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 Hollstrom & Associates Inc, we encourage 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 revealing
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 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 vital
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 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 is more than just managing
symptoms to address the root causes. Certainly,
a deeper understanding of the elaborate
cellular processes that propel degeneration is helpful, but lifestyle
factors like diet, exercise, stress management, and nutrition are practical.
Largo CHIROPRACTIC NUTRITION TIP: Enhance Quercitrin
and Vitamin D Levels
Recent research reports also featured a few tips that can help contain 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. Incorporating quercitrin
into future therapies may offer a promising solution for managing
disc degeneration. Li et al (4) explained 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 consider adding quercitrin and Vitamin D to your daily nutrition
program? We’ll talk at your next Largo 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 huge difference. By understanding the factors at
play 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 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
illustrates the importance of spinal nutrition in The Cox®
Technic System of Spinal Pain Management to optimize clinical
outcomes.
CONTACT Hollstrom & Associates Inc
Make your Largo chiropractic
appointment with Hollstrom & Associates Inc soon.