Bad discs. Old discs. Flat discs. None of them sound appealing
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 will miss
work days, fun days, and financial opportunities because of the
pain and loss of function. (Additionally 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, Manchester back pain
sufferers with degenerated discs would love 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 always
give all the function we dream of. Sometimes they simply fail. What is next? Researchers are wondering that,
too. While they do that, your Manchester
chiropractor at Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries will keep offering what research shows
is working now:
spinal mobilization and nutritional supplements with glucosamine and chondroitin
sulfate and other chiropractic services. See what’s
happening currently 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 affected by the degeneration
which ultimately changed the whole
spine’s biomechanics. Degenerative changes to the disc spread to
the structures surrounding the disc, leading to higher
risk of injury and functional change. (3)
This natural loss of proteoglycans has researchers thinking about
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 usual
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 metabolism and cellular
environment of the disc. The excitement for disc
repair and regeneration intensifies. (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 Manchester osteoarthritis and degenerated discs. (4) Researchers note
that there is a long road ahead yet for hydrogels
to prove themselves. Meanwhile,
Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries offers current research-supported option
of Manchester 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 Manchester
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) Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries 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 lessen pain.
CONTACT Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries
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 explained to be
relieving for low back pain due to disc degeneration without a new or artificial
disc!
Schedule your next Manchester chiropractic
appointment at Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries today. Your “bad” discs will thank you. Your improved
quality of life will thank you.