Apple Cider Vinegar as a Natural Cure for Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease is not really a disease. It describes the natural process in which the discs in the spinal cord begin to break down. This is caused by the daily wear and tear the spine suffers over many years. Spinal discs allow us to stretch, bend, and twist our backs; after decades of serving this function, they slowly fracture and degenerate. This can result in serious neck and back pain. Some advocates of folk medicine claim that drinking apple cider vinegar is a natural cure to this common orthopedic condition.

Claims

• Apple cider vinegar has been touted as miracle cure for every condition you can name, from diabetes to sinus infections. Practitioners of folk medicine claim that apple cider vinegar balances your pH levels, which somehow cures a wide variety of illnesses. The instructions of one folk medicine provider, EarthClinic.com, are as follows: place 2 tsp. of apple cider vinegar in 16 oz. of water. Stir, then slowly sip the concoction. This should be taken three times per day.

Reality

• This compound, without a doubt, has health benefits. Apple cider vinegar aids digestion, and is great for eliminating warts. Other claims, such as curing hypertension or arthritis, are purely anecdotal and have no experimental support. Degenerative disc disease is no different -- no medical evidence supports the claim that apple cider vinegar has any positive effect on this condition. Instead, talk to your doctor about medically-supported remedies: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, and even surgery.