Musculoskeletal Pain and Inflammation Positively Impacted by Food Changes
Living with chronic musculoskeletal pain is challenging, affecting daily life. While chiropractic treatments positively help, the power of nutrition can really affect your pain levels. Newer studies indicate 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 is more and more clear that inflammation plays an important role in musculoskeletal pain, which involves conditions like arthritis, back pain, and neck pain. Certain foods affect inflammation, thereby impacting 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 to combat 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 – 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 boot blood sugar levels and lead to increased inflammation.
- Red and processed meats have 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), investigated patients with rheumatic diseases, revealing 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), 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 intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains gradually while reducing processed foods and sugars.
- Consult Yorkville Chiropractic and Wellness Centre to get advice personalized for you.
- Stay consistent and committed to your new habits as dietary changes need time for lasting benefits.
CONTACT Yorkville Chiropractic and Wellness Centre
As part of an overall Toronto chiropractic treatment plan, dietary adjustments present a promising way to manage musculoskeletal pain. By including 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. Talking with your Toronto chiropractor about such nutritional dietary modifications to your lifestyle that may help pave the way to better health.
By making informed dietary choices along with chiropractic care, chronic pain sufferers can enhance their existing treatment plans quite nicely. Keep in mind, Toronto chiropractic care and diet changes 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 Toronto chiropractic appointment soon to visit us!
