Degenerative disc disease is a condition in which your intervertebral spinal discs -- particularly the discs in your neck and lower back -- become altered, or deranged. The University of California-Los Angeles Spine Center reports that disc dehydration, or desiccation, decreases your disc height and flexibility and may lead to spinal instability and disabling pain. Talk with your health care provider about the benefits and drawbacks of supplements before using them to help treat this condition.
Degenerative Discs
Degenerative disc disease, states Spine-Health.com, is one of the leading causes of back pain, and it varies in its severity among people. The website notes that disc degeneration is a normal part of the aging process and that most people will develop some degree of disc degeneration over time. In some cases, however, you may not develop any degenerative disc-related symptoms. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of degenerative disc disease include neck or lower back pain, reduced spinal movement and numbness, tingling, or pain in your extremities.
Useful Supplements
Some of the most useful dietary supplements for degenerative disc disease help reduce the pain associated with this condition. In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch lists numerous herbal and non-herbal supplements that may helpful in treating back pain caused by disc problems, including DL-phenylalanine, MSM, multi-enzyme complexes incorporating bromelain and pancreatin, vitamin B complex, white willow bark, arnica, and oat straw. Not all dietary supplements used for this purpose may have undergone extensive testing to verify their purported health benefits.
Highlighted Supplement
DL-phenylalanine is a natural amino acid that helps alleviate pain, especially back pain, which may occur with degenerative disc disease. DL-phenylalanine, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center, is a combination of D-phenylalanine, the natural form found in proteins, and L-phenylalanine, the synthetic form manufactured in laboratories. Although research evidence may be lacking, DL-phenylalanine has traditionally been used in treating chronic pain as well as Parkinson's disease, vitiligo and depression.
Disclaimer
Degenerative disc disease, though relatively common, is a condition that should be managed by a qualified health care professional. A health care practitioner who specializes in clinical nutrition can assess your condition and make appropriate treatment suggestions. Avoid self-treating your degenerative disc disease using dietary supplements, as certain supplements may not be appropriate for you, especially if you have another medical condition. In some cases, dietary supplements may cause unwanted health side effects and should be discontinued immediately.
References
- University of California-Los Angeles: Degenerative Disc Disease
- Spine-Health.com: What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Phenylalanine
