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 really influence your pain levels. Newer studies indicate that dietary changes can substantially affect 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 is more and more clear that inflammation plays a big role in musculoskeletal pain, which comprises conditions like arthritis, back pain, and neck pain. Certain foods impact inflammation, thereby impacting pain levels.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods – Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods can lessen 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 to combat 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 – Some foods can exacerbate inflammation, so those with chronic pain should limit:
- Processed foods are full of trans fats, sugars, and artificial additives, these foods can promote 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), analyzed 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 increasing your intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains bit by bit while reducing processed foods and sugars.
- Talk with Aurora Chiropractic Center to get personalized advice.
- Stay steady and loyal to your new habits as dietary changes need time for lasting benefits.
CONTACT Aurora Chiropractic Center
As part of an overall Juneau chiropractic treatment plan, dietary adjustments present a promising way to manage musculoskeletal pain. By incorporating anti-inflammatory foods and staying away from those that worsen inflammation, significant steps can be started that will move you toward a pain-free daily living. Talking with your Juneau 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 enhance their current treatment plans effectively. Note, Juneau 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 affect the immune system and even potentially inflammation.
Make your Juneau chiropractic appointment soon to see us!
