There may be a connection between inflammatory and anti-inflammatory chemicals, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and susceptibility to common orthopedic conditions such as low back pain or TMJD.
In a new study in the Journal of Pain, researchers took blood samples from 503 adults and administered surveys to evaluate for frequency and intensity of low back pain or TMJD. For patients with higher ratios of inflammatory omega-6 fats compared to anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats, the risk for pain or injury was increased by 1.63-fold in the lumbar and 1.75-fold in the TMJ.
Conclusions
Inflammation can play a significant role in the pathogenesis and symptomatic presentation of chronic pain syndromes. For patients at increased risk for low omega-3 consumption or increased omega-6 status, interventions designed to balance these inflammation-regulating compounds may have a notable impact on the effectiveness of a comprehensive orthopedic rehabilitation plan.
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