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Chronic musculoskeletal pain and function improve with a plant-based diet
Current research demonstrates how pervasive chronic musculoskeletal pain can be, impacting individuals of different ages, genders, and ethnicities, in addition to how a plant-based diet (rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains) could help improve the symptoms of chronic pain and overall quality of life. In this study by Towery et al. (2018), the authors investigated the impact of a plant-based diet on symptoms of chronic musculoskeletal pain and associated functional impairments in a population of 14 participants over a period of eight weeks. The participants’ anthropometric measures were evaluated at the start of the intervention, together with submitting a Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and a Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Aided by a registered dietician, the participants were educated on plant-based diets and were provided with a sample menu cycle, in addition to using a phone app to document dietary intake and receive dietary support. Upon study conclusion, the participants repeated baseline measurements and submitted a Patient Global Impression of Change Scale. After highlighting their small sample size to be considered when appreciating their results, the authors observed an overall decrease in reported pain and an enhancement in the quality of life of the study participants, who reported an 89% fidelity to the dietary intervention. Thus, the authors conclude that a plant-based diet enhances the quality of life and symptoms experienced by individuals suffering from chronic musculoskeletal pain and that collaborations involving registered dieticians, physical therapists, and healthcare professionals should be established to integrate dietary interventions into patients’ treatment strategies. [NPID: Chronic musculoskeletal pain, complementary therapies, global health status, pain management, plant-based diet]
Year: 2018
