Nutritional Approaches to Managing Oxford Disc Degeneration
The nutritional aspect of lumbar spinal disc degeneration seemed to be a hot topic this past month. The studies’ findings highlight a few things we can do to address disc degeneration. At Satterwhite Chiropractic, we typically follow 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
Recent research has been revealing fascinating 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, showing just how much systemic factors like overall health can impact spinal health. On the other hand, Feng et al. (2) dove into the world of mitophagy—the process of clearing out damaged mitochondria—within key parts of intervertebral discs like the nucleus pulposus, annulus fibrosus, and cartilage endplate. Their work offers stimulating insights into potential therapies for decelerating or even reversing disc degeneration. What does this imply for our daily lives? It’s clear that spinal degeneration isn’t initiated by just one thing—it’s a complex process swayed by both systemic issues, like metabolic health, and cellular mechanisms, like mitophagy. This indicates the need for a well-rounded approach to spinal care, one that is more than just handling symptoms to address the root causes. Certainly, a deeper understanding of the intricate cellular processes that propel degeneration is helpful, but lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, stress management, and nutrition are sensible.
Oxford CHIROPRACTIC NUTRITION TIP: Enhance Quercitrin and Vitamin D Levels
Recent research papers also featured a few tips that can help contain disc degeneration. Wu et al (3) explored how the compound quercitrin could assist in the treatment of spinal disc degeneration by reducing inflammation and preventing cell damage. Adding quercitrin into future therapies may offer a favorable solution for managing disc degeneration. Li et al (4) detailed how being low in Vitamin D can aggravate spinal disc degeneration by triggering processes that break down the supportive tissue in the discs. Let’s maybe look at adding quercitrin and Vitamin D to your daily nutrition program? We’ll chat 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 sooner than later can make a huge difference. By understanding the factors at play and adopting preventative measures, we can delay or even negate the impact of spinal degeneration, maintaining strong and healthy spines for longer. It is 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.
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