Find out how garlic offers anti-inflammatory benefits for musculoskeletal pain and supports a healthier lifestyle.

Integrative Wellness: Harnessing Chiropractic Care and Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition for Musculoskeletal Pain Relief

Musculoskeletal pain, whether it’s a dull ache in the lower back or sharp discomfort in the joints, affects millions of people, often hindering their daily activities and quality of life. This complex condition stems from various causes, ranging from injuries to chronic inflammation. Fortunately, a holistic approach combining chiropractic care with an anti-inflammatory diet—featuring powerhouse foods like garlic—offers a promising, nonsurgical path to relief. This comprehensive guide explores the clinical rationale for integrating chiropractic care with dietary strategies, the factors contributing to musculoskeletal pain, and the remarkable benefits of garlic in reducing inflammation and boosting immune health. 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 and prevent long-term complications.

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Understanding the Roots of Musculoskeletal Pain

Musculoskeletal pain involves discomfort in the muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, or other components of the musculoskeletal system. It can be acute (short-term) or chronic (persisting beyond three months), ranging from mild to debilitating. Identifying its causes is essential for crafting effective, personalized treatment plans.

Factors Contributing to Musculoskeletal Pain

1. Injuries and Trauma
   Physical injuries, such as sprains, strains, or fractures, often result from accidents, sports, or repetitive motions. Conditions like tendonitis or rotator cuff injuries can develop from overuse, leading to persistent pain.
2. Posture and Ergonomic Challenges
   Prolonged sitting, improper posture, or non-ergonomic workspaces can strain muscles and joints. For example, slouching at a desk for hours may cause neck or lower back pain, a common issue in modern, sedentary lifestyles.
3. Chronic Inflammation
   Inflammation plays a significant role in musculoskeletal pain, particularly in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, or lupus. Ongoing inflammation damages tissues, intensifying pain and limiting mobility.
4. Degenerative Conditions
   Age-related conditions, such as osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease, lead to the breakdown of cartilage or spinal discs, causing stiffness, pain, and reduced range of motion.
5. Lifestyle and Nutrition
   Obesity, inactivity, and poor dietary habits increase the risk of musculoskeletal pain. Excess weight stresses weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips, while diets high in processed foods and sugars promote inflammation, worsening symptoms.
6. Stress and Mental Health
   Psychological factors like stress, anxiety, or depression can amplify pain perception and cause muscle tension. Chronic stress triggers cortisol release, which fuels inflammation and perpetuates pain cycles.
7. Viscerosomatic Reflexes
   Pain from internal organs can manifest as musculoskeletal discomfort due to viscerosomatic reflexes. For instance, digestive issues may present as back pain, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to diagnosis.

These interconnected factors underscore the importance of addressing both the physical and biochemical aspects of musculoskeletal pain through integrative strategies.

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The Synergy of Chiropractic Care and Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition

Chiropractic care is a cornerstone of nonsurgical pain management, focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal and nervous system disorders. Dr. Alexander Jimenez combines spinal adjustments, targeted exercises, and lifestyle modifications to alleviate pain and support healing (Jimenez, 2025). When paired with an anti-inflammatory diet, this approach addresses both the mechanical and inflammatory drivers of pain, providing a comprehensive solution.

How Chiropractic Care Helps

Chiropractic care involves spinal manipulations or adjustments to correct misalignments, known as subluxations, which can irritate nerves, cause muscle tension, and restrict movement. Dr. Jimenez’s approach includes:

• Pain and Inflammation Relief: Adjustments reduce nerve compression and improve circulation, decreasing localized inflammation (Bannister et al., 2020).
• Improved Joint Function: Restoring alignment enhances mobility, reducing stiffness and discomfort.
• Nervous System Support: Proper spinal alignment optimizes nervous system function, facilitating the body’s healing processes.

Dr. Jimenez integrates chiropractic care with complementary therapies, such as massage and exercise, targeting the root causes of pain rather than just its symptoms, in line with the principles of integrative medicine.

The Role of Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition

Chronic inflammation is a key contributor to musculoskeletal pain, making dietary interventions essential. An anti-inflammatory diet, such as the Mediterranean diet or the AnMeD-S (excluding red meat, gluten, and cow’s milk), emphasizes foods that combat inflammation while avoiding pro-inflammatory triggers like processed foods and sugars (Sala-Climent et al., 2023).

Clinical research supports the benefits of anti-inflammatory diets:

• Reduced Pain and Stiffness: A pilot study found that patients with chronic pain who followed an anti-inflammatory diet experienced less pain, reduced stress, and better sleep (Sala-Climent et al., 2023).
• Enhanced Quality of Life: Diets rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds improve physical function and reduce disability (Dragan et al., 2020).
• Tissue Repair: Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and polyphenols promote healing and reduce oxidative stress, a key factor in pain (Rawson et al., 2018).

Combining chiropractic care with an anti-inflammatory diet creates a synergistic effect, addressing both structural misalignments and systemic inflammation for faster, more sustainable relief.

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Garlic: A Superfood for Inflammation and Immunity

Garlic (Allium sativum) has been celebrated for centuries as both a culinary staple and a medicinal remedy. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties make it an ideal component of an anti-inflammatory diet for musculoskeletal pain management.

Nutritional Breakdown 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 components make garlic a potent tool for reducing inflammation and supporting musculoskeletal health.

Garlic’s Role in Reducing Inflammation

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). Here’s how garlic helps:

1. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Organosulfur compounds in garlic inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines, reducing pain and swelling in conditions like arthritis or muscle injuries (Quesada et al., 2020).
2. Antioxidant Effects: 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 Boost: Garlic enhances white blood cell activity, thereby strengthening immunity and reducing inflammation-related infections that can exacerbate pain (Tattelman, 2005).
4. Cardiovascular Health: Garlic lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, reducing systemic inflammation and improving nutrient delivery to damaged tissues (Imaizumi et al., 2023).

Research-Backed Benefits

• A systematic review found that garlic supplementation reduced inflammatory markers and improved cardiovascular parameters, which are 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 pain (Pérez-Rubio et al., 2022).
• Black garlic, a fermented form, offers enhanced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, potentially providing even greater pain relief (Ahmed et al., 2021).

Dr. Jimenez suggests incorporating garlic into daily meals, such as a simple dish of pasta with olive oil and garlic, to leverage its benefits cost-effectively (Jimenez, 2025). Consuming one clove daily, raw or lightly cooked, optimizes allicin’s effects.

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A Comprehensive Approach to Pain Relief

Dr. Jimenez’s integrative model combines chiropractic care with nutrition and complementary therapies to address musculoskeletal pain holistically, promoting both 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 (Jimenez, 2025).

Targeted Exercises

Exercise programs strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and stabilize joints. Dr. Jimenez prescribes routines like core exercises for spinal support or stretches for muscle tension, enhancing the effects of chiropractic care.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy relieves muscle tightness, boosts circulation, and promotes relaxation, complementing spinal adjustments by targeting trigger points and tension areas.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture stimulates natural pain-relieving pathways, reducing inflammation and improving energy flow, which supports both 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-Centered Education

Dr. Jimenez emphasizes clear communication, educating patients about their condition and the role of diet and exercise in recovery. This empowers patients to actively participate in their healing journey (Jimenez, 2025).

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Fighting Inflammation Naturally- Video

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Advantages of an Integrative Approach

This holistic strategy offers multiple benefits:

• Non-Invasive: Avoids the risks of surgery or long-term medication use.
• Natural Healing: Supports the body’s innate ability to heal by addressing mechanical and biochemical factors.
• Prevents Long-Term Issues: Early intervention reduces the risk of chronic 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. Optimize Garlic’s Benefits: Chop or crush garlic and let it sit for 5–10 minutes to activate allicin before cooking (Jimenez, 2025).
2. Incorporate Garlic Daily: Add garlic to soups, stir-fries, or a pasta dish with olive oil and parsley.
3. Combine with Other Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Pair garlic with turmeric, ginger, or leafy greens for enhanced effects.
4. Limit Pro-Inflammatory Foods: Reduce processed foods, sugary drinks, and red meat to minimize inflammation.
5. Consult Professionals: Work with a chiropractor or nutritionist to create a personalized plan.

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Conclusion

Musculoskeletal pain, driven by injuries, inflammation, lifestyle factors, and stress, requires a multifaceted approach for effective relief. 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 approach, 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 embark on a journey 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., Șerban, 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/