CAN FOOD IMPACT MY BACK PAIN?

For those who experience chronic back pain, you might want to consider looking at your diet to see how much it can affect you. Nutrition is an incredibly important part of tackling back pain. Studies have connected diet and back pain as it applies to all levels of discomfort, concluding that eating a significant amount of inflammatory food can cause muscles to contract without relaxing. If this persists over an extended period, it can cause back spasms and irritation.

Inflammatory food includes products that cause chronic, low-grade inflammation. Sugar, vegetable oil, fried foods, refined flour, dairy, artificial sweeteners, artificial additives, saturated fats, conventional grain-fed meats, processed meats, gluten from store-bought bread, excessive alcohol, trans fat foods, and fast food can all cause your body’s immune system to trigger. Unlike other allergens, your body doesn’t turn off your inflammation response when the danger is over; instead, after you eat inflammatory foods, your immune system stays active.

Major dietary causes of back pain include excessive amounts of caffeine, alcohol, and sugar, things that increase cortisol levels. Other stress-causing habits include skipping meals, eating large portions, or limiting yourself to a restrictive diet over a long period.

Consider varying the kinds of food you eat day to day. Likewise, avoid some or all of these inflammatory foods for at least three weeks to “clean” the effects out of your system. However, the best thing you could do for yourself and your health is to eat mindfully. Try sticking to anti-inflammatory foods whenever you can, such as omega-3 rich foods and deeply colored fruits and vegetables.

If you would like to discuss your chronic back pain with a skilled Ft. Meyers back pain doctor, call us at Pain Medicine Group and schedule an appointment. Our clinic was founded to identify, treat, and alleviate the symptoms of chronic pain sufferers. Our physicians are highly trained to both identify and address the sources of pain, rather than just masking the symptoms. We use the most advanced, up-to-date technology available in our field to help our patients. When you come in for an appointment, we can review your medical records, complete a physical exam, and create an individual treatment plan particular to your situation. Let us see how we can help.

Contact us at (888) 832-3597 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment with us today.