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 impact your pain levels. Newer studies show that dietary changes can substantially impact 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 is more and more clear that inflammation plays an important role in musculoskeletal pain, which comprises conditions like arthritis, back pain, and neck pain. Certain foods affect inflammation, thereby affecting 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 reduce 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 boost 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 curb:
- Processed foods are packed with trans fats, sugars, and artificial additives, these foods can promote inflammation.
- Refined carbohydrates like white bread and sugary drinks can raise blood sugar levels and prompt increased 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, revealing that advocates of 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 supplement to traditional pain management strategies.
PRACTICAL STEPS FOR DIETARY CHANGES
- Start small by increasing your intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains little by little while reducing processed foods and sugars.
- Consult Medical Spine and Sports Injury and Rehab Centers to get personalized advice.
- Stay consistent and loyal to your new habits as dietary changes require time for lasting benefits.
CONTACT Medical Spine and Sports Injury and Rehab Centers
As part of a general Baton Rouge chiropractic treatment plan, dietary adjustments offer a promising method for managing musculoskeletal pain. By including anti-inflammatory foods and staying away from those that worsen inflammation, significant strides can be started that will move you toward a pain-free daily living. Talking with your Baton Rouge 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 improve their current treatment plans quite nicely. Note, Baton Rouge chiropractic care and diet changes can be your friend 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 possibly inflammation.
Schedule your Baton Rouge chiropractic appointment today to see us!
