In addition to ice (and/or heat), pain gel, and chiropractic adjustment, there are several nutritional treatments for managing pain and inflammation that are supportive to your chiropractic care and massage therapy. Used with proper supervision. these nutritional remedies also may allow you to reduce the use of pain medication and to recover faster.

Low Allergy Diet  Since allergy equals inflammation and pain, it is a good idea to pay attention to allergens. Many individuals are allergic (or sensitive) to foods which they are unaware of. Identifying and managing undetected food allergens can significantly improve musculoskeletal conditions including most all "-itis's" (arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, etc.), and injury recovery. Additionally, I have heard several patients report that their low-allergy diet also relieved the fatigue and stress associated with pain. There are accurate non-blood methods of allergy testing. (Note: conventional skin scratch testing, while reliable for inhalants such as pollen, grass, dust, mold, etc., is not accurate for foods.)

High-Protein Diets  may improve certain health conditions in the short term, but can have serious drawbacks. The long-term effects of consuming high protein is liver congestion. toxic uric acid build up (which complicates gouty arthritis), and the disruption of calcium balance.

Digestive Aid Diet / Proper Food Combining can accomplish much good not only for improving digestion. but reducing weight, increasing energy, detoxification. and reducing inflammatory (pain-producing) mediators through balanced bowel flora and immune system regulation. (A one-page summary handout is available or see the Diamond's book "Fit For Life".

Basic Whole Foods Diet  is common sense healthy eating: Increasing fresh, hi-fiber fare emphasizing vegetables, whole grains, beans --and more vegetables -- while reducing processed, refined hi-fat and hi-sugar foods. While most people know this, we all seem to need assistance in practicing it. For starters request my handout on "Healthy Snack Suggestions (require little or no time)," "Fast Healthy Foods" or the new, very practical, booklet "Simple Steps to Prevent Cancer" (& Improve Your Diet). This type of eating maximizes health while minimizing pain.

Bromelain, a pineapple extract, not only reduces swelling (and therefore pain), but also prevents scar tissue. {Note to those who have tried Bromelain but not attained successful results. (1) Bromelain must be taken on an empty stomach for effective anti-inflammatory action; if taken with food it acts only as a digestive aid. (2) There is now a fast-acting hi-potency formula for those who do not respond to regular-strength Bromelain, or (3) Try the combination below.}

Bromelain-Quercetin Combination Quercetin is a bioflavanoid extracted from onion which enhances the effect of Bromelain.

Tumeric is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.

Ginger and Cayenne (capsicum) both have analgesic (pain relieving and nerve regeneration properties.

Willow Bark has been called nature's aspirin. It is the original substance form which modern aspirin (salicylic acid) was derived.

Yucca and Arthritis root have traditionally been used for the treatment of arthritis and other painful inflammatory conditions. I have had certain patients experience excellent results with these herbs.

Note: The Saliva Herb Test is available to narrow down the herbs best suited to your individual need. An example of the test results and an informative article reprint on the Herb Test is available

P.S.I (Pain, Spasm, Inflammation) Formula This is a long time professional's favorite because of such consistently positive reports from patients. The combination includes selected vitamins, minerals and herbs relevant to the entire spectrum of pain, spasm and inflammation. (The original formula is now called "PSI Nighttime," since it contains relaxant/sedative herbs for insomnia and stress. The new "Daytime" formula is stronger pain medicine without the relaxant effect, although most of my patients still prefer the original formula.)

Joint Support is a combination formula similar to P.S.I. with the addition of Glucosamine. (There are strengths and weaknesses of each respective formula depending on individual need, which is best determined by consultation.)

Rhus Tox is a good, safe remedy for the temporary relief of pain from arthritis and Fibromyalgia. (Characteristic of pain which is improved by movement.) Appropriate for chronic conditions.

Arnica is very helpful for acute injury, and will significantly expedite the body's own healing process. The sooner it is taken to the time of injury the more pronounced its effect. We have seen bumps come up on our children's head, applied arnica, and watched them go back down in minutes! Available for oral (small sugar tablets) and topical (spray) administration. Note: Homeopathic remedies, while very safe and effective, are finicky. Please request my handout for proper handling and administration.

Castor Oil is an outstanding pain reliever. It's action on the lymphatic and nervous systems give it marked effect for analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and nerve regeneration properties. Castor oil is a fine external complement to internal nourishment. Complete information sheet with application instructions available.

Ginseng and iron can aggravate pain and inflammation. They should not be taken during the acute or early stage of an injury, nor during periods of flare-up.