HEALTH TOPIC: OMEGA 3s (FISH OIL) BENEFICIAL FOR NECK AND BACK PAIN .
. .

RESEARCH: From March 2004 to June 2004, 250 patients who had been seen
by a neurosurgeon and were found to have non-surgical neck or back pain
were asked to take a total of 1200 mg. Of omega 3 fatty acids (DHA and
EPA) found in fish oil. A questionnaire was then forwarded to these
patients approximately one month after taking the supplement.

RESULTS: Half of the 250 patients (125) returned the questionnaire at
an average of 75 days on fish oil supplements. Seventy-eight percent
were taking the 1200 mg. And 22% were taking the 2400 mg. dose.

Nearly 60% has since discontinued use of other prescription medications
for pain. Further 60% stated that overall pain improved and 60% stated
specifically that joint pain had improved. 80% were satisfied with
their improvement, while 88% stated they would continue to take fish oil.
There were no significant side effects reported.

SOURCE: American Association of Neurological Surgeons Annual Meeting,
April 2005, New Orleans, LA