Fish Oil Back Pain

The virtues of fish oil have been well documented. Claims fish oil can naturally ease inflammation have attracted the attention of people living with persistent discomfort. For back pain sufferers, omega-3 essential fatty oils naturally found in fish like salmon, herring, mackerel, and tuna or available in supplement form may reduce dependence on anti-inflammatory drugs that can have unintended side effects. Learn more, presented by leading Los Angeles spine surgery center, The Spine Institute.

Fish Oil-NSAID Study

A study conducted by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center doesn’t claim fish oil is better than NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for pain management, although it suggests it may be a safe alternative for some patients with back pain. Involving 250 back and neck pain patients, the study observed what happened as subjects were eased off their NSAIDs and given high doses of omega-3s instead.

Positive Fish Oil Results

More than half of all patients observed reported improvements with their pain, including less joint pain. More than 80 percent were satisfied with how their pain was managed with the supplements and said they would continue to take omega-3s on their own because they liked the results they were seeing.

Combining Fish Oil with NSAIDs

Researchers suggest patients may benefit from a combination of anti-inflammatory drugs and fish oil in some form rather than recommending the use of fish oil only. Some NSAIDs prescribed to manage back pain are fairly potent, so other sources of inflammation relief may also reduce reliance on such drugs.

Promoting Overall Health

When combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise, fish oil supplements can promote overall mind-body health, which may also help ease back pain. Natural anti-inflammatory foods like berries, green, leafy vegetables, tomatoes, fresh fruit, and nuts may further enhance the health benefits associated with fish oil.

There are some potential risks associated with high doses of fish oil supplements. The U.S. FDA recommends consuming no more than 3 grams per day to reduce the risk of experiencing side effects. Any changes to your medication shouldn’t be made without first talking to your doctor to see if it’s safe for you to take fish oil supplements or make medication adjustments.

For more information or to learn about additional options for pain relief, call The Spine Institute Center at (310) 828-7757. We specialize in minimally invasive and motion-preserving spinal surgeries. Reach out today and rediscover a pain-free life.