Future Possibilities for Growing Manahawkin Degenerated Discs
Bad discs. Old discs. Flat discs. None of them sound attractive 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 want? How about a NEW disc? Of course, Manahawkin back pain sufferers with degenerated discs would really like a new disc. Sadly, they’ve been tried. They’re metal, and the body does not always take to them very well. They don’t always give all the function we dream of. Sometimes they just plain fail. What is next? Researchers are wondering that, too. While they do that, your Manahawkin chiropractor at Manahawkin Chiropractic Center will keep using 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 altered by the degeneration which ultimately altered the whole spine’s biomechanics. Degenerative changes to the disc spread to the structures around 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 focuses 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 need some more time as they do not always assimilate 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 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 specifically 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 Manahawkin osteoarthritis and degenerated discs. (4) Researchers note that there is a need for more study yet for hydrogels to prove themselves. In the meantime, Manahawkin Chiropractic Center utilizes current research-supported preference 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 are developed more fully, your Manahawkin 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) Manahawkin Chiropractic Center uses 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 reduce 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.
