The nutritional aspect of lumbar spinal disc degeneration seemed
to be a hot topic this past month. The studies’ findings highlight
a few things we can do to address disc degeneration. At Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries, we encourage a multi-pronged approach to managing disc
degeneration: decreasing pain with Cox® spinal manipulation and
promoting healthier discs with better diet and nutrition.
DISC DEGENERATION INFLUENCES: Metabolic and Cellular Processes
Some current research has been revealing
fascinating connections between our metabolic and cellular
processes and their role in spinal degeneration. For instance, Guo et al. (1) found that metabolic syndrome can exacerbate spinal
degeneration in patients with lumbar disc herniation, demonstrating
just how much systemic factors like general health can influence
spinal health. On the other hand, Feng et al. (2) explored mitophagy—the
process of clearing out damaged mitochondria—within critical components of
intervertebral discs, including the nucleus pulposus, annulus fibrosus, and
cartilage endplate. Their work offers stimulating insights
into potential therapies for decelerating
or even reversing disc degeneration. What does this imply for our daily lives? It’s clear that spinal degeneration isn’t initiated
by just one event or issue—it’s a complex process swayed
by both systemic issues, like metabolic health, and cellular mechanisms, like
mitophagy. This indicates the need for a well-rounded approach to
spinal care, one that is more than just managing
symptoms to tackle the underlying causes. Indeed,
a deeper understanding of the elaborate
cellular processes that drive degeneration is helpful, but lifestyle
factors like diet, exercise, stress management, and nutrition are sensible.
Manchester CHIROPRACTIC NUTRITION TIP: Enhance Quercitrin
and Vitamin D Levels
Recent research reports also featured a few tips that can help manage disc degeneration. Wu et
al (3) investigated how the compound quercitrin could help treat spinal disc degeneration by decreasing
inflammation and preventing cell damage. Adding quercitrin
into future therapies may offer a favorable solution for handling
disc degeneration. Li et al (4) explained how a
lack of Vitamin D can aggravate spinal disc degeneration by starting
processes that break down the supportive tissue in the discs. Let’s maybe look
at upping quercitrin and Vitamin D to your daily regimen? We’ll talk at your next Manchester chiropractic
appointment.
WHAT TO DO?
Don’t let disc degeneration bother you.
The reality is that spinal degeneration is a natural part of
aging, but taking charge of your spinal health early on
can make a huge difference. By understanding the factors involved and adopting protective measures, we can delay or
even minimize the impact of spinal degeneration, keeping our spines stronger and healthier for
longer. It is never too early—or too late—to start
taking care of your spine!
Listen to this PODCAST
with Dr. James Cox on The
Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he
describes the importance of spinal nutrition in The Cox®
Technic System of Spinal Pain Management to optimize clinical
outcomes.
CONTACT Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries
Make your Manchester chiropractic
appointment with Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries soon.