The Overlooked Cause of Spinal Degeneration

Figure 1: An illustration of disc degeneration, which
was previously thought to be primarily due to
mechanical factors and aging.

Figure 2: The blood supply to the spine is extensive,
with numerous tiny vessels that get narrowed and
blocked long before the main arteries of the heart.

    Spinal degeneration is assumed to be an inevitable part of aging.  However, many studies have discovered that there are definite lifestyle factors that accelerate the decay of the spine.  While chiropractic care can help to slow this progression by maintaining proper nerve supply, motion, and balance of the spine, the effects are limited.  A sedentary lifestyle is a major factor, as the discs of the spine are dependent on motion and resistance to stay healthy.  Another seldom-mentioned cause is what you eat, which ultimately affects the blood supply to the spine. The blood supply to the various tissues and organs of the body is essential.  Without adequate blood supply, the cells are starved of proper nutrition and slowly wither and die.  The blood supply to the spinal column is especially extensive (see Figure 2) and vital to the health of the vertebrae, muscles, and nerves. Just as arteries in the heart and brain can become hardened and filled with plaques (atherosclerosis), so to does the vast arterial network that feeds the vertebral column.  The resulting decreased blood supply leads to premature degeneration of the vertebrae, which is usually preceded by deterioration of the discs (as seen in Figure 1).  Numerous studies have shown the link between clogged arteries and spinal degeneration (see Figure 3 below).  One study from 2004, for example, found that nearly 80% of patients with back pain had occluded arteries leading to the spine, concluding that "smoking and high blood cholesterol levels were found to have the most consistent associations with degenerative discs and low back pain."  While severe degeneration did not necessarily lead to more pain, it was noted that those with higher levels of cholesterol experienced more nerve pain.  Another study from 1997 found that those "with one or more occluded/narrowed arteries were 8.5 times more likely to have suffered from chronic low back pain at some point during their life."
     In conclusion, this evidence clearly shows that eating healthier and not smoking, is not only good for your heart, but also for your spine. This is one of the reasons that we ask our new patients to rate the percentage of their diet which comes from whole, unrefined plant foods.  Not surprisingly, the vast majority of people we see admit that at least 50% of their diet comes from animal products and refined foods.  Ideally, this number should be no higher than 5-10%.  In fact, the less the better.  At least 90% of your food should come from whole, unrefined, and unprocessed vegetables, whole grains, beans, lentils, fruit, and nuts. For many, the solution may seem challenging and unrealistic, but the rewards are many, including a healthy spine for a productive and enjoyable life.

~ by Dr. S. J. Nana

Figure 3: The picture on the left shows a normal aortic artery, along with
normal spinal arteries (indicated by the arrows).  On the right, 
atherosclerosis is clearly evident, leading to diminished blood supply, 
which leads to premature degeneration of the spine and discs.

For more information:
Cause-Effect: Vascular Disease and LBP Atherosclerosis contributes to low back pain and spinal degeneration.
Causes of Premature Aging of the Spine
Good Nutrition is Good for your Back
The collateral network concept: a reassessment of the anatomy of spinal cord perfusion.
MR Aortography and Serum Cholesterol Levels in Patients With Long-Term Nonspecific Lower Back Pain
Atherosclerosis and Disc Degeneration/Low-Back Pain – A Systematic Review
Prevalence of stenotic changes in arteries supplying the lumbar spine. A postmortem angiographic study on 140 subjects
The Cause of Atherosclerosis