The nutritional aspect of lumbar spinal disc degeneration seemed
to be a hot topic this past month. The studies’ findings point to
a few things we can do to address disc degeneration. At Chiropractic Spine Sports And Rehabilitation, we typically
follow a multi-pronged approach to managing disc
degeneration: reducing 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 overall health can influence
spinal health. On the other hand, Feng et al. (2) dove into the world of mitophagy—the
process of clearing out damaged mitochondria—within key
parts of intervertebral discs like the nucleus pulposus, annulus fibrosus, and
cartilage endplate. Their work offers exciting insights
into potential therapies for decelerating
or even reversing disc degeneration. What does this imply for our daily lives? It’s apparent that spinal degeneration isn’t caused
by just one event or issue—it’s a complex process influenced
by both systemic issues, like metabolic health, and cellular mechanisms, like
mitophagy. This signals the need for a well-rounded approach to
spinal care, one that goes beyond just managing
symptoms to tackle the root causes. Indeed,
a deeper understanding of the intricate
cellular processes that drive degeneration is helpful, but lifestyle
factors like diet, exercise, stress management, and nutrition are practical.
Tonawanda 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 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 a
lack of Vitamin D can worsen spinal disc degeneration by triggering
processes that break down the supportive tissue in the discs. Let’s maybe look
at adding quercitrin and Vitamin D to your daily nutrition
program? We’ll chat at your next Tonawanda 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 early on
can make a huge difference. By understanding the factors involved and adopting protective measures, we can delay or
even negate the impact of spinal degeneration, keeping our spines stronger and healthier for
longer. It is never too early—or too late—to begin
taking care of your spine!
Listen to this PODCAST
with Dr. James Cox on The
Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he
illustrates the importance of spinal nutrition in The Cox®
Technic System of Spinal Pain Management to enhance clinical
outcomes.
CONTACT Chiropractic Spine Sports And Rehabilitation
Make your Tonawanda chiropractic
appointment with Chiropractic Spine Sports And Rehabilitation today.