The use of fish oil (in the form of cod liver oil), an omega-3 EFA, for the treatment of muscular, skeletal, and discogenic diseases, can be traced back to the late 18th century. Unfortunately, because of the rapid onset of rancidity of this polyunsaturated oil when exposed to air, and hence its disconcerting odor, cod liver oil fell out of favor. With improved extraction techniques, the therapeutic benefits of fish oil can now be realized without the regurgitation and odor of previous products caused by peroxides and rancid tasting fish oil.
Research has shown that the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are some of the most effective natural anti-inflammatory agents available. With the discovery that vascular inflammation is the underlying cause of coronary artery disease, fish and fish oil supplements are now recommended by the American Heart Association for the prevention of this disease. Countries that have the highest fish consumption also have a lower incidence of neurodegenerative disease and depression. The biological basis for the effectiveness of fish oil in treating arthritis has been well documented with many positive clinical studies, when compared to traditional pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory agents.
The active ingredients in fish oil are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These ingredients found in fish oil have been shown to directly reduce inflammation in the joints of the body which can reduce pain. A recent study of 250 patients with cervical and lumbar disc disease, who were taking NSAIDs, revealed that 59% could substitute fish oil supplements as a natural anti-inflammatory agent for the NSAIDs. The recommended dosage is a total of 1.5–5g of EPA and DHA per day, taken with meals.
Fish oil is one of many products our clinicians may give our patients for inflammation and/or pain. For more information about how our clinicians at The Neurologic Wellness Institute treat pain and inflammation, feel free to schedule a consult with one of our patient care coordinators.
Reference:
Maroon et al. Natural anti-inflammatory agents for pain relief. Surgical Neurology International. 2010.
