A recent study published in Surgical Neurology on the use of fish oil to treat chronic low-back and neck pain has found promising results. Many of the patients had degenerative disc conditions. Here were the results:

After beginning supplementation, subjects were given a questionnaire asking for clinical improvements and any side effects. After an average of 75 days of fish oil supplementation, 60% of respondents reported significant improvements, including reduction in overall pain and 59% were able to stop taking other pain medicine. None of the patients experienced significant side effects and 88% of the respondents planned to continue using the omega-3 fish oil.

Participants in this study took 2-4 capsules a day. Dr. Maroon emphasized the usefulness of fish oil as an effective alternative to pain medication, as well as the importance of selecting a pharmaceutical-grade fish oil:

“It is important for patients to know that safer alternatives to pain medications are available,” said Dr. Maroon. “Fish oil supplements containing EPA and DHA omega-3s are an effective choice with fewer or no side effects. People should be careful to choose a pharmaceutical-grade fish oil supplement that is fresh and free of potentially harmful heavy metals, such as the mercury, PCBs, and dioxins that can be found in fish.”

Source: Study shows fish oil to be safe and effective for back and neck pain.