More than 85 percent of the population suffers from back pain at one time or another. The treatment of choice for most people is rest and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Unfortunately, NSAIDs cause gastrointenstinal problems in some people and may trigger heart attacks and strokes in others. Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center found that fish oil supplements reduced back pain as well as NSAIDs. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory effects on joints and tissues. Subjects took 1.2 to 2.4 grams of fish oil for 75 days. The study was poorly controlled, so the results may have been attributed to the power of suggestion. Other studies found that glucosamine and chondroitin supplements also help relieve joint pain. Taking those supplements with fish oil may have additive effects in treating or preventing back pain.
(Journal Surgical Neurology, 65:326-331, 2006)
(Journal Surgical Neurology, 65:326-331, 2006)