Inflammation is associated with pain. Current research also has
been associating inflammation as the culprit for many of the
illnesses that plague our society. These include but are not
limited to heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease,
autoimmune diseases, arthritis, etc. Chronic pain from
degenerative joint disease and disc herniations is also affected
by inflammation.
Drugs that reduce inflammation have been the choice of
our population as symptoms are often relieved with aspirin and
Advil. The adverse effects are stomach and digestive disorders
and therefore a newer class of drugs was manufactured to have
anti inflammatory properties without adverse effects. These were
called Cox 2 inhibiting drugs. However not only did these drugs
cause digestive problems as the Advil did, but also the Vioxx,
Celebrex, and Bextra caused cardiovascular problems that have
resulted in many deaths making them not an option for control of
the inflammation and pain.
There are options when treating for chronic spinal
pain.
In the July 15, 2003 issue of Spine, the world’s
foremost orthopedic journal, a clinical study compared Cox 2
inhibitors Vioxx, Celebrex, and Bextra to chiropractic spinal
adjusting for the treatment of chronic spinal pain. Chiropractic
spinal adjusting resulted in are superior results with no
adverse reactions.
Diets are also an important consideration in
inflammation. Pro inflammatory foods abound in our typical
diets. These are most animal food products as well as all oils,
except olive oil. Trans fat in food is also a big problem and
found in crackers and cookies as hydrogenated oils. High
fructose corn syrup (soda, most juices) is turned to belly fat
when it blocks the insulin (the hormone that transports food
into cells) receptors in cells, reducing your ability to absorb
any nutrient. This process leads to inflammation, promotes
chronic and neurodegenerative conditions. Pain is the last
symptom to occur indicating the process has already started.
Artificial sweeteners found in diet sodas irritate the
meninges of the spinal cord causing pain and inflammation when
they cross the blood brain barrier. Sugar is the better
alternative to any artificial sweetener. Also avoid monosodium
gluatamate (MSG) which can be found in broths for the same
reason.
Increasing beta carotenes in yellow, orange, and red
vegetables, adding berries and melons to the diet, prevent the
development of inflammation by reducing free radicals in the
body (produced by normal metabolism). Omega 3 oils such as fish
oil or flaxseed oils prevent inflammation, and have essential
health properties. They can not be obtained by eating foods
alone. Omega 3 oils must be bought as a supplement, preferably
in the bottle over pills as it is absorbed more readily and
fresher in pure liquid form. Omega 3 oil is essential for
proper membrane function in body metabolism, and in the creation
of neurotransmitters in the brain, needed to prevent depression,
mood disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Think Health - think the chiropractic lifestyle that
includes chiropractic adjustments and a healthy lifestyle of
proper nutrition and exercise.
"The
doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest
his patients in the care of the human body, in diet, and in the
cause and prevention of disease."
-Thomas Edison 
Where can
you turn for wellness? Most doctor visits occur after
the condition has progressed to the point of pain, or in
crisis which begs the question, "Is it too late?" Health
is a process, gained or lost over time. Fortunately
wellness care is within your reach. Delivered with the
same results and benefits as a good diet and regular
exercise, chiropractic care is the foundation for good
health. If you are looking to experience your full
potential, without the side effects of medication,
chiropractic care is for you.
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