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 affect your pain levels. Recent studies show that dietary changes can substantially affect musculoskeletal pain's severity and frequency. Let's explore how nutrition is vital for pain relief.
THE CONNECTION BETWEEN DIET AND PAIN
It's increasingly transparent that inflammation plays a major role in musculoskeletal pain, which involves conditions like arthritis, back pain, and neck pain. Certain foods impact inflammation, thereby affecting pain levels.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods – Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods can lessen pain and enhance 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 combatting inflammation.
- Nuts and Seeds - Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds have essential nutrients that boost joint health.
- Olive Oil: Contains oleocanthal, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties similar to ibuprofen.
Foods to Avoid – Certain 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 contain 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), investigated patients with rheumatic diseases, showing that adherents to anti-inflammatory diets attained significant pain relief and better 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 supplement to traditional pain management approaches.
PRACTICAL STEPS FOR DIETARY CHANGES
- Start small by increasing your consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains gradually while reducing processed foods and sugars.
- Consult Old Mill Chiropractic to get personalized advice.
- Stay consistent and committed to your new habits as dietary changes require time for lasting benefits.
CONTACT Old Mill Chiropractic
As part of an overall St Peters chiropractic treatment plan, dietary adjustments present a promising way to manage musculoskeletal pain. By incorporating anti-inflammatory foods and avoiding those that worsen inflammation, significant strides can be taken toward a pain-free existence. Consulting with your St Peters chiropractor about such nutritional dietary changes to your lifestyle, paving the way to better health.
By choosing better dietary choices along with chiropractic care, chronic pain sufferers can improve their current treatment plans effectively. Remember, St Peters chiropractic care and diet changes can be your ally 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.
Schedule your St Peters chiropractic appointment soon to visit us!