<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>
 
>      I am having trouble with ostoephytes(small bony outgrowths) in my neck
> and a bulging Disc. They are both currently causing a mild indentation of the
> spinal cord at C5-C6.  Anyway my questions Does anyone else have these
> problems? Can it be linked to CD?....I do
> note that any gluten intake make it worse. I am to see an orthopedic
> specialist the 31st. So I would love to know of any studies regarding this if
> it is related...
> Carol Flynn
> Guthrie, Ok
 
Hi Carol,
 
Sorry to hear you are having such a hard time of it.  You situation
is a little complex, let's see if I can shed some light for you.
 
Osteophytes (aah- tee-oh-fites) are bony spurs that are a the
hallmark of "degenerative joint disease".  I put this condition in
quotes, be cause I personally do not consider it a "disease", as it
is merely a reaction to structural stress and imbalance, and NOT an
active disease process such as a virus, infection or cancer.
 
When body tissues (in this case, spinal bones) are subjected to
prolonged undue physical stress or misalignment, the fibrous
cartilage like shock absorbent pads between each vertebra
(intervertebral disc) can become damaged.  It can eventually lose a
lot of its natural water content and nutrients.  If the stress or
misalignment(s) continue, the disc(s) can degenerate or even
herniate.  Osteophyte formation occurs, as the thin flat ligaments
that tightly wrap the spine(anterior and posterior longitudinal
ligaments) become stressed, (as they now have to
support the spine more, in effort to help the failing disc(s).  The
places where these ligaments attach (on the upper and lower endplates
of the vertebrae) become the ultimate site of stress.  The body's
response is to fortify these stressed areas with calcium and excess
bone...thus the bony growth called an osteophyte.
 
Generally speaking, DJD, "Degenerative Joint Disease" is quite common
and is not life threatening.  In some cases, it can cause problems
when the osteophytes get too large (uncommon), and they might even
extend backward into the spine, placing pressure on the spinal
nerve(s) and/or spinal cord.  This is more common in the cervical
spine (neck) because there are some special little joint that are
present only in the neck that are most susceptible to osteophyte
formation, the Luschka Joints.
 
So with all of this knowledge, how does this relate to your CD?
 
Probably not a direct relationship.  Certainly perhaps decades of
untreated, ignored gluten intolerance can create nutrient imbalance
and deficiencies in the body, which can ultimately contribute to the
degradation of the intervertebral discs and lead to eventual DJD.
This is a long process.  On the other hand, if you already have the
degeneration condition in your spine and you feel well (no neck pain)
while on a gluten free diet, and then pain returns re-introducing
gluten, my only guess would be that gluten (or some other component
in the gluten foods you are re-introducing) is creating or
facilitating an inflammatory response in your body. Inflammation can
be increased by many substances such as, caffeine, chocolate, too
much protein, smoking, etc.  If you are ingesting or consuming
something that is facilitating inflammation in your body, then I
would expect a return of your neck pain.  You will need to take a
close look at your diet and see if it actually is the gluten or
something else that is creating/facilitating inflammation in your
neck....Hope this is helpful...
 
Best in health,
 
Brett Saks, DC
Holistic Chiropractor
Atlanta, Georiga
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http://www.mindspring.com/~drbsaks  web-site