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. Recent studies indicate that dietary changes can substantially impact 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 is more and more transparent that inflammation plays an important role in musculoskeletal pain, which involves 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 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 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 – Certain foods can exacerbate inflammation, so those with chronic pain should limit:
- 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 boot blood sugar levels and prompt more inflammation.
- Red and processed meats contain high levels of saturated fats, contributing 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, revealing that adherents to anti-inflammatory diets got 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), showed that a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods is an effective addition to traditional pain management strategies.
PRACTICAL STEPS FOR DIETARY CHANGES
- Start small by increasing your consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains bit by bit while reducing processed foods and sugars.
- Consult Layden Chiropractic to get advice personalized for you.
- Stay consistent and loyal to your new habits as dietary changes need time for lasting benefits.
CONTACT Layden Chiropractic
As part of an overall Plainville chiropractic treatment plan, dietary adjustments offer a promising way to manage musculoskeletal pain. By incorporating anti-inflammatory foods and avoiding those that worsen inflammation, significant strides can be taken toward a pain-free daily living. Talking with your Plainville 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 quite nicely. Note, Plainville chiropractic care and diet changes 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 presents research on how spinal manipulation like with The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management might affect the immune system and even potentially inflammation.
Schedule your Plainville chiropractic appointment today to visit us!
