Living with chronic musculoskeletal pain is challenging,
affecting daily life. While chiropractic treatments help a lot, the power of nutrition can significantly
affect your pain levels. Newer studies show
that dietary changes can substantially impact musculoskeletal
pain's severity and frequency. Let's explore how nutrition is key for pain relief.
THE CONNECTION BETWEEN DIET AND PAIN
It is more and more clear
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 – Incorporating
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 contain
antioxidants and phytonutrients to combat inflammation.
- Nuts and Seeds - Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds offer
essential 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
raise blood sugar levels and lead to more
inflammation.
- Red and processed meats have 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), investigated
patients with rheumatic diseases, showing that adherents
to anti-inflammatory diets achieved
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 addition
to usual pain management approaches.
PRACTICAL STEPS FOR DIETARY CHANGES
Start small by expanding your consumption
of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains little by little
while decreasing processed foods and sugars.
Consult Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka or a nutritionist to
get personalized advice.
Stay consistent and committed to
your new habits as dietary changes need time for lasting
benefits.
CONTACT Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka
As part of a general Sitka chiropractic
treatment plan, dietary adjustments offer a promising way to
manage musculoskeletal pain. By incorporating
anti-inflammatory foods and avoiding those that worsen
inflammation, significant strides can be started that will move
you toward a pain-free daily living. Talking
with your Sitka chiropractor about such nutritional dietary modifications
to your lifestyle, paving the way to better
health.
By making informed dietary choices
along with chiropractic care, chronic pain sufferers can enhance
their current treatment plans quite nicely. Note, Sitka 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 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 Sitka chiropractic
appointment today to visit us!