Musculoskeletal Pain and Inflammation Positively Impacted by Food Changes
Living with chronic musculoskeletal pain is challenging, affecting daily life. While chiropractic treatments positively help, the power of nutrition can significantly influence your pain levels. Newer studies indicate that dietary changes can substantially impact musculoskeletal pain's severity and frequency. Let's look deeper at how nutrition is vital for pain relief.
THE CONNECTION BETWEEN DIET AND PAIN
It's increasingly transparent that inflammation plays an important role in musculoskeletal pain, which involves conditions like arthritis, back pain, and neck pain. Certain foods impact inflammation, thereby impacting pain levels.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods – Adding anti-inflammatory foods can alleviate pain and improve overall health:
- Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and have been shown to reduce inflammation.
- Fruits and vegetables - Berries, leafy greens, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and brussel sprouts have antioxidants and phytonutrients to combat inflammation.
- Nuts and Seeds - Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds have essential nutrients that support joint health.
- Olive Oil: Contains oleocanthal, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties similar to ibuprofen.
Foods to Avoid – Some foods can exacerbate inflammation, so those with chronic pain should curb:
- Processed foods are packed with trans fats, sugars, and artificial additives, these foods can foster inflammation.
- Refined carbohydrates like white bread and sugary drinks can boot blood sugar levels and lead to more inflammation.
- Red and processed meats have high levels of saturated fats, contributing to inflammation.
INSIGHTS FROM RECENT STUDIES
Study 1: Dietary Practices and Rheumatic Diseases - A study led by Renard D. et al., and published in Joint Bone Spine (1), analyzed patients with rheumatic diseases, showing that advocates of anti-inflammatory diets experienced significant pain relief and improved quality of life.
Study 2: Nutrition's Role in Chronic Pain Management - Research by Cuomo A. and Parascandolo I., published in J Pain Res (2), demonstrated that a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods is an effective addition to traditional pain management strategies.
PRACTICAL STEPS FOR DIETARY CHANGES
- Start small by expanding your intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains little by little while reducing processed foods and sugars.
- Talk with Aaron Chiropractic Clinic to get personalized advice.
- Stay consistent and loyal to your new habits as dietary changes require time for lasting benefits.
CONTACT Aaron Chiropractic Clinic
As part of a general Fort Wayne chiropractic treatment plan, dietary adjustments offer a promising way to manage musculoskeletal pain. By including anti-inflammatory foods and staying away from those that irritate inflammation, significant steps can be started that will move you toward a pain-free existence. Consulting with your Fort Wayne chiropractor about such nutritional dietary modifications to your lifestyle, paving the way for better health.
By making informed dietary choices along with chiropractic care, chronic pain sufferers can improve their current treatment plans quite nicely. Note, Fort Wayne chiropractic care and changes in diet can be your helper in attaining overall well-being.
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. James Cox on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he presents research on how spinal manipulation like with The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management might affect the immune system and even potentially inflammation.
Make your Fort Wayne chiropractic appointment soon to visit us!
