Bad discs. Old discs. Flat discs. None of them sound attractive
in the least! But 80% of us will feel them at some point in life. (1) 5.7 million people a year in the
US suffer with spine related injuries. (2) We’ll miss
work days, fun days, and financial opportunities due to the
pain and loss of function. (Plus $12.2 to 90.6 million in the US is spent on low back
pain treatment!) So what would we like?
What about a NEW disc? Of course, Montreal 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 do not 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 Montreal
chiropractor at Dr. Hoang's Chiropractic Clinic will keep using what research documents
is working now:
spinal mobilization and nutritional supplements with glucosamine and chondroitin
sulfate and other chiropractic services. See what is
happening now with all of these things.
BAD DISCS
In a recent 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 altered by the degeneration
which ultimately influenced the whole
spine’s biomechanics. Degenerative changes to the disc spread to
the structures surrounding the disc, leading to increased
risk of injury and functional change. (3)
This natural loss of proteoglycans has researchers working on
how to more naturally address new disc formation…natural and
artificial.
GROWING A NEW SPINE – NUTRITION vs LAB
Treatment for degenerated discs typically 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 have a way to go as they do
not always integrate 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 incorporation of the new disc material. There is a
long road ahead for this as researchers study the disc’s metabolism and cellular environment. The excitement for disc
repair and regeneration grows. (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 adapted
as necessary. They have low toxicity. They may be good for treatment
of Montreal osteoarthritis and degenerated discs. (4) Researchers note
that there is a need for more study yet for hydrogels
to develop. In the meantime,
Dr. Hoang's Chiropractic Clinic offers current research-supported preference
of Montreal spinal mobilization and nutrition.
DEALING WITH THE SPINE AS IT IS NOW - MOBILIZATION
Until the “growing a new spine” idea and artificial
disc get developed more fully, your Montreal
chiropractor is here to help with the one you have. Nutrition helps. Spinal
mobilization helps. A recent paper asserted spinal
mobilization as a most preferred approach for reducing 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) Dr. Hoang's Chiropractic Clinic offers
Cox®
Technic, a non-thrust manipulation treatment that is gentle and relieving. 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 reduce pain.
CONTACT Dr. Hoang's Chiropractic Clinic
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 described
relieving for low back pain due to disc degeneration without a new or artificial
disc!
Schedule your next Montreal chiropractic
appointment at Dr. Hoang's Chiropractic Clinic today. Your “bad” discs will thank you. Your improved
quality of life will thank you.