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Future Possibilities for Growing Richmond Degenerated Discs

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.

Johnson Chiropractic offers conservative care for degenerated, bad discs to help back pain sufferers enjoy their lives now. 
 
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"This information and website content is not intended to diagnose, guarantee results, or recommend specific treatment or activity. It is designed to educate and inform only. Please consult your physician for a thorough examination leading to a diagnosis and well-planned treatment strategy. See more details on the DISCLAIMER page. Content is reviewed by Dr. James M. Cox I."