Nutrition for Back Pain can help provide needed relief.

When one is in pain, they may not think too much about what they are eating and what general nutritional choices they are making.  This is unfortunate since these choices may very well be contributing to their pain.

Nutrition, as defined, is the process of nourishing or being nourished, especially the process by which a living organism assimilates food and uses it for growth and for replacement of tissues.  Simply put, the things you put into your digestive system affect your body’s chemistry. Your body’s chemistry then affects the inflammatory response that occurs as a result of insult or injury to the tissues. A good amount of pain experienced is related to the inflammatory response in the body.  Reducing inflammation can reduce the intensity and duration of the pain experienced.

In general, a diet comprised mostly of lean proteins, raw/steamed vegetables, raw fruits, nuts, seeds, and plenty of water, is supportive of an anti-inflammatory lifestyle. I use the word lifestyle because the best choices involve more than correct intake of nutrients. It is also important to avoid certain things, and to exercise and reduce body fat composition. It is best to avoid sugar, white flour, preservatives, food colorings, antibiotics, hormones, pesticide residues. Limit starchy foods, and foods high in fat.

Excess fat also changes the body’s chemistry. Fat cells are a source of inflammatory chemistry. Research shows that dropping a few pounds (7-10% of your body weight) can be helpful, and may decrease physical pain. It is advisable to do this in a healthy manner in which you are loosing fat composition rather than muscle, and employ a method that you can sustain.  Loosing the weight and then gaining it right back will not be helpful, and will stress your body.

There are many nutritional supplements and herbs known to be helpful in providing relief for chronic pain sufferers. B vitamins, vitamin D, Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate have been helpful for inflammatory conditions, each for different reasons. Herbs such as Turmeric, Ginger, Boswellia, Devils Claw, Willow’s bark, and Quercitin are known to reduce painful inflammation. Each of these have recommended dosages, methods of action in the body, and contraindications (reasons why it would not be the right choice for you specifically, why it might be harmful to you). There are some wonderful formulations available that combine a few of these herbs and nutrients into one supplement.

Choosing nutritional supplementation over traditional NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) may be less expensive, and involve fewer side effects. Many drugs are products of extraction from plants/herbs. However, all drugs which are extracted out of plants are not in a whole natural state. Do not discontinue any medications without first consulting with your doctor. However, you may find just as much relief, if not more, from a more natural approach.

In order to figure out your best personal plan, it is always advisable to discuss nutrition and diet changes with your health care provider. Nutrition is an important building block when developing a plan to manage chronic back pain. Certain conditions and/or medications may require alterations or modifications to this general plan. Your health care provider, a dietician or nutritionist may assist you in making healthy choices. It may seem difficult at first, but be proud of yourself! Making these changes can improve more than the pain you experience, it can reduce the likelihood of many illnesses and diseases, improve your mood and overall function.

For more information about managing your back pain, download our FREE Patients Guide to Chronic Neck or Low Back Pain.

No related posts.

Posted in Chronic Back Pain by SpineDoc.