Nutritional Approaches to Managing Manahawkin Disc Degeneration
The nutritional aspect of lumbar spinal disc degeneration appeared to be a hot topic this past month. The studies’ findings point to a few things we can do to address disc degeneration. At Manahawkin Chiropractic Center, we typically follow a multi-pronged approach to managing disc degeneration: reducing pain with Cox® spinal manipulation and promoting healthier discs with better diet and nutrition.
DISC DEGENERATION INFLUENCES: Metabolic and Cellular Processes
Recent research has been uncovering interesting connections between our metabolic and cellular processes and their role in spinal degeneration. For instance, Guo et al. (1) found that metabolic syndrome can worsen spinal degeneration in patients with lumbar disc herniation, demonstrating just how much systemic factors like overall health can affect spinal health. On the other hand, Feng et al. (2) dove into the world of mitophagy—the process of cleaning out damaged mitochondria—within key parts of intervertebral discs like the nucleus pulposus, annulus fibrosus, and cartilage endplate. Their work offers stimulating insights into possible therapies for reducing or even reversing disc degeneration. What does this imply for our daily lives? It’s clear that spinal degeneration isn’t initiated by just one thing—it’s a complex process influenced by both systemic issues, like metabolic health, and cellular mechanisms, like mitophagy. This signals the need for a well-rounded approach to spinal care, one that goes beyond just managing symptoms to tackle the root causes. Indeed, a deeper appreciation of the elaborate cellular processes that drive degeneration is helpful, but lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, stress management, and nutrition are sensible.
Manahawkin CHIROPRACTIC NUTRITION TIP: Enhance Quercitrin and Vitamin D Levels
Recent research reports also pointed out a few tips that can help contain disc degeneration. Wu et al (3) investigated how the compound quercitrin could assist in the treatment of spinal disc degeneration by reducing inflammation and preventing cell damage. Incorporating quercitrin into future therapies may offer a promising solution for managing disc degeneration. Li et al (4) explained how a lack of Vitamin D can aggravate spinal disc degeneration by starting processes that break down the supportive tissue in the discs. Let’s maybe look at upping quercitrin and Vitamin D to your daily regimen? We’ll talk at your next Manahawkin chiropractic appointment.
WHAT TO DO?
Don’t let disc degeneration bother you. The reality is that spinal degeneration is a natural part of aging, but taking charge of your spinal health sooner than later can make a big difference. By understanding the factors involved and adopting preventative measures, we can delay or even minimize the impact of spinal degeneration, keeping our spines stronger and healthier for longer. It is never too early—or too late—to begin taking care of your spine!
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. James Cox on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he describes the importance of spinal nutrition in The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management to enhance clinical outcomes.
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