Bad discs. Old discs. Flat discs. None of them sound attractive
in the least! But 80% of us will experience them some
time in our 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 due to the
pain and loss of function. (Plus $12.2 to 90.6 million in the US is spent on low back
pain treatment!) So what would we like?
How about a NEW disc? Of course, Richmond back pain
sufferers with degenerated discs would really like a new disc. Unfortunately,
they’ve been tried. They’re 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 just
plain fail. What is next? Researchers are working on that. While they do that, your Richmond
chiropractor at Johnson Chiropractic will keep offering what research documents
currently works:
spinal mobilization and nutritional supplements with glucosamine and chondroitin
sulfate and other chiropractic services. Read on for what’s
happening currently with all of these things.
BAD DISCS
In a recent report, the loss of
proteoglycans was a central issue in intervertebral disc degeneration, natural
disc failure. The central part of the disc – the nucleus pulposus –
was most commonly affected by the degeneration
which eventually 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 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 have a way to go 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 road ahead 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 necessary. They have low toxicity. They may be good for treatment
of Richmond osteoarthritis and degenerated discs. (4) Researchers say
that there is a need for more study yet for hydrogels
to develop. In the meantime,
Johnson Chiropractic utilizes current research-supported preference
of Richmond spinal mobilization and nutrition.
DEALING WITH THE SPINE AS IT IS NOW - MOBILIZATION
Until the “growing a new spine” idea and artificial
disc get developed more fully, your Richmond
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 interchangeable in medical papers. (1) Johnson Chiropractic offers
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 Johnson Chiropractic
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 Richmond chiropractic
appointment at Johnson Chiropractic today. Your “bad” discs will thank you. Your improved
quality of life will thank you.