Bad discs. Old discs. Flat discs. None of them sound attractive
at all! But 80% of us will experience them at some point in life. (1) 5.7 million people a year in the
US suffer with spine related injuries. (2) We’ll lose
work days, fun days, and financial opportunities due to the
pain and loss of function. (Plus low back pain costs $12.2
to 90.6 million in the US!) So what would we want?
What about a NEW disc? Of course, Manahawkin back pain
sufferers with degenerated discs would really like a new disc. Unfortunately,
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 just
plain fail. What’s next? Researchers are wondering that,
too. While they do that, your Manahawkin
chiropractor at Manahawkin Chiropractic Center will keep offering what research documents
is working now:
spinal mobilization and nutritional supplements with glucosamine and chondroitin
sulfate and other chiropractic services. Read on for what’s
happening now with all of these things.
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 around the disc, leading to higher
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 cause. 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 assimilate into the spinal tissue nor
return structure and function as expected. 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 road ahead for this as researchers study the metabolism and cellular
environment of the disc. 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 modified
as necessary. They have low toxicity. They may be good for treatment
of Manahawkin osteoarthritis and degenerated discs. (4) Researchers note
that there is a long road ahead yet for hydrogels
to prove themselves. In the meantime,
Manahawkin Chiropractic Center offers current research-supported option
of Manahawkin spinal mobilization and nutrition.
DEALING WITH THE SPINE AS IT IS NOW - MOBILIZATION
Until the “growing a new spine” concept and artificial
disc get perfected, your Manahawkin
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 interchangeable in medical papers. (1) Manahawkin 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 lessen pain.
CONTACT Manahawkin 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 Manahawkin chiropractic
appointment at Manahawkin Chiropractic Center today. Your “bad” discs will thank you. Your boosted
quality of life will thank you.