There’s a lot of debate and scientific studies surrounding caffeine, specifically coffee, and whether it helps or hinders those suffering chronic pain. When doctors say they can do nothing for you besides surgery, you have to do more than just visiting a chiropractor for another adjustment. The best chiropractor in Atlanta will tell you that you need to assess and change what foods and drink you use to fuel your body. The problem is that a lot of research findings contradict each other and sometimes too much of anything can trigger more pain, such as the effects of coffee.
What’s Wrong With Coffee?
Coffee is universal. I love coffee as much as any other working adult. When I found myself in chronic pain due to an injury, I found that every morning after my cup of unsweetened latte the symptoms would get worse. When I stopped drinking coffee and switched to green tea, I found I had a more comfortable day dealing with my symptoms. Even though I was fighting to stay awake, it was better than being hyper-stimulated with more pain; the coffee seemed to heighten the pain more after drinking a cup with cream and no sugar.
Studies Show Caffeine Helps Alleviate Pain
Harvard Professor of Neurology & Neurobiology, Clifford Woolf, stated that their study on pain and coffee indicates caffeine may help those with fibromyalgia cope with their disease symptoms, but won’t help them sleep. Research with mice seems to support the idea that a cup of coffee in the morning might be as effective as morphine or ibuprofen, but some sufferers, including myself, claim they notice after drinking coffee, the pain seems to increase. Part of this problem has to do with how much coffee you usually consume and the type of pain you have.
Is Coffee Good Or Bad?
The answer is neither and both. If you think coffee might be making problems worse, you’re not alone, and it’s not your imagination. The solution to this problem of whether to avoid or drink coffee, specifically, is dependent on the type of pain you have. If you suffer migraines, muscle ache, arthritis, or fibromyalgia, a cup of coffee may be beneficial, but if you already drink coffee, you’d have to drink double or triple the amount to get the same pain relieving effect. If you have gout, you should completely avoid coffee, as it’s been known to trigger gout pain.
We all know that when you drink too much coffee, your ability to sleep is negatively affected, so if you have chronic pain, this may be a positive opportunity for you to stop drinking coffee and regain your health.
Cut It Out & Then Bring It Back
Every disease affects another differently and depends on environment and lifestyle choices. The best option is to experiment with your levels of pain and abstain from coffee for at least a week, or until you can’t stand it anymore. Drink a caffeinated tea, such as green tea. When you reintroduce the coffee to your system, pay attention to how it makes you feel, and you will have the answers that you seek.
Good Luck & Don’t Stop Trying
When it comes to chronic pain, some days are easier than others. Be kind to yourself by doing your research and find natural remedies specific to your diagnoses. Find a chiropractor that specializes in nutritional pain management services and live as pain-free as possible.
