Future Possibilities for Growing Manchester Degenerated Discs

Bad discs. Old discs. Flat discs. None of them sound appealing at all! 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 because of the pain and loss of function. (Additionally low back pain costs $12.2 to 90.6 million in the US!) So what would we want? What about a NEW disc? Of course, Manchester back pain sufferers with degenerated discs would love a new disc. Unfortunately, they have been tried. They are metal, and the body does not always take to them very well. They do not always give all the function we dream of. Sometimes they simply fail. What is next? Researchers are wondering that, too. While they do that, your Manchester chiropractor at Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries will keep offering what research shows is working now: spinal mobilization and nutritional supplements with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate and other chiropractic services. See what’s happening currently with all of these things.

BAD DISCS

In a new study, 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 typically affected by the degeneration which ultimately changed 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 deal with new disc formation…natural and artificial.

GROWING A NEW SPINE – NUTRITION vs LAB

Treatment for degenerated discs usually concentrates on relief of the pain and discomfort they produce. NSAIDs, PT, massage, acupuncture, chiropractic and nutritional supplements were usual ways in this study. Artificial discs need some more time as they do not always assimilate into the spinal tissue nor return structure and function as desired. New disc replacement research is focusing 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 metabolism and cellular environment of the disc. The excitement 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 needed. They have low toxicity. They may be good for treatment of Manchester osteoarthritis and degenerated discs. (4) Researchers note that there is a long road ahead yet for hydrogels to prove themselves. Meanwhile, Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries offers current research-supported option of Manchester 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 Manchester 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) Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries uses 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 lessen pain.

CONTACT Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries

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 Manchester chiropractic appointment at Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries today. Your “bad” discs will thank you. Your improved quality of life will thank you.

Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries offers conservative care for degenerated, bad discs to help back pain sufferers enjoy their lives now. 
 
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"This information and website content is not intended to diagnose, guarantee results, or recommend specific treatment or activity. It is designed to educate and inform only. Please consult your physician for a thorough examination leading to a diagnosis and well-planned treatment strategy. See more details on the DISCLAIMER page. Content is reviewed by Dr. James M. Cox I."