Bad discs. Old discs. Flat discs. None of them sound appealing
in the least! But 80% of us will feel them at some point in 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 low back pain costs $12.2
to 90.6 million in the US!) So what would we like?
What about a NEW disc? Of course, Brooks back pain
sufferers with degenerated discs would really like a new disc. Sadly,
they have been tried. They’re metal, and the body doesn’t always take to them very well. They don’t always
give all the function we dream of. Sometimes they just
plain fail. What’s next? Researchers are working on that. While they do that, your Brooks
chiropractor at Soft Health and Healing Clinic will keep using what research documents
is working now:
spinal mobilization and nutritional supplements with glucosamine and chondroitin
sulfate and other chiropractic services. Read on for what is
happening now 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 typically altered by the degeneration
which ultimately influenced 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 typically concentrates
on relief of the pain and discomfort they produce. NSAIDs, PT,
massage, acupuncture, chiropractic and nutritional supplements were typical
ways 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 centering on tissue engineering and regeneration to boost
the body’s acceptance 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 grows. (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 adapted
as needed. They have low toxicity. They may be good for treatment
of Brooks osteoarthritis and degenerated discs. (4) Researchers say
that there is a long road ahead yet for hydrogels
to prove themselves. In the meantime,
Soft Health and Healing Clinic offers current research-supported preference
of Brooks 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 Brooks
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 used
interchangeably in medical papers. (1) Soft Health and Healing Clinic 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 Soft Health and Healing Clinic
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 Brooks chiropractic
appointment at Soft Health and Healing Clinic today. Your “bad” discs will thank you. Your improved
quality of life will thank you.