Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids Can Help Neck and Back Pain
If you are a patient of mine, you probably know that I am a VERY BIG proponent of Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids. Not only because research has shown its effectiveness in treating neurological disorders, but also because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties that aid in pain relief, tissue healing, and overall improved health!
In the April 2006 issue of Surgical Neurology [Volume 65: 326-331], researchers found that supplementing with Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids reduced neck and back pain. "The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is a well-established effective therapy for both acute and chronic nonspecific neck and back pain," write Joseph Charles Maroon, MD, and Jeffrey W. Bost, PAC, from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Pennsylvania. "Extreme complications, including gastric ulcers, bleeding, myocardial infarction, and even deaths, are associated with their use. An alternative treatment with fewer side effects that also reduces the inflammatory response and thereby reduces pain is believed to be omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) found in fish oil."
LOOK AT THESE STATISTICS FROM THE STUDY!!!
59% of patients discontinued their daily intake of prescription NSAIDs,
60% reported improvement in overall pain,
60% reported improvement in joint pain, and
80% were satisfied with their level of improvement during the research study. There were no significant adverse effects reported, and
88% stated they would continue to take the fish oil supplements after the completion of the research study!!!