Spinal pain can develop as a result of arthritis, osteoporosis, poor posture, or scoliosis. Before your physician can recommend an effective treatment plan, you will need to undergo a comprehensive examination to determine where the source of your pain is originating from. Here are some nutritional interventions to consider while you are awaiting the results of your spinal tests.

Lean Protein

Your spinal pain may be the result of muscle atrophy as a result of excessive weight loss, a sedentary lifestyle, or a low protein diet. Adding more sources of lean protein into your meal plans will help rebuild your muscle tissue so that the spine and its surrounding areas get strong. Muscle atrophy in the middle of your back can lead to pain, compromised range of motion, and stiffness.

In addition to increasing your intake of lean protein such as chicken breast, legumes, and low-fat yogurt, your doctor may recommend that you participate in a spinal rehabilitation program. The therapists will teach you how to perform strengthening exercises to help promote circulation while reducing your pain.

While you can expect positive results from your spinal rehabilitation, it can take weeks or even months before you are symptom-free. Adding more lean protein into your diet may also help maintain your strength so that you are better able to perform your rehab exercises.

Seafood

Eating more seafood may also help heal your spine faster and allow you to keep up with your rehabilitation program without becoming too fatigued. Fresh fish is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids which help decrease both local and systemic inflammation.

Spinal pain is often associated with inflammation, and once inflammation has subsided as a result of consuming omega-3s, taking anti-inflammatory drugs, or performing physical rehab exercises, your pain will diminish. While many types of seafood contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids, the best sources include fresh salmon, sardines, tuna, and mackerel.

You can also take fish oil supplements to help improve your spinal pain, however, they may not be appropriate when combined with prescription anticoagulants or aspirin. Fish oils render your blood platelets less effective at clotting normally, and because of this, may raise the risk for abnormal bleeding. If you take prescription blood thinners or if your doctor suggested you take a daily aspirin tablet to help prevent a heart attack or stroke, do not take fish oil or omega-3 supplements unless otherwise directed to do so.

If you have spinal pain, talk to your doctor about the benefits of a spinal rehabilitation program. The sooner you begin, the more likely you will be to enjoy a complete reversal of your symptoms. 

If you need spine rehabilitation, contact a company like Florida Pain Center.

Share