Bad discs. Old discs. Flat discs. None of them sound appealing
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 lose
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 want?
How about a NEW disc? Of course, Oxford back pain
sufferers with degenerated discs would really like 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 want. Sometimes they simply fail. What’s next? Researchers are wondering that,
too. While they do that, your Oxford
chiropractor at Satterwhite Chiropractic will keep using what research documents
currently works:
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 recent study, 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 altered the whole
spine’s biomechanics. Degenerative changes to the disc spread to
the structures surrounding the disc, leading to increased
risk of injury and functional change. (3)
This natural loss of proteoglycans has researchers thinking about
how to more naturally address new disc formation…natural and
artificial.
GROWING A NEW SPINE – NUTRITION vs LAB
Treatment for degenerated discs usually 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 centering 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 excitement for disc
repair and regeneration grows. (2) More precisely
hydrogels are biomaterial regenerative medicine and research is exploring.
They hold water and cells (like real discs!). They can be injected and modified
as needed. They have low toxicity. They may be good for treatment
of Oxford osteoarthritis and degenerated discs. (4) Researchers note
that there is a long road ahead yet for hydrogels
to develop. Meanwhile,
Satterwhite Chiropractic utilizes current research-supported option
of Oxford 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 Oxford
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) Satterwhite Chiropractic offers
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 Satterwhite 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 explained to be
relieving for low back pain due to disc degeneration without a new or artificial
disc!
Schedule your next Oxford chiropractic
appointment at Satterwhite Chiropractic today. Your “bad” discs will thank you. Your boosted
quality of life will thank you.