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Approximately 20% of adults (~50 million) in the US are affected by chronic pain, defined as pain on most days or every day in the past six months.¹ In addition, an estimated 8% of US adults (~20 million) experience high-impact chronic pain, which limits life or work activities for the same duration.² Many turn to opioids for relief. However, research shows that the extended prescription of opioids for the treatment of chronic pain has questionable benefits and significant risks, from physiologic dependence and withdrawal to depression and hormonal dysregulation to cardiovascular events and accidental overdose.³

Due to the potential medical complexity of chronic pain in individual patients, a comprehensive interdisciplinary treatment strategy that includes effective nonpharmacological approaches is important to consider. Among a range of complimentary treatments, research indicates that nutritional modifications and supporting mitochondrial health are examples of promising therapeutic interventions for chronic pain.

Opioid Alternative – Targeting Mitochondria

Mitochondria have a variety of essential functions within neurons.⁴ Studies have shown that the five major mitochondrial functions (the mitochondrial energy generating system, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mitochondrial permeability transition pore, apoptotic pathways, and intracellular calcium mobilization) may play critical roles in neuropathic and inflammatory pain.⁵ In the following video, IFM educator Lisa Portera-Perry, DC, IFMCP, encourages clinicians to understand the relationship between mitochondrial function and chronic pain.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction & Support

Although this area of pain research is relatively new, mitochondrial dysfunction has been confirmed in both chronic pain patients and in animal models of chronic pain.^4,6 In animal models, ROS have been implicated in chronic pain, with enhanced ROS production potentially altering the mitochondrial genome and proteome and mitochondrial sirtuins (SIRT3) playing a role in ROS levels during neuropathic pain.⁷ Further, substantial data have demonstrated mitochondrial involvement in painful peripheral neuropathies evoked by chemotherapy, diabetes, and HIV.^4,8 For some patients, supporting mitochondrial function may be a promising strategy to alleviate or prevent chronic pain states.

As a first step in enhancing mitochondrial stability, functional medicine clinicians can prescribe the Mitochondrial Food Plan, an anti-inflammatory, low-glycemic, gluten-free, low-grain, high-quality fats approach to eating. The plan focuses on supporting healthy mitochondria with therapeutic foods that improve energy production. In addition, studies suggest that intermittent fasting routines, if appropriate for a patient’s personalized nutrition strategy, may positively impact mitochondrial quality, enhancing biogenesis, energy metabolism, and overall health.^9,10 Therapeutic approaches that include exercise may also support mitochondria, promoting increased mitochondrial content, improving respiratory capacity of each mitochondrion, and reducing ROS production.¹¹

Opioid Alternative – Nutrition

Research continues to suggest that nutrition interventions have a significant impact on pain reduction, with altered overall diets and changes in specific nutrients having the greatest effects.^12,13 Some of these interventions may work by enhancing mitochondrial function, as previously discussed; however, in the following video, IFM educator Kristi Hughes, ND, IFMCP, discusses additional ways in which a nutritional therapeutic strategy may improve outcomes for patients experiencing chronic pain.

Inflammation, the Elimination Diet, & SPECIFIC CONDITIONS

There is increasing evidence that diet can contribute to systemic inflammation,¹⁴ and pain perception is commonly related to inflammatory stimulus and mediators.¹⁵ The most explored dietary triggers for chronic pain include cow’s milk antigens (alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin, casein), wheat and wheat gluten, eggs, and soy proteins.¹⁴ Because food intolerances and allergies can be challenging to diagnose, and testing for these disorders is variable in terms of sensitivity and specificity, most researchers believe that elimination diets are the gold standard for diagnosis of food reactions.^16-18 Encouraging wholesome eating is an essential part of chronic pain management, along with investigating possible immune reactivity to food.^19,20

Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain

Dietary markers, including low fruit and vegetable consumption, have been identified for inflammatory arthritis.¹⁹ A small 2018 study (n=14) suggested consumption of a plant-based diet decreased pain and improved quality of life for subjects with reported chronic musculoskeletal pain.²¹ A 2019 study suggests that vitamin D deficiency may be associated with lower back pain.²² Supplementation with vitamin D (to sufficient serum vitamin D level) in these patients may increase mitochondrial function and inhibit muscle atrophy, according to the study authors. It may also have a beneficial impact on an effective early rehabilitation in lower back pain patients.²²

Interstitial Cystitis

Studies that examine the role of diet in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) continue to evolve. Based on a 2012 review, anecdotal reports and questionnaire-based surveys suggest that in patients with IC/BPS, nearly 90% experience sensitivities to a variety of foods.²³ According to the review, citrus fruits, tomatoes, vitamin C, artificial sweeteners, coffee, tea, carbonated and alcoholic beverages, and spicy foods are potential triggers that exacerbate symptoms.²³ A promising report in 2017 found that intensive systematic dietary manipulation alleviated the symptoms of IC/BPS in women after three months of intervention, with continued clinical efficacy for at least one year.²⁴ More recently, a 2019 study on bladder pain syndrome published in Primary Care reported that dietary changes (avoiding acidic, spicy, and caffeinated foods) were effective at relieving symptoms for patients.²⁵

Fibromyalgia and Central Sensitization

Recent research suggests that oxidative stress and impaired mitochondrial functioning may be involved in the pathogenesis of fibromyalgia,²⁶ which indicates that nutritional treatment may be a viable complimentary intervention for this condition. A 2015 review in Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology found that among non-pharmacological treatments for chronic pain, nutrition may be an effective tool for fibromyalgia syndrome patients.²⁷ One study showed that in fibromyalgia patients with celiac disease, more than one-third of patients who removed gluten from their diet were able to discontinue opioid therapy for chronic pain.²⁸ In chronic pain patients with central sensitization, including those with whiplash, temporomandibular disorders, lower back pain, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia, among others, a study found that the ketogenic diet may diminish the hyper-excitability of the central nervous system.²⁹

Research into the role of nutrition and mitochondrial support for modulating chronic pain continues to grow. How can these therapies be integrated into the functional medicine protocol for treating pain patients? Learn more at IFM’s Bioenergetics Advanced Practice Module.

For more information on treatment for chronic pain syndromes, please read the following IFM-authored articles:

Dr. Henri Roca & a Whole-Person Approach to Chronic Pain

Controlling Pain in Autoimmune Patients

Chronic Pain and the Brain With Dr. Dave Hagedorn

References

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3. Lembke A, Humphreys K, Newmark J. Weighing the risks and benefits of chronic opioid therapy. Am Fam Physician. 2016;93(12):982-990.
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