Almost everyone experiences tight, painful neck muscles from time to time. Whether you sit hunched over in front of your computer for several hours or have poor posture, neck pain can cause a serious impact on your ability to function and your overall well-being. While it's no substitute for developing proper posture and other self-care techniques, research has shown that fish oil may help improve symptoms of neck pain. Consult your doctor before taking any over-the-counter dietary supplements.
Fish Oil Benefits
Fish oil has been promoted as a supplement to treat a number of conditions, including high cholesterol, heart disease and depression, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Fish oil provides a beneficial source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for maintaining good health and reducing inflammation. Certain types of fatty fish, like salmon and mackerel, as well as other types of seafood, are high in omega-3 fatty acids. However, if you don't like the taste of fish, you can also obtain the benefits of fish oil by taking an over-the-counter fish oil supplement. Omega-3 fatty acids may help to reduce pain associated with certain conditions such as osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Some research has also shown that fish oil may help to reduce neck pain.
Neck Pain - Causes and Treatments
Neck pain doesn't just hurt, it can also interfere with your sleep quality and affect your ability to function in everyday life. A number of factors can cause neck pain, including poor posture, whiplash, muscle strains, deteriorating joints and certain diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, according to the Mayo Clinic. While medication, massage, acupuncture and self-help techniques like stretching, rest and ice can provide relief from neck pain, some studies have found that taking a regular fish oil supplement can also provide benefits.
Clinical Evidence
A study published in the May 2007 issue of "Pain," the journal of the International Association for the Study of Pain, showed that fish oil supplementation helped to reduce joint pain, stiffness and feelings of tenderness in study participants with rheumatoid arthritis or joint pain. Another study, published in the April 2006 issue of the journal "Surgical Neurology," found that 60 percent of study participants suffering from acute and chronic nonspecific neck and back pain experienced significant reductions in pain levels and joint pain with no serious side effects when treated with fish oil supplements.
Considerations
While it appears that fish oil can improve symptoms of neck pain, you should never use a dietary supplement to self-treat your condition. Sometimes, neck pain can be a sign of a serious medical condition. Consult your doctor to discuss your symptoms and obtain treatment advice. Inform your doctor if you choose to take a fish oil supplement.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Mayo Clinic: Neck Pain
- "Pain"; A Meta-Analysis of the Analgesic Effects of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation for Inflammatory Joint Pain; R. J. Goldberg and J. Katz; May 2007
- "Surgical Neurology"; Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil) as an Anti-inflammatory: An Alternative to Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs for Discogenic Pain; J.C. Maroon and J.W. Bost; April 2006
Member Comments