Bad discs. Old discs. Flat discs. None of them sound attractive
in the least! But 80% of us will feel 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. (Additionally low back pain costs $12.2
to 90.6 million in the US!) So what would we like?
What about a NEW disc? Of course, Ashburn back pain
sufferers with degenerated discs would love a new disc. Unfortunately,
they’ve been tried. They are metal, and the body does
not always take to them very well. They don’t continually
give all the function we want. Sometimes they simply fail. What’s next? Researchers are working on that. While they do that, your Ashburn
chiropractor at Poulin Chiropractic of Herndon and Ashburn will keep offering what research shows
currently works:
spinal mobilization and nutritional supplements with glucosamine and chondroitin
sulfate and other chiropractic services. See what is
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 typically altered by the degeneration
which eventually altered the whole
spine’s biomechanics. Degenerative changes to the disc extended to
the structures around 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 deal with new disc formation…natural and
artificial.
GROWING A NEW SPINE – NUTRITION vs LAB
Treatment for degenerated discs typically concentrates
on relief of the pain and discomfort they cause. NSAIDs, PT,
massage, acupuncture, chiropractic and nutritional supplements were usual
approaches in this study.
Artificial discs need some more time as they don’t always integrate into the spinal tissue nor
return structure and function as expected. New disc replacement
research is centering on tissue engineering and regeneration to boost
the body’s acceptance of the new disc material. There is a
long road ahead for this as researchers study the disc’s metabolism and cellular environment. The enthusiasm 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 Ashburn osteoarthritis and degenerated discs. (4) Researchers say
that there is a long road ahead yet for hydrogels
to prove themselves. Meanwhile,
Poulin Chiropractic of Herndon and Ashburn offers current research-supported option
of Ashburn spinal mobilization and nutrition.
DEALING WITH THE SPINE AS IT IS NOW - MOBILIZATION
Until the “growing a new spine” idea and artificial
disc get perfected, your Ashburn
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) Poulin Chiropractic of Herndon and Ashburn 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 Poulin Chiropractic of Herndon and Ashburn
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 Ashburn chiropractic
appointment at Poulin Chiropractic of Herndon and Ashburn today. Your “bad” discs will thank you. Your improved
quality of life will thank you.