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Foods You Should Eat with Upper Back Pain

Foods You Should Eat with Upper Back Pain
Foods You Should Eat with Upper Back Pain

Upper back pain can be debilitating and can greatly affect your quality of life. Luckily, there are various treatment options available, including seeing a dietitian and consuming foods that can help alleviate the pain. In this blog post, we will discuss the types of foods that you should eat when suffering from upper back pain. By incorporating these foods into your diet, you can heal faster and live a pain-free life.

Foods Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are powerful anti-inflammatory agents that have been shown to help reduce the associated symptoms of upper back pain such as stiffness, swelling, and tenderness. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, tuna, sardines, nuts, and seeds. Omega-3 supplements are also available in the market, but always consult your doctor before consuming them.

Foods Rich in Magnesium

Magnesium is essential for muscle and nerve function, and can help alleviate upper back pain caused by muscle tension. Magnesium-rich foods include spinach, nuts, brown rice, and lentils. Adequate magnesium levels have also been found to reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches and migraines.

Foods Rich in Antioxidants

Antioxidants can help reduce inflammation and soothe sore muscles, making them essential in a diet for upper back pain. Foods such as berries, cherries, dark chocolate, and green tea are all rich in antioxidants and can help provide relief from upper back pain.

Foods Rich in Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for bone health, and a lack of it can cause upper back pain as well as other bone conditions such as osteoporosis. Vitamin D can be obtained from sunlight, but it is also present in foods such as fortified milk, cheese, and fatty fish like salmon. Be sure to consult your doctor before consuming supplements for vitamin D.

Foods Rich in Protein

Protein is the building block of muscles, so consuming foods rich in protein can help strengthen and repair muscle tissue in the upper back. Protein-rich foods include lean meats like chicken and turkey, fish, beans, lentils, and dairy products like milk and cheese.

Upper back pain can greatly affect your day-to-day life, but there are various treatment options available to alleviate the pain. Incorporating certain foods in your diet can help reduce inflammation and muscle tension, and speed up the healing process. Hydration is also another important aspect of upper back pain. Consult with your dietitian, naturopathic doctor, or doctor before making any significant changes to your diet. Remember that a healthy diet, along with other forms of treatment such as physiotherapy and chiropractic care, can help you live a pain-free life.

About the Author

Dr. Michael Torreiter, ND is a naturopathic doctor at CARESPACE Weber North. He helps clients improve their health through personalized, evidence-based care. If you’re looking for a naturopathic doctor in Waterloo, CARESPACE offers coordinated support designed to help you be your best.