Musculoskeletal Pain and Inflammation Positively Impacted by Food Changes

October 08, 2024

Living with chronic musculoskeletal pain is demanding, often disrupting daily life. While chiropractic treatments help a lot, the power of nutrition can really impact your pain levels. Newer studies indicate that dietary changes can substantially affect musculoskeletal pain's severity and frequency. Let's explore how nutrition is key for pain relief.

THE CONNECTION BETWEEN DIET AND PAIN

It's increasingly transparent that inflammation has a big part in musculoskeletal pain, which encompasses conditions like arthritis, back pain, and neck pain. Certain foods affect inflammation, thereby affecting pain levels.

Anti-Inflammatory Foods – Adding 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 decrease inflammation.
  • Fruits and vegetables - Berries, leafy greens, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and brussel sprouts contain antioxidants and phytonutrients combatting inflammation.
  • Nuts and Seeds - Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds offer fundamental nutrients that support joint health.
  • Olive Oil: Contains oleocanthal, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties similar to ibuprofen.

Foods to Avoid – Certain foods can irritate 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 increased inflammation.
  • Red and processed meats contain high levels of saturated fats, adding 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, revealing that adherents to anti-inflammatory diets attained 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 approaches.

PRACTICAL STEPS FOR DIETARY CHANGES

CONTACT Gormish Chiropractic & Rehabilitation

As part of an overall Carrolltown chiropractic treatment plan, dietary adjustments offer a promising way to manage musculoskeletal pain. By including anti-inflammatory foods and avoiding those that worsen inflammation, significant steps can be started that will move you toward a pain-free existence. Talking with your Carrolltown chiropractor about such nutritional dietary modifications to your lifestyle, paving the way for better health.

By choosing better dietary choices along with chiropractic care, chronic pain sufferers can enhance their current treatment plans quite nicely. Remember, Carrolltown chiropractic care and changes in diet can be your helper in achieving overall well-being.

Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. James Cox on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he discusses how spinal manipulation like with The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management might have an impact on the immune system and even potentially inflammation.

Schedule your Carrolltown chiropractic appointment today to visit us!

 
Carrolltown chiropractic tip: anti-inflammatory foods