How Chiropractors Can Use Nutrition to Manage Autoimmune-Related Pain

Posted by Dee Cee Labs on Mar 5th 2025

How Chiropractors Can Use Nutrition to Manage Autoimmune-Related Pain

Autoimmune conditions affect millions of people, causing chronic inflammation, joint pain, and musculoskeletal discomfort that can interfere with daily life. Many chiropractic patients struggle with autoimmune-related pain, which can limit mobility, worsen spinal misalignments, and contribute to ongoing discomfort. While chiropractic adjustments are essential for restoring function and reducing stress on the nervous system, nutrition plays a critical role in managing inflammation and supporting the body’s ability to heal.

By integrating targeted nutritional strategies, chiropractors can help patients reduce pain, minimize flare-ups, and improve overall musculoskeletal health. This blog explores how autoimmune-related pain is connected to nutrition and how chiropractors can guide patients toward an anti-inflammatory diet to enhance the effectiveness of their treatments.

The Link Between Autoimmune Disorders and Chronic Pain

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, leading to inflammation, tissue damage, and chronic pain. Common autoimmune conditions that contribute to musculoskeletal pain include:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) – Causes joint swelling, stiffness, and degeneration.
  • Lupus – Triggers widespread inflammation, affecting joints, muscles, and connective tissues.
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS) – Leads to nerve-related pain and muscle dysfunction.
  • Psoriatic arthritis – Causes inflammation of the spine and joints.
  • Hashimoto’s thyroiditis – Can result in muscle weakness and joint stiffness.

Inflammation is the key driver of autoimmune-related pain, making dietary and nutritional interventions essential for reducing symptoms and improving mobility.

How Nutrition Can Help Reduce Autoimmune-Related Pain

Many foods can either increase or decrease inflammation in the body. For chiropractic patients with autoimmune conditions, focusing on anti-inflammatory nutrition can reduce pain, improve spinal flexibility, and enhance recovery after adjustments.

1. Reducing Inflammatory Foods

Certain foods can worsen autoimmune symptoms by triggering an inflammatory response. Chiropractors should encourage patients to limit or eliminate:

  • Refined sugars and processed foods – Promote inflammation and increase oxidative stress.
  • Gluten and dairy – Common triggers for autoimmune flare-ups.
  • Trans fats and vegetable oils – Increase systemic inflammation and contribute to joint pain.
  • Excess caffeine and alcohol – Can disrupt immune function and worsen inflammation.

2. Increasing Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Encouraging patients to focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods can help reduce pain and support musculoskeletal health. Key anti-inflammatory foods include:

  • Leafy greens (spinach, kale, Swiss chard) – Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress.
  • Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines) – High in omega-3s, which reduce joint inflammation.
  • Turmeric and ginger – Natural anti-inflammatory herbs that support pain relief.
  • Berries (blueberries, blackberries, strawberries) – High in polyphenols that fight inflammation.
  • Nuts and seeds (walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds) – Provide healthy fats and essential nutrients.

3. Supporting Gut Health

Autoimmune disorders are closely linked to gut health, and an imbalanced microbiome can contribute to systemic inflammation. Chiropractors can recommend:

  • Probiotics – Support a healthy gut microbiome and immune function.
  • Prebiotic fiber – Feeds beneficial gut bacteria and strengthens the gut barrier.
  • Bone broth and fermented foods – Help repair the intestinal lining and reduce inflammation.

Essential Supplements for Managing Autoimmune-Related Pain

In addition to chiropractic care and an anti-inflammatory diet, targeted supplementation can provide extra support for reducing inflammation and improving joint mobility.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3s help reduce joint pain and stiffness by blocking inflammatory pathways in the body. They are essential for patients with arthritis, chronic pain, and autoimmune disorders.
Superior Omega-3 with DPA – Supports joint health and reduces inflammation.

Turmeric (Curcumin)

Curcumin is one of the most powerful natural anti-inflammatory compounds, helping relieve muscle and joint pain associated with autoimmune diseases.
Organic TurCumin – Enhances the body's natural anti-inflammatory response.

Vitamin D3 + K2

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in immune function and musculoskeletal health. Many autoimmune patients are deficient in vitamin D, which can increase inflammation and pain.
Vitamin D3 + K2 – Supports bone strength and immune regulation.

Magnesium

Magnesium helps relax muscles, reduce nerve pain, and support energy metabolism, making it essential for autoimmune patients dealing with fatigue and muscle tension.
Magnesium Super Potency – Supports muscle relaxation and nerve function.

Proteolytic Enzymes

Enzymes help break down inflammatory proteins and improve tissue repair, making them beneficial for reducing autoimmune-related pain.
Proteo-Zyme – Supports muscle recovery and inflammation reduction.

How Chiropractors Can Implement Nutrition Strategies for Autoimmune Patients

1. Educate Patients on Inflammatory Foods

Discuss how diet impacts pain levels and provide patients with a list of anti-inflammatory foods to incorporate into their meals.

2. Recommend High-Quality Supplements

Suggest targeted nutritional supplements that help reduce inflammation, strengthen bones, and support muscle function.

3. Monitor Progress and Adjust Recommendations

Autoimmune patients often have unique dietary sensitivities. Work closely with patients to identify food triggers and modify their nutrition plans accordingly.

4. Encourage Hydration and Detoxification

Help patients understand the importance of hydration and liver detoxification for managing inflammation and enhancing the benefits of chiropractic adjustments.

Final Thoughts

Chiropractors play a vital role in helping autoimmune patients manage chronic pain by incorporating nutrition-based strategies into their care plans. By reducing inflammatory foods, improving gut health, and recommending targeted supplements, chiropractors can enhance treatment outcomes and help patients experience lasting relief.