Musculoskeletal Pain and Inflammation Positively Impacted by Food Changes
Living with chronic musculoskeletal pain is challenging, often disrupting daily life. While chiropractic treatments make a positive effect, the power of nutrition can significantly affect your pain levels. Recent studies show that dietary changes can substantially impact musculoskeletal pain's severity and frequency. Let's explore how nutrition is vital for pain relief.
THE CONNECTION BETWEEN DIET AND PAIN
It's more and more transparent that inflammation has an important role in musculoskeletal pain, which encompasses conditions like arthritis, back pain, and neck pain. Certain foods affect 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 fundamental nutrients that boost 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 limit:
- Processed foods are full of 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, 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, showing that adherents to anti-inflammatory diets achieved 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 supplement to traditional pain management approaches.
PRACTICAL STEPS FOR DIETARY CHANGES
- Start small by expanding your consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains little by little while reducing processed foods and sugars.
- Talk with Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries to get advice personalized for you.
- Stay steady and committed to your new habits as dietary changes need time for lasting benefits.
CONTACT Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries
As part of an overall Manchester chiropractic treatment plan, dietary adjustments offer a promising method for managing musculoskeletal pain. By including anti-inflammatory foods and avoiding those that irritate inflammation, significant strides can be started that will move you toward a pain-free daily living. Talking with your Manchester chiropractor about such nutritional dietary modifications to your lifestyle that may help pave the way to better health.
By choosing better dietary choices along with chiropractic care, chronic pain sufferers can improve their existing treatment plans effectively. Keep in mind, Manchester chiropractic care and changes in diet can be your friend 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 possibly inflammation.
Make your Manchester chiropractic appointment soon to visit us!
