Find out how garlic serves as a natural remedy for musculoskeletal pain thanks to its anti-inflammatory characteristics.

Chiropractic Care and Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition: A Comprehensive Approach to Musculoskeletal Pain Relief

Musculoskeletal pain, ranging from nagging backaches to debilitating joint discomfort, impacts countless individuals, often disrupting daily life and overall well-being. This complex condition arises from various causes, including injuries, chronic inflammation, and lifestyle factors. A holistic approach combining chiropractic care with an anti-inflammatory diet—featuring potent foods like garlic—offers a nonsurgical, evidence-based solution for pain management and recovery. This in-depth guide explores the clinical rationale for integrating chiropractic care with dietary strategies, the factors contributing to musculoskeletal pain, and the powerful anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties of garlic. Drawing on the expertise of Dr. Alexander Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, a board-certified chiropractor and family nurse practitioner, we’ll highlight how integrative therapies, targeted exercises, and nutrition can promote natural healing, restore function, and prevent long-term complications.

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Causes and Contributors to Musculoskeletal Pain

Musculoskeletal pain affects the muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, or other components of the musculoskeletal system. It can be acute (short-term) or chronic (lasting over three months), varying from mild discomfort to severe disability. Understanding its root causes is critical for developing effective treatment strategies.

Key Factors Driving Musculoskeletal Pain

1. Trauma and Injuries
   Injuries from motor vehicle accidents, sports, or repetitive motions can cause sprains, strains, fractures, or soft tissue damage. Conditions like tendonitis, whiplash, or ligament tears often result from such trauma, leading to persistent pain (Jimenez, 2025).
2. Poor Posture and Ergonomics
   Prolonged sitting, slouching, or improper workstation setups strain muscles and joints, contributing to neck, shoulder, and lower back pain. Sedentary lifestyles exacerbate these issues, particularly in modern work environments.
3. Chronic Inflammation
   Inflammation is a primary driver of musculoskeletal pain in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, or lupus. Persistent inflammation damages tissues, intensifying pain and restricting mobility (Sala-Climent et al., 2023).
4. Degenerative Disorders
   Age-related conditions such as osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease cause cartilage or spinal disc breakdown, leading to stiffness, pain, and limited range of motion (Bannister et al., 2020).
5. Lifestyle and Dietary Influences
   Obesity, physical inactivity, and diets high in processed foods and sugars increase the risk of musculoskeletal pain. Excess weight stresses joints, while pro-inflammatory foods fuel systemic inflammation, worsening symptoms (Dragan et al., 2020).
6. Psychological Stress
   Stress, anxiety, and depression amplify pain perception and cause muscle tension. Chronic stress triggers cortisol release, which promotes inflammation and perpetuates pain cycles.
7. Viscerosomatic Reflexes
   Pain from internal organs can manifest as musculoskeletal discomfort due to viscerosomatic reflexes. For example, gastrointestinal issues may present as back pain, necessitating a comprehensive diagnostic approach (Jimenez, 2025).

These overlapping factors highlight the need for a multifaceted treatment plan that addresses both mechanical and biochemical aspects of pain, making chiropractic care and nutrition powerful allies.

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Clinical Rationale for Chiropractic Care and Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition

Chiropractic care is a cornerstone of nonsurgical pain management, focusing on diagnosing and treating disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Dr. Alexander Jimenez, a leader in integrative medicine, combines spinal adjustments, targeted exercises, and lifestyle interventions to alleviate pain and promote healing (Jimenez, 2025). When paired with an anti-inflammatory diet, this approach targets both structural misalignments and systemic inflammation, offering a synergistic solution.

The Effectiveness of Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care involves spinal manipulations to correct misalignments (subluxations) that irritate nerves, cause muscle tension, and limit movement. Dr. Jimenez’s approach includes:

• Pain and Inflammation Reduction: Adjustments relieve nerve compression and enhance blood flow, decreasing localized inflammation (Bannister et al., 2020).
• Restored Joint Mobility: Correcting misalignments improves range of motion, reducing stiffness and discomfort.
• Nervous System Optimization: Proper spinal alignment supports nervous system function, facilitating the body’s natural healing processes.

Dr. Jimenez integrates chiropractic care with therapies like massage and targeted exercises to address the root causes of pain, aligning with the principles of integrative medicine (Jimenez, 2025).

The Power of Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition

Chronic inflammation drives many musculoskeletal conditions, making dietary interventions a critical component of pain management. An anti-inflammatory diet, such as the Mediterranean diet or the AnMeD-S (excluding red meat, gluten, and cow’s milk), emphasizes foods that reduce inflammation while avoiding pro-inflammatory triggers like processed foods and sugars (Sala-Climent et al., 2023).

Research highlights the benefits of anti-inflammatory diets:

• Pain and Stiffness Relief: A pilot study showed that patients with chronic pain who followed an anti-inflammatory diet reported reduced pain, stress, and improved sleep quality (Sala-Climent et al., 2023).
• Improved Function: Diets rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds enhance physical function and reduce disability (Dragan et al., 2020).
• Tissue Recovery: Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and polyphenols support tissue repair and reduce oxidative stress, a key contributor to pain (Rawson et al., 2018).

By combining chiropractic care with an anti-inflammatory diet, patients can address both mechanical and biochemical factors, enhancing recovery and preventing pain recurrence.

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Garlic: A Potent Anti-Inflammatory Superfood

Garlic (Allium sativum) has been used for centuries as a culinary and medicinal staple, valued for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties. Its inclusion in an anti-inflammatory diet makes it a powerful tool for managing musculoskeletal pain.

Nutritional Profile of Garlic

A single clove (approximately 3 grams) of raw garlic contains:

• Calories: 4.5 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1 gram
• Protein: 0.2 grams
• Fat: Trace amounts
• Fiber: 0.1 grams
• Vitamins and Minerals: High in vitamin C (0.9 mg per clove), vitamin B6, manganese, and trace amounts of calcium, potassium, and iron.
• Bioactive Compounds: Rich in organosulfur compounds like allicin, diallyl disulfide, and S-allyl cysteine, which drive its therapeutic effects.

These nutrients and compounds make garlic a valuable asset for reducing inflammation and supporting musculoskeletal health.

How Garlic Combats Inflammation and Boosts Immunity

Garlic’s bioactive compounds, particularly allicin, are activated when garlic is chopped or crushed and allowed to sit for 5–10 minutes before cooking (Jimenez, 2025). Its benefits include:

1. Anti-Inflammatory Action: Organosulfur compounds inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby reducing pain and swelling in conditions such as arthritis or muscle injuries (Quesada et al., 2020).
2. Antioxidant Protection: Compounds like S-allyl cysteine neutralize free radicals, protecting muscles and joints from oxidative stress and tissue damage (Ahmed et al., 2021).
3. Immune System Support: Garlic enhances white blood cell activity, thereby strengthening immunity and reducing inflammation-related infections that can exacerbate pain (Tattelman, 2005).
4. Cardiovascular Benefits: Garlic lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, reducing systemic inflammation and improving nutrient delivery to damaged tissues (Imaizumi et al., 2023).

Evidence Supporting Garlic’s Benefits

• A systematic review found that garlic supplementation reduced inflammatory markers and improved cardiovascular health, which is closely linked to systemic inflammation (Imaizumi et al., 2023).
• Garlic’s organosulfur compounds may help manage metabolic conditions like obesity and diabetes, which contribute to inflammation and musculoskeletal pain (Pérez-Rubio et al., 2022).
• Black garlic, a fermented form, offers enhanced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, potentially amplifying pain relief benefits (Ahmed et al., 2021).

Dr. Jimenez recommends incorporating garlic into daily meals, such as a simple pasta dish with olive oil and garlic, to harness its benefits affordably and effectively (Jimenez, 2025). Consuming one clove daily, raw or lightly cooked, maximizes allicin’s therapeutic effects.

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Fighting Inflammation Naturally- Video

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Integrative Strategies for Pain Management

Dr. Jimenez’s approach combines chiropractic care with nutrition and complementary therapies to address musculoskeletal pain comprehensively, promoting immediate relief and long-term wellness.

Chiropractic Adjustments

Spinal adjustments correct misalignments, reduce nerve irritation, and restore joint function. Dr. Jimenez tailors treatments to individual needs, such as lumbar adjustments for sciatica or cervical adjustments for neck pain, ensuring precise and effective care (Jimenez, 2025).

Targeted Exercises

Exercise programs strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and stabilize joints. Dr. Jimenez prescribes personalized routines, such as core exercises for spinal support or stretches for muscle tension, to complement chiropractic care and enhance recovery.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy relieves muscle tightness, improves circulation, and promotes relaxation, enhancing the effects of spinal adjustments by targeting trigger points and tension areas (Jimenez, 2025).

Acupuncture

Acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural pain-relieving pathways, reducing inflammation and improving energy flow, complementing chiropractic and dietary interventions.

Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition

A diet rich in garlic, fatty fish, berries, and leafy greens minimizes inflammation. The AnMeD-S diet, which excludes pro-inflammatory foods, has shown promise in reducing pain and improving quality of life (Sala-Climent et al., 2023).

Patient Education and Empowerment

Dr. Jimenez prioritizes clear communication, educating patients about their condition and the role of diet and exercise in recovery. This empowers patients to take an active role in their healing process (Jimenez, 2025).

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Benefits of an Integrative Approach

This holistic strategy offers several advantages:

• Non-Invasive: Avoids the risks associated with surgery or long-term medication use.
• Natural Healing: Supports the body’s innate ability to heal by addressing mechanical and biochemical factors.
• Prevents Chronic Conditions: Early intervention reduces the risk of long-term pain or disability.
• Holistic Wellness: Enhances immune function, cardiovascular health, and mental well-being.

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Practical Tips for Incorporating Anti-Inflammatory Foods

To maximize the benefits of garlic and other anti-inflammatory foods:

1. Activate Garlic’s Benefits: Chop or crush garlic and let it sit for 5–10 minutes to activate allicin before cooking (Jimenez, 2025).
2. Add Garlic to Daily Meals: Use garlic in soups, stir-fries, or a simple pasta dish with olive oil and parsley.
3. Combine with Other Superfoods: Pair garlic with turmeric, ginger, or leafy greens for enhanced anti-inflammatory effects.
4. Limit Pro-Inflammatory Foods: Reduce consumption of processed foods, sugary drinks, and red meat to minimize inflammation.
5. Seek Professional Guidance: Consult a chiropractor or a nutritionist for a personalized plan that integrates diet and therapy.

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Conclusion

Musculoskeletal pain, driven by injuries, inflammation, lifestyle factors, and stress, requires a comprehensive approach for effective management. Combining chiropractic care with an anti-inflammatory diet, particularly one featuring garlic, addresses both structural and inflammatory causes of pain. Dr. Alexander Jimenez’s integrative model, incorporating spinal adjustments, targeted exercises, complementary therapies, and nutrition, empowers patients to achieve lasting relief and optimal health. By adopting garlic and other anti-inflammatory foods and seeking chiropractic care, individuals can take proactive steps toward a pain-free, vibrant life.

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References

• Ahmed, T., Wang, C. K., & Zhang, H. (2021). Black garlic and its bioactive compounds on human health diseases: A review. Molecules, 26(16), 5028. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26165028
• Bannister, K., Sachau, J., Baron, R., & Dickenson, A. H. (2020). Neuropathic pain: Mechanism-based therapeutics. Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 60, 257–274. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-010818-021524
• Dragan, S., ?erban, M.-C., & Banach, M. (2020). Dietary patterns and interventions to alleviate chronic pain. Nutrients, 12(9), 2510. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12092510
• Imaizumi, V. M., Guimarães, N. S., & Knust, R. E. (2023). Garlic: A systematic review of the effects on cardiovascular diseases. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 63(24), 6797–6819. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2022.2043821
• Jimenez, A. (2025). Garlic for back pain: Does it work? El Paso Back Clinic. http://elpasobackclinic.com/garlic-for-back-pain-does-it-work/
• Liu, C.-T., Hse, H., & Lii, C.-K. (2007). Does garlic have a role as an antidiabetic agent? Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 51(11), 1353–1364. https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.200700082
• Pérez-Rubio, K. G., Méndez-Del Villar, M., & Cortez-Navarrete, M. (2022). The Role of Garlic in Metabolic Diseases: A Review. Journal of Medicinal Food, 25(7), 683–694. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2021.0146
• Quesada, I., de Paola, M., & Álvarez-Cilleros, D. (2020). Effect of garlic’s active constituents in inflammation, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Current Hypertension Reports, 22(1), 6. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11906-019-1009-9
• Rawson, E. S., Miles, M. P., & Larson-Meyer, D. E. (2018). Dietary supplements for health, adaptation, and recovery in athletes. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 28(2), 188–199. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2017-0340
• Sala-Climent, M., López-García, E., & Codoñer-Franch, P. (2023). The effect of an anti-inflammatory diet on chronic pain: A pilot study. Frontiers in Nutrition, 10, 1205526. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2023.1205526
• Tattelman, E. (2005). Health effects of garlic. American Family Physician, 72(1), 103–106. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16035690/