What is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is a condition, often hereditary, of the spinal discs, which act as shock absorbers for the human body. Over time, these discs may lose their water content, leading to a decrease in the height of these discs. This ultimately causes the vertebrae to move closer to one another and begin to rub more frequently. The narrowing of the spacing in the discs can create a pinching of the nerves running between the vertebrae, leading to spinal nerve pain. Individuals suffering from DDD report pain ranging from moderate to extreme, making daily life much less comfortable or enjoyable.
How Can Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Help?
Because DDD is not curable and cannot go away completely, individuals living with DDD often seek interventions to ease the discomfort of their condition. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a popular treatment option that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This therapy has been shown to effectively oxidize and remove harmful substances like toxins and bacteria being held captive in the body, and are often present in a person’s degenerative discs. The pressurized oxygen environment is detrimental to bacteria thriving in low oxygen conditions, commonly associated with DDD, helping to alleviate some of the tension within the vertebrae.
What Does Recent Research Say About HBOT?
Recent studies, including one published in the well-respected Journal of Orthopaedic Research, have shown that HBOT can have beneficial effects on degenerated intervertebral discs. It indicates that HBOT can stimulate tissue regeneration, and suggests various methods of action that aid in recovery from painful symptoms associated with DDD1. Another reputable study found that HBOT treatment can inhibit certain inflammatory markers while promoting cell growth and matrix synthesis in degenerated disc cells2. Both studies point to promising outcomes – each suggesting it aids in the body’s ability to reduce pain and daily disc discomfort.
How Does HBOT Promote Healing in DDD?
HBOT is known to significantly increase stem cell production in the body. For instance, after 40 treatments of HBOT, the body can produce 800% more stem cells, which are crucial for healing and recovery. These stem cells can develop into any type of cell needed by the body, potentially aiding in the repair of tissues damaged and pain experienced with DDD3.
What are the Additional Benefits of HBOT for DDD?
Not only does HBOT enhance the body’s immune system, it also generates new white blood cells, modulates immune responses, and promotes new collagen growth. This improved immune system function is vital for recovering from the subsequent or fallout issues associated with having degenerative discs. Another perk worth noting is that HBOT reduces chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, common in DDD, by fostering new blood vessel growth, thus enhancing oxygen and nutrient delivery to inflamed tissues3.
Living with the effects of DDD can completely change someone’s quality of life, and while the degenerative disease may never fully subside, seeking proven interventions such as HBOT can impact fully increase an individual’s daily life and body function.
Best in Class Service
Living with and suffering from DDD doesn’t have to be your full story. Let us help you find relief from your condition. If you are located in the New York area and are in need of HBOT treatments to combat your DDD symptoms, Hyperbaric Oxygen Clinic is knowledgeable, passionate, and eager to serve you. Located at 1659 Ralph Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11236, we are easily accessible to clients all over the region. Contact us by phone today at (718) 255-9955 with any questions or to get started on your journey towards healing.
1 Wang IC;Ueng SW;Lin SS;Niu CC;Yuan LJ;Su CI;Chen CH;Chen WJ; Effect of Hyperbaric Oxygenation on Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: An in Vitro Study with Human Lumbar Nucleus Pulposus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Nov. 2011, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21289555/.
2 “Degenerative Disc Disease.” The Oxford Center, 27 Sept. 2022, theoxfordcenter.com/conditions/degenerative-disc-disease/.
3 “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Degenerative Disc Disease.” Hyperbaric Experts. 9 November 2023, https://hyperbaricexperts.com/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-for-degenerative-disc-disease/https://hyperbaricexperts.com/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-for-degenerative-disc-disease/.
