Musculoskeletal Pain and Inflammation Positively Impacted by Food Changes
Living with chronic musculoskeletal pain is demanding, often disrupting daily life. While chiropractic treatments positively help, the power of nutrition can really impact your pain levels. Recent studies indicate that dietary changes can substantially affect musculoskeletal pain's severity and frequency. Let's look deeper at how nutrition is key for pain relief.
THE CONNECTION BETWEEN DIET AND PAIN
It's increasingly transparent that inflammation has an important part in musculoskeletal pain, which comprises conditions like arthritis, back pain, and neck pain. Certain foods affect inflammation, thereby affecting pain levels.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods – Adding anti-inflammatory foods can lessen 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 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 exacerbate inflammation, so those with chronic pain should curb:
- 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 prompt more inflammation.
- Red and processed meats contain 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), investigated patients with rheumatic diseases, showing that advocates of anti-inflammatory diets experienced 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 supplement to traditional pain management strategies.
PRACTICAL STEPS FOR DIETARY CHANGES
- Start small by increasing your intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains bit by bit while decreasing processed foods and sugars.
- Talk with Shoreline Medical Services/ Hutter Chiropractic Office to get advice personalized for you.
- Stay steady and loyal to your new habits as dietary changes need time for lasting benefits.
CONTACT Shoreline Medical Services/ Hutter Chiropractic Office
As part of a general Groton chiropractic treatment plan, dietary adjustments offer a promising way to manage musculoskeletal pain. By incorporating 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. Consulting with your Groton 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 existing treatment plans effectively. Remember, Groton 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 potentially inflammation.
Make your Groton chiropractic appointment today to visit us!
