Supporting Spinal Decompression With Physicoll Collagen
Spinal decompression is a non-surgical treatment which helps to relieve pressure on injured discs with a goal to restore mobility and function. This leads to progressive reduction in pain and improved quality of life.
Many spinal issues treated with spinal decompression are focused on the injured intervertebral discs. This includes conditions such a bulging or herniated disc and degenerative disc disease.
The intervertebral disc is comprised primarily of collagen, with the disc wall made principally of type I collagen and the disc nucleus having a high concentration of type II collagen. As part of a programme of care, patients may support their rehab program with Physicoll.
Physicoll is a high strength collagen supplement, uniquely formulated with 12,000mg of collagen for soft tissue rehab. Physicoll contains a unique blend of four key collagen types; 1, 2, 3 and 5, plus nutrients to support healthy collagen formation.
In this article, we discuss the science behind using collagen supplements for disc health and what benefits you can expect from collagen supplementation.
A Quick Overview of Spinal Decompression
Spinal Decompression is a non-invasive pain treatment. It is highly effective for pain associated with compressed discs, particularly long-term (chronic) back pain and neck pain.
Spinal decompression treats targeted spinal segments and progressively works soft tissues to improve mobility. According to a 2023 study published in the Journal of Rehabilitation Therapy, computerised spinal decompression using IDD therapy has a success rate of 90% in reducing back pain. (1)
Understanding the Anatomy of Your Disc
The vertebral column comprises bones, muscles, tendons, nerves and other tissues. This structure runs from the base of the skull to the tailbone. Also called the backbone or spinal column, it encloses and protects the spinal cord.
A vertebral disc is a “shock absorber” between vertebrae (bones in the backbone). The discs help keep your vertebral column flexible and absorb spinal load during activities such as walking jumping and running.
The discs (with other structures in the backbone) bear about 80% of the spinal load when we are standing.
Structure of the Intervertebral Disc (IVD)
32.9% to 88.69% of the dry weight of the IVD is collagen, of which the majority is collagen type II. (2)
The parts of IVD are:
The outer firm annulus fibrosus (AF)
It is a collagenous area of tissues that surrounds the periphery of the disc. It allows the discs to be flexible.
The annulus fibrosus is made of collagen type I, about 90% of the collagen. Collagen type I constitutes about 70% of the dry weight of AF. (3) About 2% of the AF dry weight is elastic fibres.
The inner soft nucleus pulposus (NP)
It is a gel-like structure that contains water and is located at the center of the disc. The nucleus acts as a shock absorber and prevents the annulus fibrosus from buckling under stress.
Over 85% of the collagen in the nucleus pulposus is collagen type II. (4) NP absorbs water and swells. This gives the disc its shock-absorbing properties.
Collagen type II helps the IVD retain water. As the IVD degenerates, collagen type II content decreases and collagen type I content increases, resulting in reduced water retention. (5)
A cartilaginous endplate
It is a layer of cartilage between the spongy intervertebral discs and nearby vertebrae (bones). It acts as a channel for delivering nutrients to the discs. Also, it prevents the discs from bulging into the nearby vertebral body.
The cartilaginous endplates are a key path for supplying nutrients to the intervertebral discs and removing waste from the discs. The major components of the cartilaginous endplates are type II collagen, proteoglycans and water.
How Collagen Supplementation Can Improve Disc Health: A Closer Look at the Evidence
As we age, the body makes less collagen.
Collagen loss in the nucleus pulposus negatively impacts the ability of the disc to retain water and bear loads. This can cause the discs to become more vulnerable to damage and degeneration.
Evidence suggests that type II collagen supplementation can support the intervertebral disc.
Type II collagen supplements promote the synthesis of new extracellular matrix proteins in the disc. This increases the amount of type II collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins, which may lead to improved disc health and function.
There is a growing body of research examining the role of collagen supplements in disc health. For example, according to a test tube study, taking a type II collagen supplement may help protect the nucleus pulposus by: (6)
- Stimulating its synthesis
- Preventing its breakdown and destruction
- Activating other cells essential for healthy nucleus pulposus
Furthermore, type II collagen releases anti-inflammatory substances that can relieve symptoms of disc degeneration. (7)
Why Choose Physicoll With Spinal Decompression?
Providing adequate nutrition to support our discs may help to improve outcomes and long term healing.
1. Collagen type I supports the intervertebral disc wall and is needed for repair of collagen fibres
Collagen is the primary building block of your tendons, ligaments, and skin.
Collagen type I makes up about 70% of the dry weight of annulus fibrosus or AF. The annulus fibrosus is a collagenous area surrounding the periphery of the intervertebral discs (IVDs). It helps keep our discs flexible.
Collagen type I is also a major component of ligaments, accounting for nearly 70% of the dry weight of your ligaments. (8)
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a network of several molecules (including proteins) that provide support and structure to your body’s cells and tissues.
Collagen is a critical component of the ECM in your tendons, ligaments, and intervertebral discs. In the ECM, collagen fibres are arranged in bundles. Working tight muscles and stiff ligaments with IDD Therapy, Physicoll provides collagen for tissue re-modelling.
2. Collagen type II in Physicoll helps keep your spine strong and flexible
The gel-like structure at the centre of the intervertebral disc (IVD) is the nucleus pulposus. NP absorbs water and swells. That way, it keeps your spine strong and flexible. Besides, the NP redistributes the load to other structures (annulus fibrosus and endplates).
Collagen type II makes up over 85% of total collagen in the nucleus pulposus. Collagen type II helps the IVD retain water. As the IVD degenerates, collagen type II content decreases, and collagen type I content increases, resulting in reduced water retention.
Collagen type II is also a critical component of your cartilage. Cartilage is a flexible tissue that protects our joints. About 95% of total collagen in the cartilage is collagen type II. Back pain has many factors. The facet joints are covered in cartilage and may come under increased load as a result of changes to the intervertebral discs.
Physicoll contains 2,000mg of type II collagen.
3. Vitamin C in Physicoll can improve low back pain associated with intervertebral disc degeneration
Vitamin C is a water-soluble nutrient with powerful antioxidant activity. Our body needs vitamin C to make collagen.
Vitamin C deficiency has been associated with the development of degenerative disc disease. (9)
According to a study in the Journal of Public Health (Oxford, England), 25% of men and 16% of women in the UK’s low-income population have vitamin C deficiency. (10) The risk of vitamin C deficiency is higher in men, smokers, and those who take a diet low in vitamin C.
Vitamin C helps improve disc health by promoting nucleus pulposus cell regeneration.
Authors of a 2022 study conclude that vitamin C can help relieve pain and slow down disc generation in two ways: (11)
- Counteracting the degeneration of nucleus pulposus cells
- Enhancing the regeneration of nucleus pulposus cells
The nutrient blend in Physicoll is complemented by key nutrients which support the formation of healthy soft tissues:
- COLLAGEN TYPE 5 – Crucial in regulating the formation of type 1 collagen fibres for structural integrity, strength and proper formation of connective tissues.
- ZINC – Helps build and maintain strong connective tissue and collagen by supporting the work of enzymes and aiding protein production in the body.
- MANGANESE – Important in the formation of proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans for structural support and hydration in soft tissues.
- COPPER – Facilitates the cross-linking of collagen fibres for strength and stability of connective tissue.
- VITAMINS A, C & E – Help form healthy connective tissue by promoting cell growth (A), boosting collagen production (C), and protect tissues from damage with antioxidants (E).
Spinal decompression is a rapidly-developing treatment approach for unresolved back pain. Further research is needed to examine the mechanisms of collagen formation, supplementation and disc health with spinal decompression.
Collagen supplementation is used in combination with physical therapy modalities including shockwave therapy to support injured connective tissues. Evidence shows that reduced pain levels can be achieved when combining collagen supplementation with treatment modalities for soft tissue injuries.
Physicoll was formulated specifically for rehabilitation programmes to provide the key nutritional building blocks in large enough doses to support healthy tissue formation.
References:
- Busch, R. E., III, Menon, P. G., & Sorin, S. L. (2023). A Single Session of Spinal Decompression with Oscillation and Videofluoroscopy. Journal of Rehabilitation Therapy, 5(1), 17–24. https://doi.org/10.29245/2767-5122/2023/1.1132
- Crump, Katherine B et al. “Cartilaginous endplates: A comprehensive review on a neglected structure in intervertebral disc research.” JOR spine vol. 6,4 e1294. 21 Oct. 2023, doi:10.1002/jsp2.1294
- StatPearls. (2023b, August 7). Annular disc tear. https://www.statpearls.com/ArticleLibrary/viewarticle/17615
- Wei, Yulong et al. “Spatial distribution of type II collagen gene expression in the mouse intervertebral disc.” JOR spine vol. 2,4 e1070. 19 Dec. 2019, doi:10.1002/jsp2.1070
- Liang, Huaizhen et al. “The Proteolysis of ECM in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration.” International journal of molecular sciences vol. 23,3 1715. 2 Feb. 2022, doi:10.3390/ijms23031715
- Lian, Chengjie et al. “Collagen type II is downregulated in the degenerative nucleus pulposus and contributes to the degeneration and apoptosis of human nucleus pulposus cells.” Molecular medicine reports vol. 16,4 (2017): 4730-4736. doi:10.3892/mmr.2017.7178
- Lugo, James P et al. “Undenatured type II collagen (UC-II®) for joint support: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in healthy volunteers.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition vol. 10,1 48. 24 Oct. 2013, doi:10.1186/1550-2783-10-48
- Lozano, Pamela F et al. “Water-content related alterations in macro and micro scale tendon biomechanics.” Scientific reports vol. 9,1 7887. 27 May. 2019, doi:10.1038/s41598-019-44306-z
- Smith, Val H. “Vitamin C deficiency is an under-diagnosed contributor to degenerative disc disease in the elderly.” Medical hypotheses vol. 74,4 (2010): 695-7. doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2009.10.041
- Mosdøl, Annhild et al. “Estimated prevalence and predictors of vitamin C deficiency within UK’s low-income population.” Journal of public health (Oxford, England) vol. 30,4 (2008): 456-60. doi:10.1093/pubmed/fdn076
- Yi, Yu-Yang et al. “Ascorbic acid promotes nucleus pulposus cell regeneration by regulating proliferation during intervertebral disc degeneration.” The Journal of nutritional biochemistry vol. 108 (2022): 109099. doi:10.1016/j.jnutbio.2022.109099
