Musculoskeletal Pain and Inflammation Positively Impacted by Food Changes
Living with chronic musculoskeletal pain is demanding, affecting daily life. While chiropractic treatments make a positive effect, the power of nutrition can significantly impact your pain levels. Recent studies show that dietary changes can substantially affect musculoskeletal pain's severity and frequency. Let's look more closely how nutrition is vital for pain relief.
THE CONNECTION BETWEEN DIET AND PAIN
It's increasingly transparent that inflammation has a big part in musculoskeletal pain, which encompasses conditions like arthritis, back pain, and neck pain. Certain foods impact inflammation, thereby affecting pain levels.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods – Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods can alleviate 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 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 limit:
- Processed foods are full of trans fats, sugars, and artificial additives, these foods can foster inflammation.
- Refined carbohydrates like white bread and sugary drinks can increase blood sugar levels and lead to more inflammation.
- Red and processed meats contain 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 adherents to anti-inflammatory diets achieved 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 expanding your consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains little by little while reducing processed foods and sugars.
- Consult Dr. Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC to get personalized advice.
- Stay consistent and committed to your new habits as dietary changes need time for lasting benefits.
CONTACT Dr. Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC
As part of an overall La Grande chiropractic treatment plan, dietary adjustments present a promising way to manage musculoskeletal pain. By including anti-inflammatory foods and staying away from those that irritate inflammation, significant steps can be started that will move you toward a pain-free existence. Talking with your La Grande chiropractor about such nutritional dietary modifications to your lifestyle that may help pave the way for better health.
By making informed dietary choices along with chiropractic care, chronic pain sufferers can enhance their existing treatment plans quite nicely. Remember, La Grande chiropractic care and changes in diet can be your ally 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 affect the immune system and even possibly inflammation.
Schedule your La Grande chiropractic appointment now to see us!
