Turmeric and Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative Disc disease is a process of slow deterioration of our intervertebral disc. Each time we stand upright, the spine has to support the weight of the body. Our posture and activities will slowly affect our spine and any minor injuries or daily stress all add up over the years leading to wear and tear of the discs on the spine causing it to degenerate. In between each vertebra is a disc that acts like shock absorbers and contains water in the center. Injury to the discs and spine can damage the nucleus of the disc, the water content is lost and cushioning effect of the discs reduces. 

Usual symptoms are radiating pain in the back that spreads to our buttocks and upper thighs. Doctors often refer to the pain as discogenic pain. A bulging disc is also a manifestation of degenerative disc disease. Apart from a physical exam, doctors could ask for an X-ray or MRI. Treatment could involve conventional medication, rest, steroid injections, exercise and physical therapy.  

Turmeric & Degenerative Disc Disease

     

Turmeric – especially its chemical compound curcumin – is not specifically mentioned as treatment for degenerative disc disease. However, turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory that is safe to use even for long periods. Many experimental models have shown that turmeric’s volatile oil fraction has anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin which is the chief pharmacological agent is comparable to powerful corticosteroids, OTC anti-inflammatory drugs and phenylbutazone. Long term use of these drugs could cause toxicity and manifest in the form of decreased WBC, ulcers and intestinal bleeding.   

Corticosteroids, often prescribed to curb inflammatory conditions can lower a person’s resistance and make them prone to infections. This could cause frequent sore throat, sneezing, coughing or fever, blurred vision, increased thirst and frequent urination. Muscle relaxants are also prescribed for degenerative disc disease. These have a sedating effect with long term use. Patients may also become overly dependent on these drugs.  Turmeric on the other hand does not produce such toxicity and could be used to reduce inflammation in conditions like degenerative disc disease. 

It is possible that one side effect of osteoarthritis is developing degenerative disc disease.   Osteoarthritis symptoms can be treated with a combination of herbs like turmeric (50mg), boswellia (100mg), ashwagandha (450mg) and zinc (50mg). This combination is said to work as well as NSAIDs in treating stiffness and pain associated with arthritis without causing side effects like stomach irritation.  

Arthritis is also a degenerative disease of the joints. Since arthritis requires permanent and long term treatment, many patients are looking at alternative therapies to control symptoms due to the side effects caused by conventional medications. Herbs like turmeric, ginger, zinaxin, boswellia serrata, cayenne, nettle, ashwagandha, white willow, devil’s claw and cat’s claw are all being studied for their anti-inflammatory properties in improving blood supply to joints, boost healing process, and inhibit prostaglandins that produce pain and other benefits.  

Dosage

Curcumin is often sold in combination with bromelain or piperine to improve its bioavailability.   The dosage for turmeric depends on the medical condition. There is no recommended daily allowance of turmeric. For an adult, the dosage of turmeric supplement is 400-600mg thrice daily.  

Precautions

Used as a spice in food, turmeric does not cause any side effects. Those with congestive heart disease, obstructive jaundice, painful gallstones, toxic liver disorders or acute bilious colic must avoid using turmeric supplements. Those who must consult their doctor before starting new supplements include pregnant and breastfeeding women, those with specific health problems, those with blood clotting disorders and people taking conventional medications.