The nutritional aspect of lumbar spinal disc degeneration appeared
to be a hot topic this past month. The studies’ findings point to
a few things we can do to address disc degeneration. At OrthoIllinois Chiropractic, 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) 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 possible 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 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 managing
symptoms to tackle the root causes. Indeed,
a deeper understanding of the elaborate
cellular processes that propel degeneration is helpful, but lifestyle
factors like diet, exercise, stress management, and nutrition are sensible.
McHenry CHIROPRACTIC NUTRITION TIP: Enhance Quercitrin
and Vitamin D Levels
Recent research papers also featured a few tips that can help manage disc degeneration. Wu et
al (3) explored how the compound quercitrin could assist
in the treatment of spinal disc degeneration by decreasing
inflammation and preventing cell damage. Adding quercitrin
into future therapies may offer a favorable solution for managing
disc degeneration. Li et al (4) detailed how being low in Vitamin D can worsen spinal disc degeneration by triggering
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 chat at your next McHenry chiropractic
appointment.
WHAT TO DO?
Don’t let disc degeneration stress you out.
The reality is that spinal degeneration comes with aging, but taking charge of your spinal health sooner than later
can make a big difference. By understanding the factors at
play and adopting preventative measures, we can delay or
even minimize the impact of spinal degeneration, maintaining
strong and healthy spines 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 OrthoIllinois Chiropractic
Schedule your McHenry chiropractic
appointment with OrthoIllinois Chiropractic now.