Bad discs. Old discs. Flat discs. None of them sound appealing
in the least! But 80% of us will experience them at some point in 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 because of the
pain and loss of function. (Additionally $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, West Des Moines back pain
sufferers with degenerated discs would love a new disc. Unfortunately,
they’ve been tried. They’re metal, and the body doesn’t always take to them very well. They do not always
give all the function we want. Sometimes they simply fail. What is next? Researchers are working on that. While they do that, your West Des Moines
chiropractor at Executive Chiropractic of Iowa will keep offering what research shows
is working now:
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 new report, the loss of
proteoglycans was a central issue in intervertebral disc degeneration, natural
disc failure. The inner part of the disc – the nucleus pulposus –
was most commonly affected by the degeneration
which ultimately altered 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 thinking about
how to more naturally address 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 usual
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 enthusiasm for disc
repair and regeneration grows. (2) More specifically
hydrogels are biomaterial regenerative medicine and research is exploring.
They hold water and cells (like real discs!). They can be injected and adapted
as needed. They have low toxicity. They may be good for treatment
of West Des Moines osteoarthritis and degenerated discs. (4) Researchers say
that there is a long road ahead yet for hydrogels
to prove themselves. In the meantime,
Executive Chiropractic of Iowa utilizes current research-supported preference
of West Des Moines 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 West Des Moines
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) Executive Chiropractic of Iowa 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 reduce pain.
CONTACT Executive Chiropractic of Iowa
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 West Des Moines chiropractic
appointment at Executive Chiropractic of Iowa today. Your “bad” discs will thank you. Your boosted
quality of life will thank you.