Future Possibilities for Growing Murfreesboro Degenerated Discs
Bad discs. Old discs. Flat discs. None of them sound appealing 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 will miss work days, fun days, and financial opportunities due to the pain and loss of function. (Plus $12.2 to 90.6 million in the US is spent on low back pain treatment!) So what would we want? What about a NEW disc? Of course, Murfreesboro back pain sufferers with degenerated discs would love a new disc. Unfortunately, they have been tried. They’re metal, and the body does not always take to them very well. They do not continually give all the function we dream of. Sometimes they simply fail. What’s next? Researchers are working on that. While they do that, your Murfreesboro chiropractor at Most Chiropractic Clinic will keep using what research shows currently works: spinal mobilization and nutritional supplements with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate and other chiropractic services. See what’s happening now with all of these things.
BAD DISCS
In a recent study, 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 affected by the degeneration which ultimately changed the whole spine’s biomechanics. Degenerative changes to the disc spread 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 focuses on relief of the pain and discomfort they cause. NSAIDs, PT, massage, acupuncture, chiropractic and nutritional supplements were typical approaches in this study. Artificial discs need some more time as they don’t always assimilate 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 incorporation of the new disc material. There is a long way to go for this as researchers study the metabolism and cellular environment of the disc. The enthusiasm for disc repair and regeneration grows. (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 needed. They have low toxicity. They may be good for treatment of Murfreesboro osteoarthritis and degenerated discs. (4) Researchers note that there is a need for more study yet for hydrogels to prove themselves. In the meantime, Most Chiropractic Clinic utilizes current research-supported option of Murfreesboro spinal mobilization and nutrition.
DEALING WITH THE SPINE AS IT IS NOW - MOBILIZATION
Until the “growing a new spine” idea and artificial disc get developed more fully, your Murfreesboro 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 decreasing 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) Most Chiropractic Clinic uses 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 reduce pain.
CONTACT Most Chiropractic Clinic
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 Murfreesboro chiropractic appointment at Most Chiropractic Clinic today. Your “bad” discs will thank you. Your improved quality of life will thank you.
