Anything that increases inflammation can increase pain. For those of us suffering daily, eliminating those inciting factors can make the difference between having a tolerable day versus an excruciating one. One protein marker in particular, CRP, has been linked with chronic inflammation. Recent studies have shown monitoring blood levels can be an important factor in estimating inflammatory issues in the body. Particularly as it relates to cardiovascular risk.
In one large-scale study, elevated CRP levels were a very good predictor of vascular events. Elevated levels of CRP have also been associated with fibromyalgia, chronic pain syndromes, rheumatoid arthritis and even suggest that sub clinical levels may be relevant to pain experienced by healthy individuals. We are realizing how important it can be in impacting all aspects of inflammation and its consequences, especially when so many of those circumstances can be prevented.
CRP or C- reactive protein is released from the liver into the bloodstream when it detects inflammation anywhere in the body. This could stem from an underlying serious medical condition e.g. cardiovascular disease, an infectious process either acute or chronic e.g. pancreatitis, trauma or injury, an auto immune disorder or repeated irritation from chemicals such as smoking, alcohol, cancer, or obesity. Inflammation is the body’s way of protecting tissues and initiating the healing process. We see these signs as the cut on our finger heals or the fracture mends. But if the inflammation lasts too long, damage to healthy tissue results.
Exposure to any of the above events activates the immune system. This starts a cascade of events that sends out inflammatory cells and cytokinins to trap the offending agents and begin the healing process. We normally have low levels in our blood. Any elevation could indicate a serious inflammatory condition or infection. I have one patient whose blood level is a great way to monitor the chronic infection in her left knee. But in other research it was also increased with chronic low back pain. They postulated CRP contributed to the development and maintenance of chronic low back pain by activating the complement system which then increases peripheral pain receptors.
That’s why doing everything possible to decrease CRP markers in the blood can also decrease pain. Once acute issues were investigated and ruled out as the source several studies have linked stress, emotional, socioeconomic, dietary, hormonal and lifestyle reasons for elevations. Intervening on any one of these could help pain sufferers.
Sleep disturbances
Insufficient sleep from both deprivation and poor quality have been shown to increase CRP levels. We’ve discussed in detail in past posts the importance of getting a good night’s sleep. This is just another way a healthy sleep program has been proven to decrease inflammation and overall pain.
Stress
CRP may be the link between stress and low grade inflammation related diseases. In studies that followed high stress jobs, burn out and interpersonal stressors both psychological and social stressors significantly impacted CRP. This makes sense. We all know how much harder pain is to tolerate when we’re overwhelmed, anxious and stressed out.
Smoking
Research has shown an eleven fold increase in CRP levels in those who smoke nicotine. It took at least 8 years in one study to normalize after quitting.
Extreme cold
Now I know why I feel better in warmer weather. In one study there was a 24.9% increase in the CRP level for every decrease of 5 degrees of Celsius over a four-week period of time.
Saturated fatty acids and trans fats
In one study of 700 nurses, those who ingested large amounts of trans fat had CRP levels that were 73% higher than those who ingested the least.
Socioeconomic
There was a weak association of slightly lower levels of CRP in married partners but higher in those with multiple children versus none or few. Lower levels were also found in those with a higher education and income. All reasonably related to financial and interpersonal stress factors.
High leptin
Leptin “the satiety hormone” has been linked with bristly, overeating and inflammation related diseases. Studies suggest that CRP can bind leptin in the blood leading to leptin deficiency in the hypothalamus, which makes losing weight and fighting off infections harder.
Hormonal
Post menopausal women who use hormone replacement therapy were shown to have higher levels of CRP. This not only potentially impacts muscles and joints but is why it’s not recommended in those with cardiovascular disease.
Vitamin deficiency
Making sure you’re taking in the daily dietary recommendations for vitamins can impact CRP levels. Not sure all the necessary vitamins needs are being met? Take a multivitamin daily. Make sure it’s actually getting absorbed by putting it in a cup of water overnight. If it’s still whole the next morning switch to a chewable one.
Chronic sleep deprivation, stress, smoking, alcohol, poor diet, and more can all cause elevations in our CRP levels which can then lead to worsening pain.
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I enjoyed reading some new and interesting information about this topic.