Nutritional Approaches to Managing Carrolltown Disc Degeneration

May 27, 2025

The nutritional aspect of lumbar spinal disc degeneration appeared to be a hot topic this past month. The studies’ findings highlight a few things we can do to address disc degeneration. At Gormish Chiropractic & Rehabilitation, we usually set up 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 uncovering interesting connections between our metabolic and cellular processes and their role in spinal degeneration. For instance, Guo et al. (1) found that metabolic syndrome can worsen spinal degeneration in patients with lumbar disc herniation, showing just how much systemic factors like general health can affect 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 slowing or even reversing disc degeneration. What does this mean for us? It’s clear that spinal degeneration isn’t initiated 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. Indeed, 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.

Carrolltown CHIROPRACTIC NUTRITION TIP: Enhance Quercitrin and Vitamin D Levels

Recent research reports also pointed out a few tips that can help manage disc degeneration. Wu et al (3) explored how the compound quercitrin could help treat spinal disc degeneration by decreasing inflammation and preventing cell damage. Adding 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 look at adding quercitrin and Vitamin D to your daily regimen? We’ll chat at your next Carrolltown chiropractic appointment.

WHAT TO DO?

Don’t let disc degeneration bother you. The reality is that spinal degeneration comes with aging, but taking charge of your spinal health sooner than later can make a big difference. By understanding the factors at play and adopting preventative 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 optimize clinical outcomes.

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Schedule your Carrolltown chiropractic appointment with Gormish Chiropractic & Rehabilitation soon.