Treatment with Medications
The Spine and Growth Hormone
The Spine and Growth
Hormone
Human
Growth hormone (HGH) is a powerful chemical produced in the body. It is released
in cycles, often associated with our circadian rhythm. It has a powerful impact
on all tissues of the body. It facilitates the growth, repair and remodeling of
bodily tissues. The levels of circulating HGH tends to peak while we are
younger and begins to slowly decrease as we grow older. Growth hormone has a
profound impact on the supportive tissues of the spine. It influences the
turnover of tissues well as the remodeling of bone and collagen as well as the
hypertrophy of muscle. Any time the spine is injured or supportive tissues are
comprised a healing process takes place. The process is influenced by many
factors including the presence of anabolic hormones such as testosterone,
insulin and growth hormone.
The
release of HGH is greatly influenced by the amount of sleep and one’s exercise routine.
Growth hormone release is typically highest during the first part of the night
(early phase of sleep), which is why restful sleep is so important. When we shorten
our sleep period,
we blunt the effect of growth hormone, thus limiting our capacity for muscle
growth and recovery.
Exercise
is probably the largest contributor to growth hormone release. Exercise affects
the release of growth hormone release through a variety of different mechanisms
such as:
- Nerve Input
- Direct
stimulation by catecholamines
- Lactic &
nitric oxide
- Changes in
acid-base balance
In situations where deficiency has been documented, a physician may prescribe supplemental hormones such as testosterone or growth hormone. When these hormones are used inappropriately, serious side effects may occur. Hormones should never be taken without the close supervision of a qualified physician.