Bad discs. Old discs. Flat discs. None of them sound attractive
at all! 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’ll miss
work days, fun days, and financial opportunities because of the
pain and loss of function. (Plus $12.2 to 90.6 million in the US is spent on low back
pain treatment!) So what would we like?
How about a NEW disc? Of course, Lynchburg back pain
sufferers with degenerated discs would really like a new disc. Sadly,
they have been tried. They are metal, and the body does
not always take to them very well. They do not continually
give all the function we want. Sometimes they simply fail. What’s next? Researchers are wondering that,
too. While they do that, your Lynchburg
chiropractor at Palmer Chiropractic Center 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 is
happening currently on all these fronts.
BAD DISCS
In a new study, 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 changed the whole
spine’s biomechanics. Degenerative changes to the disc extended to
the structures surrounding the disc, leading to increased
risk of injury and functional change. (3)
This natural loss of proteoglycans has researchers working on
how to more naturally deal with 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 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 expected. New disc replacement
research is focusing 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 excitement for disc
repair and regeneration grows. (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 Lynchburg osteoarthritis and degenerated discs. (4) Researchers note
that there is a long road ahead yet for hydrogels
to develop. In the meantime,
Palmer Chiropractic Center offers current research-supported option
of Lynchburg spinal mobilization and nutrition.
DEALING WITH THE SPINE AS IT IS NOW - MOBILIZATION
Until the “growing a new spine” idea and artificial
disc are perfected, your Lynchburg
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 decreasing 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) Palmer Chiropractic Center uses
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 Palmer Chiropractic Center
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 Lynchburg chiropractic
appointment at Palmer Chiropractic Center today. Your “bad” discs will thank you. Your improved
quality of life will thank you.