I’m a doctor – here’s what you should eat if you have back pain

A chiropractor in Illinois shared on TikTok that eating blueberries could stave off pesky back pain. 

Dr Jeff Winternheimer, based in Chicago, posted a video this week where he said that blueberries, which are packed with nutrients like antioxidants that reduce inflammation, are the ideal food to eat to avoid and prevent this type of pain. 

‘The number one food that you need to eat every day if you have back pain is blueberries,’ he said in the video, which has 80,000 views.

‘Eat more blueberries.’

Eating antioxidant-rich foods like these berries could quell the symptoms of pain that affect more than 130 million Americans. 

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends eating one cup of blueberries once a day.  

Dr Jeff Winternheimer, a chiropractor in Chicago, posted a video this week where he said that blueberries, which are packed with nutrients like antioxidants that reduce inflammation, are the ideal food to eat to avoid back pain

About 40 percent of Americans experience back pain, which adds up to more than 130 million people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 

Often considered a ‘superfood,’ blueberries are loaded with nutrients that support several aspects of health. These include fiber, vitamins C and K, and manganese. Manganese is a trace mineral that helps the body form connective tissue and bones and aids blood clotting. 

They are also low in calories, with one cup containing just 84 calories.  

These nutrients can reduce back pain by alleviating inflammation, which can lead to chronic pain. 

Additionally, blueberries are considered one of the most antioxidant-rich fruits. Antioxidants are compounds in foods that neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells and increase the risk of chronic diseases. 

A 2019 study in the journal Nutrients suggested ‘daily incorporation of whole blueberries may reduce pain, stiffness, and difficulty to perform daily activities’ in people with osteoarthritis in their knees. 

Additionally, a small 2012 study of 10 female athletes found eating blueberries could speed up muscle recovery after intense leg exercises, leading to less pain. 

Research shows blueberries can also reduce pain in other areas. A Swiss study published in the journal Nutrients in May found eating blueberries reduced abdominal pain in people with gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Nearly 40 percent of Americans experience back pain, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which adds up to more than 130 million people.