The nutritional aspect of lumbar spinal disc degeneration seemed
to be a hot topic this past month. The studies’ findings point to
a few things we can do to address disc degeneration. At Satterwhite Chiropractic, we encourage 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
Some current 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 exacerbate spinal
degeneration in patients with lumbar disc herniation, demonstrating
just how much systemic factors like general health can influence
spinal health. On the other hand, Feng et al. (2) dove into the world of mitophagy—the
process of cleaning out damaged mitochondria—within vital
parts of intervertebral discs like the nucleus pulposus, annulus fibrosus, and
cartilage endplate. Their work offers exciting insights
into possible therapies for reducing
or even reversing disc degeneration. What does this imply for our daily lives? It’s apparent that spinal degeneration isn’t caused
by just one event or issue—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 address the root causes. Certainly,
a deeper understanding of the elaborate
cellular processes that propel degeneration is helpful, but lifestyle
factors like diet, exercise, stress management, and nutrition are practical.
Oxford CHIROPRACTIC NUTRITION TIP: Enhance Quercitrin
and Vitamin D Levels
Recent research papers also pointed
out a few tips that can help manage disc degeneration. Wu et
al (3) explored how the compound quercitrin could help treat 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 being low in Vitamin D can aggravate spinal disc degeneration by stimulating
processes that break down the supportive tissue in the discs. Let’s maybe look
at upping quercitrin and Vitamin D to your daily nutrition
program? We’ll talk at your next Oxford chiropractic
appointment.
WHAT TO DO?
Don’t let disc degeneration stress you out.
The reality is that spinal degeneration is a natural part of
aging, but taking charge of your spinal health early on
can make a big difference. By understanding the factors at
play and adopting preventative measures, we can delay or
even negate the impact of spinal degeneration, keeping our spines stronger and healthier for
longer. It’s 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 optimize clinical
outcomes.
CONTACT Satterwhite Chiropractic
Make your Oxford chiropractic
appointment with Satterwhite Chiropractic now.