Call us to set up an appointment! 334-209-1616

Auburn Chiropractic Care of an Aging Spine: Nutrition & Manipulation

Wrinkles, frown lines, smile lines, disc degeneration…natural events with growing older (and, might we add, wiser!). (Dr. Le's Chiropractic & Wellness, L.L.C. takes care of many wise Auburn chiropractic patients!) Discs degenerate. In fact, discs are reported to start degenerating in the 2nd decade of life. By your 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, it would be less unusual to not have disc degeneration. Today’s research is presenting some promise in the care of disc degeneration with even the potential being floated in the literature of potential disc regeneration. This is amazing to your Auburn chiropractor and to chiropractic patients everywhere!

THE ROLE OF THE DISC

The disc is the spine’s shock absorber. The disc resists the compressive loads put on the spine during movement. How is it able to do this? It has an elevated proteoglycan aggrecan content. Proteolysis is aggrecan loss that happens with degeneration. Researchers propose that restoration of aggrecan loss in the nucleus of the disc is probable via cells that can synthesize aggrecan and be supported by the disc’s matrix. (1) This gives hope to exploration of possible disc regeneration and its potential to ease back pain.

AGING AND DISC DEGENERATION

Disc degeneration is a well-documented cause of low back pain. What makes up a disc? Aggrecan is the key component. Aggrecan is the key proteoglycan structure in the extracellular matrix that forms the disc. Aggrecan is substantial, made up of varied glycosaminoglycan chains. It can form more aggregates when joined with hyaluronan. The glycosaminoglycan chains are negatively charged and bind to water molecules which are necessary to keep the disc hydrated enough to permit the disc to withstand compressive loading it is made to do. (2) Disc degeneration comes down to the molecules that make up the disc. Dr. Le's Chiropractic & Wellness, L.L.C. gets down there, also! These authors suggest that aggrecan-based therapies for disc regeneration may well be possible.

THERAPY FOR POTENTIAL DISC REGENERATION

Chondroitin sulfate is showing itself to be such a therapy. Chondroitin sulfate’s potential benefit was first discussed clear back in 1966 by Cole, Ghosh and Taylor. Chondroitin sulfate is explained as being the source of glycosaminoglycan synthesis in the disc. (3,4,5) Combining nutrition with distraction spinal manipulation showed promise for potential disc regeneration. (6) Dr. Le's Chiropractic & Wellness, L.L.C. incorporates spinal disc nutrition with spinal distraction manipulation for the best possible clinical outcome.

CONTACT Dr. Le's Chiropractic & Wellness, L.L.C.

Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Tyler Lomnicki on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he describes The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management incorporation of gentle distraction manipulation and nutrition for this patient’s relief and management of disc herniation pain.

Schedule your Auburn chiropractic appointment today. We do not fret over aging’s changes. We encourage you to embrace them and the wisdom they bring and embrace a Auburn chiropractic treatment plan to deal with them.
 
Dr. Le's Chiropractic & Wellness, L.L.C. sets individual treatment plans for patients with disc degeneration, a result of normal aging process, that eases back pain and holds hope for regeneration.  
« View All Nutrition Articles
"This information and website content is not intended to diagnose, guarantee results, or recommend specific treatment or activity. It is designed to educate and inform only. Please consult your physician for a thorough examination leading to a diagnosis and well-planned treatment strategy. See more details on the DISCLAIMER page. Content is reviewed by Dr. James M. Cox I."