Nutritional Approaches to Managing McHenry Disc Degeneration
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 OrthoIllinois Chiropractic, we typically follow 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 uncovering 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 exacerbate spinal degeneration in patients with lumbar disc herniation, showing just how much systemic factors like general health can affect spinal health. On the other hand, Feng et al. (2) dove into the world of mitophagy—the process of cleaning 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 slowing or even reversing disc degeneration. What does this imply for our daily lives? It’s clear that spinal degeneration isn’t caused 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 signals the need for a well-rounded approach to spinal care, one that goes beyond just handling 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.
McHenry CHIROPRACTIC NUTRITION TIP: Enhance Quercitrin and Vitamin D Levels
Recent research papers also pointed out a few tips that can help contain 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 promising solution for handling disc degeneration. Li et al (4) explained how a lack of Vitamin D can worsen spinal disc degeneration by starting processes that break down the supportive tissue in the discs. Let’s maybe consider upping quercitrin and Vitamin D to your daily regimen? We’ll chat at your next McHenry 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 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 describes the importance of spinal nutrition in The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management to optimize clinical outcomes.
CONTACT OrthoIllinois Chiropractic
Make your McHenry chiropractic appointment with OrthoIllinois Chiropractic soon.
