How to Help Future Proof Your Spine from Degenerative Disc Disease

​Degenerative disc disease(DDD) is a condition that affects the intervertebral discs of the spine, often leading to pain, stiffness and a reduction in range of motion. As we age, the discs between out vertebrate loose their flexibility, hydration, and elasticity. It is common for DDD suffers to experience symptoms such as back pain, numbness, and weakness in the limbs.
 
In the geriatric population, many individuals are diagnosed with DDD due to back pain, and it is often accompanied by conditions such as radiculopathy, myelopathy, spinal stenosis, degenerative spondylolisthesis, and herniation.(1) The cause of DDD is complex and multifactorial. However, research has indicated that genetic expression influences intervertebral disc(IVD) health, while occupational and mechanical factors are significant risk contributors.(1) For instances, a study showed over 90% of professional soccer players have at least one spinal degeneration condition.(2) This is concurrent with Olympian shows a high rate of DDD in cervical and lumbar spine.(3)
 
A key component of the IVD is type 1/ alpha collagen
Think of our IVDs like rubber car tyres. They have great tensile strength, are strong and tough, and can bend and twist. The outer layer, annulus fibrosis, of our IVD is made up of type 1 collagen, this helps to resist over stretching and mechanical stress. Here are some tips to promote IVD health.
 

1. Avoid inactivity - This reduces the strength of supporting muscles, and decrease hydration and nutrient supply to the disc.
2. Avoid smoking.
3. Avoid sugar and refined carbohydrates.
4. Increase intake of collagen - it can be found in both broth, chicken, fish and egg whites.
5. Increase intake of vitamin C - helps with collagen synthesis.

 
Manual therapies like chiropractic, can provide a non-invasive and drug free approach to maintain spinal health, relieve pressure on the damaged disc and nerves, reduce the level of back pain and improved function. Decompression techniques to gently stretch the spine, increase space between the IVDs and promote greater blood flow to the area for healing. Chiropractic care coupled with exercises and a good balanced diet, is key to longevity of spinal health.
 
If you are eager to learn more, be sure to check out our previous blogs!
 
 
 
 
 
Reference

1.         Hemanta D, Jiang X-x, Feng Z-z, Chen Z-x, Cao Y-w. Etiology for Degenerative Disc Disease. Chinese Medical Sciences Journal. 2016;31(3):185-91.
2.         Bezuglov E, Lazarev A, Petrov A, Brodskaia A, Lyubushkina A, Kubacheva K, et al. Asymptomatic Degenerative Changes in the Lumbar Spine Among Professional Soccer Players. Spine. 2021;46(2):122-8.
3.         Abdalkader M, Guermazi A, Engebretsen L, Roemer FW, Jarraya M, Hayashi D, et al. MRI-detected spinal disc degenerative changes in athletes participating in the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Summer Olympics games. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2020;21:1-8.