Osteoarthritis of the spine causes chronic daily pain. While most people know that medications and lifestyle changes can help arthritis, they may not be aware that their diet can also affect their pain. Simple dietary changes, such as eliminating certain foods and adding others, can make a beneficial difference to someone with spinal arthritis.
Spinal Osteoarthritis Facts
Osteoarthritis, also known as OA, is the most common type of arthritis. It affects many of the body's joints, including those of the spine. Spinal arthritis is common in both the neck and the lower back, and according to MayoClinic.com, may become gradually worse as a person ages. Bone wear and tear can irritate joints, causing chronic pain and potentially restricting range of motion. Spinal arthritis can also cause spinal deformities. Osteoarthritis often results in chronic pain, and can decrease a person's quality of life.
Osteoarthritis Risk Factors
OA is not caused by diet; however, certain dietary choices can make it worse. According to MayoClinic.com, people who are overweight or obese have a greater risk of developing osteoarthritis. A high-fat diet that includes extra calories with little nutritional value can leave a person more vulnerable to developing arthritis, if it causes them to be overweight or obese. Excessive weight increases the normal wear and tear on a joint, causing it to deteriorate faster than it would under ordinary circumstances.
Osteoarthritis and Weight Loss
The Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center recommends that clinicians make weight loss a priority for their clients with osteoarthritis, especially if they fall into the obese category. They suggest a weight loss of around 1 to 2 percent weekly, achievable by reducing daily fat and calorie intake. They also recommend that overweight clients with arthritis focus on heart-healthy foods, which tend to have the added benefit of weight control. Some examples include fruits and vegetables, high-fiber foods and leaner cuts of meat.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods for OA
There is another school of thought when it comes to eating for spinal arthritis: anti-inflammatory foods. Some foods are more likely to trigger inflammation in the body, which may cause flare-ups of certain chronic diseases. This includes spinal osteoarthritis. Health Central recommends fresh foods, and seven to 12 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. They also recommends people with chronic conditions reduce their intake of high-calorie fast food, which has limited nutritional value. Some of their favorite anti-inflammatory foods include dark fruits and vegetables as well as cold water fish, such as salmon.
Foods to Avoid
Not only are certain foods more likely to cause inflammation, but they may be more likely to contribute to weight problems. These include hydrogenated oils, products made from white flour, high fructose corn syrup and fatty cuts of meats. Extra weight can potentially make symptoms worse for arthritis sufferers. This means fast foods, processed foods and foods containing large amounts of unnatural ingredients should be a minimal part of the arthritis diet if they are included at all.
