Wrinkles, frown lines, smile lines, disc
degeneration…natural events with growing older (and, might we add, wiser!).
(Many Ashburn chiropractic patients visiting Poulin Chiropractic of Herndon and Ashburn are quite wise!) Discs degenerate. In fact, discs are stated to start
degenerating in the 2nd decade of life. By your 40s, 50s, 60s,
70s, 80s, 90s, it would be less common to not see disc
degeneration. Research today is presenting
some promise in the care of disc degeneration with even the possibility
being put forward in the literature of possible
disc regeneration. This is amazing to your Ashburn
chiropractor and to chiropractic patients everywhere!
THE ROLE OF THE DISC
The disc is the spine’s shock absorber. The
disc opposes the compressive loads put on the spine during
movement. How is it able to do this? Its a high
proteoglycan aggrecan content. Proteolysis is aggrecan loss
that happens with degeneration. Researchers propose
that restoration of aggrecan loss in the nucleus of the disc is probable
via cells that can synthesize aggrecan and be supported by the
disc’s matrix. (1) This offers
hope to exploration of probable disc regeneration
and its potential to relieve back pain.
AGING AND DISC DEGENERATION
Disc degeneration is a well-acknowledged source
of low back pain. What makes up a disc? Aggrecan is
the key component. Aggrecan is the key proteoglycan
structure in the extracellular matrix that makes up the disc.
Aggrecan is substantial, made up of many
glycosaminoglycan chains. It can create more aggregates when joined
with hyaluronan. The glycosaminoglycan chains are negatively charged and bind
to water molecules which are necessary to keep the disc hydrated enough to allow the disc to withstand
compressive loading it is designed to do. (2) Disc degeneration comes down
to the molecules that form the disc. Poulin Chiropractic of Herndon and Ashburn gets down
there, also! These authors posit that aggrecan-based
therapies for disc regeneration are possible.
THERAPY FOR POTENTIAL DISC REGENERATION
Chondroitin sulfate is proving to be
such a therapy. Chondroitin sulfate’s potential benefit was first
discussed as far back as 1966 by Cole, Ghosh and Taylor. Chondroitin
sulfate is explained as being the source of glycosaminoglycan
synthesis in the disc. (3,4,5) Combining nutrition with
distraction spinal manipulation indicated promise
for potential disc regeneration. (6) Poulin Chiropractic of Herndon and Ashburn incorporates
spinal disc nutrition with spinal distraction manipulation for the best possible
clinical outcome.
CONTACT Poulin Chiropractic of Herndon and Ashburn
Listen to this PODCAST
with Dr. Tyler Lomnicki on The
Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he describes
The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management integration
of gentle distraction manipulation and nutrition for this patient’s relief and
management of disc herniation pain.