Future Possibilities for Growing San Jose Degenerated Discs
Bad discs. Old discs. Flat discs. None of them sound attractive in the least! But 80% of us will experience 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. (Plus low back pain costs $12.2 to 90.6 million in the US!) So what would we like? How about a NEW disc? Of course, San Jose back pain sufferers with degenerated discs would really like a new disc. Unfortunately, they have been tried. They are metal, and the body doesn’t always take to them very well. They don’t 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 San Jose chiropractor at Chiropractic Solutions will keep using what research shows currently works: spinal mobilization and nutritional supplements with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate and other chiropractic services. See what is happening currently with all of these things.
BAD DISCS
In a new report, 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 commonly affected by the degeneration which ultimately changed the whole spine’s biomechanics. Degenerative changes to the disc extended to the structures surrounding the disc, leading to increased risk of injury and functional change. (3) This natural loss of proteoglycans has researchers thinking about how to more naturally address new disc formation…natural and artificial.
GROWING A NEW SPINE – NUTRITION vs LAB
Treatment for degenerated discs usually focuses on relief of the pain and discomfort they produce. 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 desired. New disc replacement research is focusing on tissue engineering and regeneration to boost the body’s acceptance of the new disc material. There is a long road ahead for this as researchers study the disc’s metabolism and cellular environment. The enthusiasm for disc repair and regeneration intensifies. (2) More precisely hydrogels are biomaterial regenerative medicine and research is exploring. They hold water and cells (like real discs!). They can be injected and modified as needed. They have low toxicity. They may be good for treatment of San Jose osteoarthritis and degenerated discs. (4) Researchers note that there is a long road ahead yet for hydrogels to develop. Meanwhile, Chiropractic Solutions utilizes current research-supported option of San Jose spinal mobilization and nutrition.
DEALING WITH THE SPINE AS IT IS NOW - MOBILIZATION
Until the “growing a new spine” idea and artificial disc are developed more fully, your San Jose chiropractor is here to help with the one you have. Nutrition helps. Spinal mobilization helps. A recent paper pronounced 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) Chiropractic Solutions 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 lessen pain.
CONTACT Chiropractic Solutions
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 San Jose chiropractic appointment at Chiropractic Solutions today. Your “bad” discs will thank you. Your improved quality of life will thank you.
