When we think of the complications associated with diabetes, we normally think of foot ulcers, retina damage (damaged blood vessels at the back of the eye), slow healing wounds.
Recent studies, however, are showing that uncontrolled diabetes leads to chronic back pain. In fact, there’s a 19% to 35% higher chance of back pain as a diabetic.
What’s the connection? Damage to the blood vessels and connective tissue in the spine & spinal discs due to 3 effects of diabetes:
- Hyperglycemia (increased glucose levels)
- High levels of glucose in the blood stream and extracellular matrix (between cells) causes damage to these tissues.
- One of the layers of the discs in the spine is particularly affected by this
- Glucose in these layers causes disc wear and tear to accelerate
- Hyperinsulinemia (increased Insulin levels)
- “Hyperinsulinemia is most often caused by insulin resistance — a condition in which your body doesn’t respond well to the effects of insulin. Your pancreas tries to compensate by making more insulin.” – M. Regina Castro, M.D..
- Increased insulin levels in the blood cause a reduction in the amount of chondroitin sulfate, which is important in the maintenance of spinal joint and disc health.
- This low level of chondroitin sulfate “lowers the water content of the disc, decreasing the disc’s flexibility and function” – thus resulting in accelerated wear and tear.
- Oxidative stress (free radical damage to cells)
- High glucose levels cause cell damage due to the increased number of free radicals that accompany raised glucose levels.
- Free radicals then damage the discs and other spinal tissues, accelerating wear and tear.
Diabetes is a complex and important subject. Discuss further with your family doctor to get help in managing or investigating diabetes.
Our chiropractors & physical therapist work closely with our patients’ family doctors to ensure that we look after them as a whole person. The back pain that may be aggravated by diabetes may be treated with manual therapy, but we always work collaboratively with the family doctor. Call us today to discuss further 586-725-3100
*Source: “Uncontrolled Diabetes Linked to Chronic Back Pain” – Spine-Health.com