Dr. Betty Kamen, Ph.D.

Table Talk Health Hints

Nutrition Hints

from Betty Kamen, PhD, and Dr. Michael Rosenbaum, MD
Copyright © 2000-2005 by Nutrition Encounter, all rights reserved
May be redistributed only with full attribution
and a link to www.bettykamen.com
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Hint 2121: Omega-3 fatty acid supplements may be effective for relieving neck and low back pain.

Here's an alternative to NSAIDs, the effective therapy for both acute and chronic nonspecific neck and back pain. Unfortunately, extreme complications, including gastric ulcers, bleeding, and heart problems are associated with their use.

An alternative treatment with fewer side effects that also reduces the inflammatory response and thereby reduces pain is omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) found in fish oil.

The effectiveness of omega-3 EFAs in rheumatoid and even osteoarthritis has been demonstrated time and again.

Source: Neurology 2006;65:326-331.