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DISC-O-MANIA!

Posted on: August 22nd, 2013 by Admin

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As a massage therapist two questions may come to mind:

Why should I care about the vertebral disc?

How can I care for the vertebral disc?

If your currently doing body work to correct for ilial dysfunctions, lumbar, thoracic , cervical side bends, rotations or other mal-alignments of the spine you may be interested in nutritional aids to help restore disc health.  If the spinal muscular is hypertonic and pulling on the spine there may be compression on both the disc and the nerve root ~ should either of these happen, there could be both direct and referred pain.

WATER

The nucleus of the disc is fluid supported so the first nutritional support would be water:  Dehydrated discs heal at a slower rate and are more likely to become re-injured.  Discs act like shock absorbers for the spine and it is water that gives the disc its ‘bounce’.  The idea of eight glasses of water a day will keep not only the disc hydrated it will also keep the rest of the body in good shape. Drinking either filtered or distilled water would be preferred to tap water.

OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS

Omega 3 fats are Essential Fatty Acids. The body cannot produce these therefore they must be included in your diet. Fatty acids form the membrane in all the cells of your body. The membrane allows nutrients to enter and wastes to be removed from the cells. A few of the benefits of fatty acids include:

  • Reduce inflammation
  • Lower cholesterol levels
  • Prevents excessive blood clotting
  • Insure proper brain functions

Doctor Julian Whitaker, in the book Preventing and Reversing Arthritis Naturally, andThe New England Journal of Medicine states fatty acids reduce both the pain and inflammation of arthritis.

PROTEOLYTIC ENZYMES

Proteo/protein Lytic/breakdown.  Proteolytic enzymes breakdown cellular debris that create inflammation.  Inflamed tissue may then damage nerve fibers, create irritation and swelling causing an increase in the pain spasm pain cycle. Enzymes have also been shown to aid in tissue regeneration.

FOODS

Certain foods may also increase the inflammatory response. These foods should either be reduced or eliminated.

  • Wheat and wheat products
  • Vegetable oils. Use olive oil
  • Milk and dairy
  • Sugars

There are numerous supplements that will aid in pain reduction and increase the healing processes. The above information will provide a good start along with your massage techniques to enable your client to recover more quickly and to return to their daily activities.

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SensAbility is the teaching clinic of ASM Wellness
It's where Atlanta School of Massage, Atlanta Institute of Aesthetics and Atlanta Personal Trainer Program
provide a wide range of wellness services to the public.
2 Dunwoody Park South
Atlanta, GA 30338
Phone: 770-454-7167
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2 Dunwoody Park South, Suite 105
Atlanta, GA 30338
Phone: 770-454-7167