“Can Gut Health Improve Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain?”

by Son’s Rehabilitation Medicine & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul

Exploring Clinical Evidence of the Gut–Pain Connection

Over the years, chronic musculoskeletal pain has often been explained through biomechanical, neurological, or psychosocial frameworks. However, a growing body of research in functional medicine and integrative care is shedding light on an additional player: the gut microbiome.

As a physician specializing in structural alignment and orthogonal neuro-biomechanics, I acknowledge the profound role that spinal balance plays in chronic pain. Yet, I have also seen that in certain stubborn or systemic cases, improving gut health can complement orthopedic or neurologic treatments and lead to meaningful results.

Let’s explore several clinical cases and research findings that highlight this relationship.

🔹 1. Fibromyalgia and Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

Numerous studies have shown a strong association between fibromyalgia and SIBO or gut dysbiosis.
Patients with fibromyalgia often report bloating, IBS symptoms, and fatigue. When treated with targeted gut therapies—such as low-FODMAP diets, probiotics, or herbal antimicrobials—both digestive symptoms and musculoskeletal pain tend to improve.

📖 Pimentel et al., Gut 2012
📖 Navarro-López V, Pain Manag Nurs, 2021

🔹 2. Autoimmune Arthritis and Leaky Gut

Conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis have been linked to increased intestinal permeability ("leaky gut") and specific gut bacteria.

  • Dietary interventions (gluten-free, dairy-free)

  • Omega-3 supplementation

  • Probiotics

…have all shown potential to reduce joint pain and inflammatory markers such as ESR and CRP.

📖 Rashid & Ebringer, Clin Rheumatol, 2007

🔹 3. Chronic Low Back Pain with IBS-like Symptoms

Patients who suffer from chronic low back pain along with abdominal bloating or irregular bowel habits may experience simultaneous improvement in both domains when gut health is restored.
This is likely due to viscerosomatic reflexes or autonomic nervous system dysregulation triggered by gut inflammation.

📖 Jones MP et al., Pain Med 2006

🔹 4. Nonspecific Widespread Pain and Systemic Inflammation

In patients with unexplained myalgia or diffuse joint pain, gut-derived inflammation—particularly from lipopolysaccharide (LPS) leakage—can act as a silent driver.
Gut-targeted therapies have been shown to lower systemic inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-alpha) and reduce pain perception.

📖 Tilg H & Moschen AR, Nat Rev Immunol, 2014

🔹 5. Post-surgical Recovery and Pain

Some patients recovering from orthopedic surgery or injury report fatigue and pain beyond expected norms. When given gut-restoring protocols (e.g., prebiotics, fermented foods, elimination diets), their recovery often accelerates, with noticeable reductions in residual pain and inflammation.

⚖️ Final Thoughts

While structural alignment and spinal integrity remain foundational, addressing the gut microbiome can enhance outcomes—especially in cases that are:

  • Systemic rather than localized

  • Resistant to standard orthopedic or neurologic care

  • Associated with fatigue, mood disturbance, or digestive issues

In my clinical philosophy, structure and function are inseparable, and sometimes healing begins from the inside out. 

👍Consultation and Appointment Information

Son PMR & Chiropractic Clinic( 2nd floor, 229-1 Gucheonmyun-Ro, Gangdongu, Seoul, South Korea) 

by  Dr Son MD & DC 
Contact: 02-482-8875 in Seoul( +82-2-482-8875)

chson@daum.net

댓글

댓글 쓰기

이 블로그의 인기 게시물

 What is Central Sensitization? by Son PMR(Physical medicine & Rehabilitation ) & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul Central sensitization refers to a condition where the brain and spinal cord become abnormally sensitive to pain signals following an injury or inflammation. In simpler terms, the pathways that perceive pain become overly reactive, causing individuals to experience excessive pain from minor stimuli or persistent pain even after healing . Key Features of Central Sensitization Amplified pain responses (Allodynia) Pain is felt even with non-painful stimuli, such as light touch or gentle movement. Increased pain sensitivity (Hyperalgesia) Painful stimuli feel much more intense than usual. Persistent pain Pain can continue even after the original injury or inflammation has resolved. How Central Sensitization Develops Peripheral nerve injury or inflammation → Continuous transmission of pain signals to the spinal cord and brain → Hyperexcitab...
자세한 내용 보기
Why Is My Knee Swollen, and Why Does It Take So Long to Heal? by Son PMR(Physical medicine & Rehabilitation ) & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul – Understanding Knee Swelling and Recovery Strategies Many people have experienced knee swelling and discomfort at some point. At first glance, it may seem like a minor issue, but in reality, it often takes longer than expected to heal. In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of knee swelling , why recovery tends to take time , and what treatment options may help . 1. What Causes Knee Swelling? Knee swelling is not a diagnosis itself—it’s a symptom with a variety of possible causes. Here are some of the most common: ✅ ① Trauma or Overuse Injuries from sports or prolonged walking can lead to inflammation in the knee joint, resulting in swelling. ✅ ② Meniscus or Ligament Injury Damage to structures like the meniscus or cruciate ligaments may cause internal bleeding or increased joint fluid, leading to visible swelling. ✅ ③...
자세한 내용 보기
A Case of Hand Numbness Improved through Upper Cervical and Integrative Treatment by Son PMR(Physical medicine & Rehabilitation ) & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul  A patient recently visited our clinic complaining of persistent numbness in both hands. This individual had worked in a physically demanding job for many years, frequently using their hands and arms in repetitive tasks. Despite receiving various treatments at multiple clinics, the symptoms either temporarily improved or continued to recur. Referred by an acquaintance, the patient underwent a comprehensive evaluation at our clinic, including a detailed consultation, postural assessment, and upper cervical spine (C1 and C2) functional testing. It was found that subtle misalignments in the upper cervical spine were likely contributing to ongoing nerve irritation, muscular tension, and postural imbalance — all of which could aggravate hand numbness. Our treatment approach combined gentle upper cervical chiropractic ...
자세한 내용 보기