spine during movement. How is it able to do this? It has an elevated proteoglycan aggrecan content. Proteolysis is the loss of aggrecan that happens with degeneration. Researchers suggest that restoration of aggrecan loss in the nucleus of the disc is possible via cells that can synthesize aggrecan and be borne by the disc’s matrix. (1) This gives hope to exploration of probable disc regeneration and its potential to relieve back pain.

AGING AND DISC DEGENERATION

Disc degeneration is a well-acknowledged cause of low back pain. What makes up a disc? Aggrecan is the main component. Aggrecan is the key proteoglycan structure in the extracellular matrix that makes up the disc. Aggrecan is substantial, made up of varied glycosaminoglycan chains. It can form more aggregates when combined with hyaluronan. The glycosaminoglycan chains are negatively charged and bind to water molecules which are vital to keep the disc hydrated enough to allow the disc to tolerate compressive loading it is made to do. (2) Disc degeneration gets down to the molecules that make up the disc. Apple Country Chiropractic gets down there, also! These authors suggest that aggrecan-based therapies for disc regeneration are possible.

THERAPY FOR POTENTIAL DISC REGENERATION

Chondroitin sulfate is proving to be such a therapy. Chondroitin sulfate’s potential benefit was first discussed clear back in 1966 by Cole, Ghosh and Taylor. Chondroitin sulfate is explained as being the source of glycosaminoglycan synthesis in the disc. (3,4,5) Combining nutrition with distraction spinal manipulation showed ability for potential disc regeneration. (6) Apple Country Chiropractic includes spinal disc nutrition with spinal distraction manipulation for the optimal clinical outcome.

CONTACT Apple Country Chiropractic

Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Tyler Lomnicki on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he illustrates The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management incorporation of gentle distraction manipulation and nutrition for this patient’s relief and management of disc herniation pain.

Schedule your Williamson chiropractic appointment today. We do not fret over the signs of aging. We hope you embrace them and the wisdom they bring and embrace a Williamson chiropractic treatment plan to deal with them.
 
Apple Country Chiropractic sets individual treatment plans for patients with disc degeneration, a consequence of normal aging process, that eases back pain and holds hope for regeneration.  
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"This information and website content is not intended to diagnose, guarantee results, or recommend specific treatment or activity. It is designed to educate and inform only. Please consult your physician for a thorough examination leading to a diagnosis and well-planned treatment strategy. See more details on the DISCLAIMER page. Content is reviewed by Dr. James M. Cox I."