Keeping your body in good shape by getting body work, eating a healthy diet with lots of fruits, vegetables can help your back stay healthy.

What can we eat to help our body work better?

• Choose foods that are low in saturated fats and sugar
• Drink plenty of water
• Eat foods that are high in antioxidants (such as green leafy vegetables and berries) may help fight inflammation which will decrease pain

Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco

Why not just take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug for pain?

When we are in pain it is so easy to find over the counter medicine for pain.  In an emergency, this works great but over time, these drugs can cause a great strain on your kidneys, liver, pancreas and other organs.  Deciding to take natural supplements puts less strain on your body and allows your organs to filter it out more easily. 

Supplements that can help fight inflammation and pain: 

• Omega-3 fatty acids, such as flaxseed and fish oils, 1 - 2 capsules or 1 tablespoonful oil daily, to help decrease inflammation
• Glucosamine/chondroitin: 500 - 1,500 mg daily. In some but not all studies, glucosamine and chondroitin have helped relieve arthritis pain. It has not been studied specifically for low back pain
• Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): 3,000 mg twice a day, to help prevent joint and connective tissue breakdown. In some but not all studies, MSM has been shown to help relieve arthritis pain. 
• Bromelain: 250 mg twice a day. This enzyme that comes from pineapples reduces inflammation. Bromelain may increase the risk of bleeding, so people who take anticoagulants (blood thinners) should not take Bromelain without first talking to their doctor. People with peptic ulcers should avoid Bromelain
• Turmeric:  Sometimes combined with Bromelain, because it makes the effects of Bromelain stronger. Take Cloves, Ginger, Rosemary and Turmeric
  
  Adding just one of these in your smoothie or in a meal can really take down inflammation in the body which is always a big problem. Here is a great article discussing tennis ball exercises for low back pain and sciatica.
  
  

  How can chiropractic help with Sciatica?

  
  Chiropractic treatments help align the pelvis, sacrum, spine and extremities. When someone has sciatic pain, it is because the nerve is being strained. Taking stress off of the spine and extremities allows the sacrum and hips to move properly and keep inflammation down.  
  
  If you have low back pain or have a health concern and would prefer natural treatments, contact our San Francisco, CA or San Carlos, CA Chiropractic office today!
  
  https://www.healthambition.com/tennis-ball-massage-relieve-sciatica-pain/.