The role nutrition plays
in lumbar spinal disc degeneration has been a key focus recently.
Research highlights several strategies to address this condition. At
Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka, we typically set up a comprehensive approach: easing
pain through Cox® spinal manipulation and supporting disc health with enhnanced
diet and nutrition.
DISC DEGENERATION INFLUENCES: Metabolic and Cellular Processes
Recent 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, showing
just how much systemic factors like general health can impact
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 potential therapies for reducing
or even reversing disc degeneration. What does this mean
for us? It’s apparent that spinal degeneration isn’t caused
by just one thing—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 appreciation of the elaborate
cellular processes that drive degeneration is helpful, but lifestyle
factors like diet, exercise, stress management, and nutrition are sensible.
Sitka CHIROPRACTIC NUTRITION TIP: Enhance Quercitrin
and Vitamin D Levels
Recent research studies also pointed
out a few tips that can help contain disc degeneration. Wu et
al (3) investigated 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 handling
disc degeneration. Li et al (4) explained how a
lack of Vitamin D can worsen spinal disc degeneration by stimulating
processes that break down the supportive tissue in the discs. Let’s maybe look
at upping quercitrin and Vitamin D to your daily regimen? We’ll talk at your next Sitka chiropractic
appointment.
WHAT TO DO?
Don’t let disc degeneration stress you out.
The reality is that spinal degeneration is a natural part of
aging, but taking charge of your spinal health sooner than later
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’s 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 enhance clinical
outcomes.
CONTACT Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka
Make your Sitka chiropractic
appointment with Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka soon.