Musculoskeletal Pain and Inflammation Positively Impacted by Food Changes

October 08, 2024

Living with chronic musculoskeletal pain is challenging, affecting daily life. While chiropractic treatments positively help, the power of nutrition can significantly influence your pain levels. Newer studies indicate that dietary changes can substantially impact 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's more and more clear that inflammation plays an important role in musculoskeletal pain, which encompasses conditions like arthritis, back pain, and neck pain. Certain foods impact inflammation, thereby affecting pain levels.

Anti-Inflammatory Foods – Adding anti-inflammatory foods can ease pain and enhance 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 have antioxidants and phytonutrients combatting 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 – Some 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 promote inflammation.
  • Refined carbohydrates like white bread and sugary drinks can increase 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 got 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), showed that a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods is an effective supplement to traditional pain management strategies.

PRACTICAL STEPS FOR DIETARY CHANGES

CONTACT Most Chiropractic Clinic

As part of an overall Murfreesboro chiropractic treatment plan, dietary adjustments offer a promising method for managing musculoskeletal pain. By incorporating anti-inflammatory foods and staying away from those that worsen inflammation, significant steps can be taken toward a pain-free daily living. Consulting with your Murfreesboro 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 current treatment plans quite nicely. Keep in mind, Murfreesboro chiropractic care and diet changes 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 potentially inflammation.

Make your Murfreesboro chiropractic appointment now to visit us!

 
Murfreesboro chiropractic tip: anti-inflammatory foods