Micro nutrition and osteopathy in intervertebral disc degeneration.
Summary:
The cost of low back pain medical care in France is estimated at 2 billion euros. It is a true public health problem with a high cost for society and precariousness for patients. Some natural treatments show interest in both their effectiveness and safety.
Decompensation of an intervertebral disc disorder seems to be the fundamental pillar of chronic low back pain. The first part of this work focuses on understanding the different pathophysiological mechanisms of intervertebral disc degeneration. The role of glycosaminoglycans, also known as “movement molecules,” will be explored. It will be argued through a review of the scientific literature about the interest of nutritional supplementation with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. Furthermore, mechanobiology teaches us that biomechanics has effects at the cellular level, particularly in the information that regulates the synthesis of extracellular matrix components by the chondrocyte. Through a review of the literature, it will be demonstrated how osteopathy, when practiced with an “omic” or holistic view, can help restore the fundamental postural, mechanical and cellular functionality for the intervertebral disc.
Finally, the interest of combining osteopathy and supplementation with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in the treatment and prevention of intervertebral disc degeneration will be discussed.
