Musculoskeletal Pain and Inflammation Positively Impacted by Food Changes

October 08, 2024

Living with chronic musculoskeletal pain is demanding, often disrupting daily life. While chiropractic treatments make a positive effect, the power of nutrition can significantly influence 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 vital for pain relief.

THE CONNECTION BETWEEN DIET AND PAIN

It is more and more transparent that inflammation plays a major part in musculoskeletal pain, which encompasses conditions like arthritis, back pain, and neck pain. Certain foods impact inflammation, thereby impacting 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 contain antioxidants and phytonutrients to combat 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 – Certain foods can irritate inflammation, so those with chronic pain should limit:

  • 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 boot blood sugar levels and lead to 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), analyzed patients with rheumatic diseases, revealing that adherents to anti-inflammatory diets achieved 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 usual pain management strategies.

PRACTICAL STEPS FOR DIETARY CHANGES

  • Start small by increasing your consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains little by little while reducing processed foods and sugars.
  • Consult Pure Chiropractic  to get personalized advice.
  • Stay steady and committed to your new habits as dietary changes need time for lasting benefits.

CONTACT Pure Chiropractic

As part of a general Concord, NC chiropractic treatment plan, dietary adjustments present a promising method for managing musculoskeletal pain. By including anti-inflammatory foods and avoiding those that irritate inflammation, significant steps can be started that will move you toward a pain-free daily living. Talking with your Concord, NC chiropractor about such nutritional dietary changes to your lifestyle that may help pave the way for better health.

By choosing better dietary choices along with chiropractic care, chronic pain sufferers can improve their existing treatment plans quite nicely. Keep in mind, Concord, NC chiropractic care and changes in diet can be your helper in attaining 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 Concord, NC chiropractic appointment now to see us!

 
Concord, NC chiropractic tip: anti-inflammatory foods