When I had an active neurology practice I focused on nutritional and alternative treatments to disc protrusions and disc dessication.

1. One of the main things to do is to stay well hydrated and to use methods that may specifically improve disc hydration
2. I would check out the use of hydrolyzed collagen - I am including some sections of a book I am writing on the benefits of hydrolyzed collagen. The idea is to use a nutritional supplement that provides the raw materials for connective tissue repair.

Why hydrolyzed collagen affects the electrical properties of the body
• The collagen in everyone’s body declines with age and collagen loss is accelerated in disease. This means the conductive pathways in acupuncture meridians will also become impaired. In addition toxins that accumulate also disrupt the structure and function of collagen. Collagen molecules in the connective tissues such as skin, ligaments, tendons, discs and bones are constantly being broken down and regenerated. This process is called remodeling. However the regeneration of collagen requires an adequate supply of the basic dietary amino acid building block of collagen. Both poor dietary habits and excessive physical stress can result in a situation where collagen breakdown exceeds collagen synthesis, which will result in structural instability as well as degradation in the bioelectric circuits. In addition, trauma and inflammatory processes damage collagen and cause dehydration in the connective tissues and correspondingly can impair transmission of signals in the acupuncture meridians.
• If you want to improve the hydration of the connective tissues and their function as bioelectric circuits it is important to provide dietary materials that will support the structure and function of the connective tissues. Therefore the best source of nutrition would be a food product that provides the raw material for collagen synthesis.


Hydrolyzed Collagen may help osteoarthritis pain and disc pain
• Hydrolyzed collagen improves joint function, and leg strength in individuals with osteoarthritis.
• Some studies also show that hydrolyzed collagen improves pain in arthritic joints Adam, 1991; Moskowitz, 2000).
• Hydrolyzed collagen contains the same amino acid composition as joint cartilage and disc material. Hydrolyzed collagen when given orally to mice will lead to the accumulation of collagen material in cartilage (Oesser et al., 1999). Hydrolyzed collagen has been demonstrated to stimulate cartilage cells to produce cartilage (Oesser et al., 2003).
• Daily use of a dietary supplement of hydrolyzed collagen may help increase strength and decrease pain in the knees and other major joints in individuals with arthritis who experience pain when they are doing repetitive activities (Zukley et al., 2004).
• Hydrolyzed collagen like gelatin contains significant amounts of the amino acids Proline and Glycine. The body uses these and other amino acids to rebuild damaged collagen. These two amino acids are found in high amounts in joints and cartilage and are required by the body to replace collagen when it is broken down by wear and tear (Carpenter et al., 2004).
• James M. Rippe, MD published a book in 2001 titled The Joint Health Prescription. In this book he reported the results of a study that he and his associates performed at the Rippe Lifestyle Institute in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. This double-blind controlled study involved 175 patients with osteoarthritis between the ages of 40 and 85 who used either a gelatin supplement or a placebo over a 14-week period. The participants in the study consumed either 10 grams of gelatin (Knox Nutra-Joint) or a placebo before breakfast in a glass of water or juice. After 14 weeks the participants who used the gelatin supplement had improved joint mobility, improved knee strength and decreased symptoms of pain and stiffness compared to those individuals who received the placebo (McCarthy et al., 2000).

• While there are no absolute recommendations on the therapeutic intake of collagen hydrolysate, however studies in arthritic patients suggest a 10 g daily dose may be beneficial. The treatment period should not be less than three months. However, as symptoms tend to return after discontinuation of treatment, long-term administration may be prudent. Collagen hydrolysate has no side effects beyond digestive issues (loose bowels at high doses in a few individuals); therefore long-term regular use is safe and may serve as preventive measure.

3. Also check out the use of IceWave patches for pain control. Information on pain control using these nontransdermal patches can be found at www.lifewave.com.