Musculoskeletal Pain and Inflammation Positively Impacted by Food Changes
Living with chronic musculoskeletal pain is challenging, affecting daily life. While chiropractic treatments make a positive effect, the power of nutrition can significantly influence your pain levels. Recent studies indicate that dietary changes can substantially affect musculoskeletal pain's severity and frequency. Let's look more closely how nutrition is key for pain relief.
THE CONNECTION BETWEEN DIET AND PAIN
It's more and more clear that inflammation plays a big role 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 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 lower 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 increase blood sugar levels and lead to more inflammation.
- Red and processed meats have high levels of saturated fats, causing 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 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
- Start small by expanding your intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains gradually while decreasing processed foods and sugars.
- Talk with Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka to get advice personalized for you.
- Stay steady and loyal to your new habits as dietary changes require time for lasting benefits.
CONTACT Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka
As part of an overall Sitka chiropractic treatment plan, dietary adjustments offer a promising way to manage musculoskeletal pain. By incorporating anti-inflammatory foods and staying away from those that irritate inflammation, significant steps can be taken toward a pain-free existence. Talking with your Sitka chiropractor about such nutritional dietary changes to your lifestyle, paving the way for better health.
By making informed dietary choices along with chiropractic care, chronic pain sufferers can improve their existing treatment plans effectively. Remember, Sitka chiropractic care and changes in diet 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 have an impact on the immune system and even potentially inflammation.
Schedule your Sitka chiropractic appointment now to see us!
