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 Chiropractic Solutions, we usually set up 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
interesting connections between our metabolic and cellular
processes and their role in spinal degeneration. For instance, Guo et al. (1) wrote
about how metabolic syndrome can worsen 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 reducing
or even reversing disc degeneration. What does this mean
for us? It’s apparent that spinal degeneration isn’t caused
by just one thing—it’s a complex process influenced
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 goes beyond just handling
symptoms to address the root causes. Indeed,
a deeper understanding of the intricate
cellular processes that propel degeneration is helpful, but lifestyle
factors like diet, exercise, stress management, and nutrition are practical.
San Jose CHIROPRACTIC NUTRITION TIP: Enhance Quercitrin
and Vitamin D Levels
Recent research reports also featured a few tips that can help contain disc degeneration. Wu et
al (3) explored how the compound quercitrin could help treat spinal disc degeneration by reducing
inflammation and preventing cell damage. Incorporating quercitrin
into future therapies may offer a favorable solution for handling
disc degeneration. Li et al (4) detailed how being low in Vitamin D can aggravate spinal disc degeneration by stimulating
processes that break down the supportive tissue in the discs. Let’s maybe consider upping quercitrin and Vitamin D to your daily nutrition
program? We’ll talk at your next San Jose chiropractic
appointment.
WHAT TO DO?
Don’t let disc degeneration bother you.
The reality is that spinal degeneration comes with aging, but taking charge of your spinal health sooner than later
can make a huge difference. By understanding the factors at
play and adopting preventative measures, we can delay or
even negate the impact of spinal degeneration, keeping our spines stronger and healthier for
longer. It’s 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 enhance clinical
outcomes.
CONTACT Chiropractic Solutions
Make your San Jose chiropractic
appointment with Chiropractic Solutions today.