Bad discs. Old discs. Flat discs. None of them sound appealing
in the least! But 80% of us will feel them some
time in our life. (1) 5.7 million people a year in the
US suffer with spine related injuries. (2) We will lose
work days, fun days, and financial opportunities due to the
pain and loss of function. (Additionally low back pain costs $12.2
to 90.6 million in the US!) So what would we like?
How about a NEW disc? Of course, Williamson back pain
sufferers with degenerated discs would love a new disc. Sadly,
they have been tried. They’re metal, and the body doesn’t always take to them very well. They do not continually
give all the function we dream of. Sometimes they just
plain fail. What is next? Researchers are working on that. While they do that, your Williamson
chiropractor at Apple Country Chiropractic will keep offering what research shows
is working now:
spinal mobilization and nutritional supplements with glucosamine and chondroitin
sulfate and other chiropractic services. See what is
happening now with all of these things.
BAD DISCS
In a recent report, the loss of
proteoglycans was a central issue in intervertebral disc degeneration, natural
disc failure. The inner part of the disc – the nucleus pulposus –
was most commonly affected by the degeneration
which eventually influenced the whole
spine’s biomechanics. Degenerative changes to the disc spread to
the structures surrounding the disc, leading to increased
risk of injury and functional change. (3)
This natural loss of proteoglycans has researchers thinking about
how to more naturally address new disc formation…natural and
artificial.
GROWING A NEW SPINE – NUTRITION vs LAB
Treatment for degenerated discs usually concentrates
on relief of the pain and discomfort they cause. NSAIDs, PT,
massage, acupuncture, chiropractic and nutritional supplements were usual
approaches in this study.
Artificial discs have a way to go as they do
not always integrate into the spinal tissue nor
return structure and function as desired. New disc replacement
research is focusing on tissue engineering and regeneration to increase
the body’s incorporation of the new disc material. There is a
long road ahead for this as researchers study the metabolism and cellular
environment of the disc. The excitement for disc
repair and regeneration intensifies. (2) More specifically
hydrogels are biomaterial regenerative medicine and research is exploring.
They hold water and cells (like real discs!). They can be injected and adapted
as needed. They have low toxicity. They may be good for treatment
of Williamson osteoarthritis and degenerated discs. (4) Researchers note
that there is a long road ahead yet for hydrogels
to develop. Meanwhile,
Apple Country Chiropractic offers current research-supported option
of Williamson 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 Williamson
chiropractor is here to help with the one you have. Nutrition helps. Spinal
mobilization helps. A recent paper asserted 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 used
interchangeably in medical papers. (1) Apple Country Chiropractic offers
Cox®
Technic, a non-thrust manipulation treatment that is gentle and relieving. 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 lessen pain.
CONTACT Apple Country 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 Williamson chiropractic
appointment at Apple Country Chiropractic today. Your “bad” discs will thank you. Your boosted
quality of life will thank you.