Degenerated discs and bone spurs indicate degenerative changes occurring in your body. These two health problems may occur independently of one another or simultaneously, often in your spine. Normal spinal wear and tear is common as you age, but advanced degeneration of your spine may be a serious cause for concern. Nutritional therapies may be helpful in treating symptoms, but check with a licensed physician before changing your diet or adding supplements.
Disc Degeneration and Bone Spurs
Disc degeneration and bone spurs may cause pain or discomfort in your back or other parts of your body. According to the University of California-Los Angeles Spine Center, disc degeneration is commonly associated with bone spurs, or osteophytes, that form on the margins of your vertebrae. The combination of bone spurs and degenerated discs -- discs that become dehydrated and lose their height -- may significantly affect your spinal range of motion and cause nerve compression. Nerve compression may in turn cause pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in various parts of your body.
Nutritional Therapy
Nutritional supplements may help in treating degenerative disc disease and arthritis-induced bone spurs, although not all supplements historically used in treating these health problems have been subjected to rigorous clinical trials. Certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," reports that devil's claw, SAMe, white willow bark, betaine hydrochloride, bioflavonoids, MSM, proteolytic enzymes, calcium and magnesium and chamomile may be helpful for these health problems.
Nutritional Supplement in Focus
White willow bark may be a beneficial nutritional supplement in treating the symptoms associated with both degenerative disc disease and arthritis-induced bone spurs. In her book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," naturopathic physician Sharol Tilgner states that white willow bark contains both anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. White willow bark has been used in treating numerous health problems, including back pain, arthritis and other rheumatic conditions, headaches and fevers.
Additional Information
Degenerative disc disease and arthritis-induced bone spurs may not cause any symptoms in certain individuals. In many people, however, these problems may cause pain or discomfort or other symptoms. If you develop disc degeneration or bone spurs, review your treatment options with a qualified health care professional. Your physician can counsel you on the most appropriate nutritional therapies and other treatment methods to pursue to reduce your symptomatic health complaints.
References
- University of California-Los Angeles: Degenerative Disc Disease
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
