I have been conducting training & rehab for a football player who suffered a disk prolapse in his lumbar spine several months ago. He is finally at a good functional level but I am looking for ways to optimize the healing process via supplements, which I feel is the “weak link” in the overall program.
Assume basic diet is solid (good fats, clean carbs & adequate protein) and training/therapy is on target. I am looking for any nutritional supplements that could possibly help the disk heal. Does anybody have any suggestions besides the basic glucoscamine/msm/chondrotin combos?
Don’t believe all the hype. Stick to the same supplements you would with a healthy athlete.
Only pop some pills if there is visible inflammation (with naked eye or through scans), do your research first if you want to try alternatives to nsaids.
Any thoughts on dosages and when to take? All major complaints associated with a disk prolapse are gone. He is doing very well, just looking for some “icing on the cake”.
I am sure you were speaking of injuries in general, but in terms of a disk prolapse (disk injury) no possible way that I know of exists to see it visually.
nsaids were only used during the acute stage for the first week and a half. Good therapy took it’s place.
I think my best bet at this point is having him give bromelain a shot, hopefully that gets him over the hump.
I have found 5 grams + a day of MSM to be helpful in reducing minor aches and pain in joints… I notice this particlaurly effective during winter and in GPP, however some people don’t notice it it at all.
It seems to take time (maybe even 3 weeks) to build up in the system before an effect is noticed.
I’m not sure about your particular injury case … that’s more just a general rule.
I think Richard Hand posted some good stuff previsouly about the uses/benefits of MSM also.
As Clemson suggests Bromelain may also help - ‘fresh’ pineapple being one good source.
On Glucosamine and Chrondition combos (which I beleive must be taken together to maximise effect) - I just take one combo twice daily - but that’s more for a general ‘insurance’ rather than specifically.
I’m not sure if CoEnzyeme Q10 would be of any help, but may assist in the speeding the process.
Of course if the diet is tied down you’ll be getting the anti-inflamtory and other beneficial effects of the Fish Oils.
(The use and levels of metals might be one other area to have a look at, but the most of the research here has been only conducted in the equine arena.)