Could Lack Of Vitamin D Be To Blame For Back Pain
As a national survey shows that one in five of us are not getting enough vitamin D, could a deficiency in this important vitamin be to blame for lower back pain?
Vitamin D improves the body’s absorption of calcium, which maintains bone health which is why experts believe that a lack of vitamin D could make back pain worse.
The Surprising Health Benefits Of Vitamin D
- Bone Strength
- Improved Immune System Defence
- According to research published in the British Medical Journal, Vitamin D is proven to reduce COVID-19 infection and severity.
- Plays a key role in helping the brain maintain cognitive function in later years.
- An important role in maintaining healthy body weight.
- Can help reduce the severity of asthma symptoms and their frequency.
- Vitamin D has been shown to reduce the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis in women.
- Vitamin D and cancer risk: Various studies have shown that people with adequate levels of vitamin D have a significantly lower risk of developing cancer, compared to those with low levels of Vitamin D.
- Helps reduce heart attack risk: low levels of vitamin D may increase the risk of heart attack and early death according to a study published in September 2012.
- Improves Mood: Lack of Vitamin D may stress the nervous system which in turn over time may influence mood swings and depression. Balanced levels of vitamin D circulating in the bloodstream stimulates the areas of the brain, which deal with circadian rhythm and emotional centers which control emotion and mood.
- Helps reduce risk of Multiple Sclerosis . In the beginning stages of MS, the immune system is weakened. Doctors are now recommending increased levels of vitamin D for multiple sclerosis sufferers.
Nutrients To Support Healing From Back Pain And Back Surgery
See Food for Thought: Diet and Nutrition for a Healthy Back
Certain nutrients are essential to the immune system. Without them, the bodys ability to heal and recover is reduced. Nutrients commonly used in immunonutrition recommendations include arginine, glutamine, Omega-3, nucleotides, and antioxidants, which are all found naturally in certain foods as well as in nutritional supplements.
Research supports that the following five nutrients play an important role in healing from injury, such as a herniated disc or degenerative disc disease, and from back or neck surgery.
Read Also: What Does Vitamin D Pills Do For You
What Vitamin Deficiency Causes Back Pain
Vitamin D has been proved to aid people with back pain because it assists your absorption of calcium. If you dont receive adequate vitamin D, your bones may deteriorate, perhaps resulting in joint and bone pain or musculoskeletal discomfort. A recent assessment of medical literature discovered that persons with persistent musculoskeletal back pain invariably had low vitamin D levels. Furthermore, lack of vitamin D may induce or aggravate back and neck discomfort, as well as muscular spasms. Meanwhile, the restoration of vitamin D deficiency is significant in managing chronic back, neck pain, and muscular spasm in individuals. Consider the high expense of treating chronic back and neck pain, since immediate and correct prognosis of vitamin D deficiency improves care quality and lower costs.
Getting enough, but not too much, vitamin D is needed to keep your body functioning well. Vitamin D helps with strong bones and may help prevent some cancers. Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency can include muscle weakness, pain, fatigue and depression.
Devil’s Claw: Herbal Relief
The herb devil’s claw is a traditional South African medicine used to relieve joint pain and inflammation, back pain, and headache.
Although more research is needed, there is scientific evidence that devils claw can help reduce osteoarthritis joint pain and may work as well as anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen. In one study, 227 people with low back pain or knee or hip osteoarthritis were treated with devil’s claw extract. After eight weeks of taking 60 milligrams daily, from 50% to 70% reported improvements in joint pain, mobility, and flexibility.
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How Is Low Back Pain Treated
Treatment may include:
- A prevention program
- Assistive devices
Rehabilitation is often a part of treatment for low back pain. Generally, there are 3 phases of low back pain rehab.
- Acute phase. During this initial phase, the physiatrist and treatment team develop a plan to reduce the initial low back pain and source of inflammation. This may include using ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or specialized injections.
- Recovery phase. Once the initial pain and inflammation are better managed, the rehab team focuses on helping you return to normal daily activities while starting a specialized exercise program to regain flexibility and strength.
- Maintenance phase. In this phase, you will learn ways to prevent further injury and strain to the back. You will also learn how to start a fitness program to help further increase strength and endurance.
Effects Of Vitamin D And B12 Deficiency
Not getting sufficient vitamin D puts people at risk of developing bone problems, which include rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.
Research also points towards a link between vitamin D deficiency and diabetes, heart conditions, asthma and impairment of cognitive functions in older adults.
Populations that are at a high risk of developing vitamin D deficiency include those with limited sun exposure, exclusively breastfed infants, obese individuals and the elderly. Also, persons with inflammatory bowel disease or having fat malabsorption syndromes are also at risk.
Vitamin B12 deficiency effects include damage to the nervous system in form of numbness in fingers and toes, difficulty in walking, depression and mood changes, and disorientation, dementia and memory loss. Deficiency of vitamin B12 in infants, if not detected and treated, can lead to permanent damage to the nervous system.
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Hemp Power Pain Relief Cream
Features:
The non-oily, ultra-light formulation of Hemp Cream
The essential fatty acids and antioxidants in this cream can act as natural painkillers, while the anti-inflammatory properties of the hemp extract can accelerate the healing process and alleviate any stiffness. Pain in joints and muscles? Sprains and strains? Arthritis? Skin inflammation? This cream is for you! This HEMP POWER cream is light and non-greasy, which means you can apply it at any time of the day.
Features:
- Hemp cream is fast and powerful and soothes your rigid joints.
- Hemp extract is rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants
- The anti-inflammatory qualities of hemp extract efficiently combat inflammation and speed up the recovery process, decrease joint inflammation, aches, and stiffness
- Hemp Cream for Pain Relief is a forceful combination of nourishing components and antioxidants that provide deep hydration and protection against external aggressions.
- The non-oily, ultra-light formulation of Hemp Cream enables your skin to combat daily issues and recover naturally without damaging toxins or harmful side effects.
The Lowdown On Nutritional And Other Approaches
It’s possible to take a natural approach to back pain by using supplements that can reduce inflammation and provide some pain relief. Supplements work best when used in combination with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management, says Carrie Bowler, DO, a physician with One Medical Group in New York.
But the word “natural” on a supplement doesnt automatically mean safe, so its important to talk with your health care provider before you begin a new regimen. Some supplements can interact with other medications and cause complications, and some just plain don’t work.
Read Also: What Vitamins Are Good For Psoriatic Arthritis
It Can Benefit Hair Skin And Nails
It also claims to calm the joint inflammation and prevent further damage
Features:
It can contribute to comprehensive joint health promotion
Joint Vibrance is a medically formulated, all-inclusive formula for joint repair from Vibrant Health. As its name says, it is particularly meant for the joints, however, it offers extra advantages for the hair skin and nails too. Taking it on a regular basis is expected to result in healthier joints and a considerable decrease in joint pain and disorders. Joint Vibrance purports to support and preserve joint health by providing a mixture of components working in conjunction to feed the cells required to produce collagen and promote the formation of hyaluronic acid. Furthermore, certain of the components also have some strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can contribute to decreasing joint inflammation and avoiding additional problems, thus relieving joint pain and disorders.
Features:
- It has the highest collagen content among joint supplements.
- It can contribute to comprehensive joint health promotion.
- It is said to help rebuild cartilage and increase the production of synovial fluid.
- It also claims to calm the joint inflammation and prevent further damage.
- It can benefit hair, skin, and nails.
- It comes in a refreshing orange-pineapple flavor
Product
Relieves stiff and aching joints
What Vitamins Help Back Pain
Back pain is often the result of injuries of the low back, affecting the bones, ligaments, and muscles. Like all the cells in the body, these structures also rely on essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals to function. Could certain vitamins help manage back pain? Lets find out.
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What Supplements Help Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is one of the most frequently experienced ailments in the adult population. It is one of the most common reasons for visiting a board-certified spine physician, and the yearly costs for treating the condition are staggering and continue to rise. Most patients turn to traditional remedies including prescription and over-the-counter medications when seeking relief, but researchers and medical professionals have recently noted the benefits that some supplements may have on lowering lumbar discomfort.
Natural Ways To Relieve Back Pain
It can come on as suddenly as a summer thunderstorm. One minute youre reaching over to pick up a shopping bag, the next you find yourself gripped with pain and unable to straighten up.
If your back pain lasts more than three months, its considered chronic back pain. Chronic low back pain can stem from numerous causes, such as osteoporosis, muscle or ligament strain, disk problems like a herniated disk, a fractured or slipping vertebra, or even psychological stress. The good news is that most back pain improves within 6 weeks, no matter what you do. The bad news is that once youve had any type of back pain episode, youre likely to have one or more relapses within the year.
If you want to relieve back pain naturally, here are the best three herbs and supplements for the job.
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When To See A Doctor
It can be difficult to tell whether you have a vitamin D deficiency, as the symptoms may be subtle. Furthermore, its possible to have a vitamin D deficiency without experiencing any symptoms.
As a general rule, consider asking a doctor to check for vitamin D deficiency if you notice any possible symptoms and especially if you have any risk factors.
Your doctor may also be able to rule out other causes for some of the symptoms youre experiencing.
summary
If youre experiencing symptoms of vitamin D deficiency or are at increased risk of this condition, ask a healthcare professional about getting tested.
Vitamin D deficiency is surprisingly common, but the symptoms are often subtle and nonspecific, so it may be hard to know whether you have a deficiency or some other health condition.
If you think you may have a deficiency, ask a healthcare professional for a blood test.
Vitamin D deficiency is usually treated with supplements, but you may need a doctors advice to get the right dosage. Increasing your sun exposure and eating more vitamin D-rich foods, such as fatty fish and fortified dairy products, can also help.
Addressing a vitamin D deficiency is worthwhile and can have lasting benefits for your health.
Unal Mehmet1* Gulcelik Ertunc Gonul2 Sezgin Burak Ahmet3 And Kocaturk Muammer4
Received: Accepted:Keywords
Cite this as
Abstract
Objective: We aimed to investigate the effects of vitamin D3, vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc supplements on pain and functional capacity in Chronic Low Back Pain .
Methods: 20 patients with CLBLP, aged between 28 and 57 years , participated in the study. Mcgill Pain Questionnaire was used to measure the state of pain. Pain-related functional capacity was evaluated through Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire . Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire used to assess fear-avoiding beliefs based on physical activity and the effects of work in chronic low back pain. The Finger Floor Test used to assess the flexibility of trunk flexion. Evaluations were performed before and after treatment.
Result: Before treatment the mean of MPQ was 50,55±6,03, the mean of FFT was 5,5±2,35 cm, the mean of RMDQ was 14,9±2,38, the mean of FABQ was 50,7±5,68. After treatment the mean of MPQ was 23,45±5,35, the mean of FFT was 2,45±0,89 cm, the mean of RMDQ was 6,95±1,70, the mean of FABQ was 22,5±5,73. The results were statistically significant difference between before and after assesment scores .
Vitamin D, C, E and zinc have been found to be effective in the treatment of patients with chronic low back pain.
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Traditional Chinese Herbal Medications
Traditional Chinese medicine with herbal remedies that originated thousands of years ago has made its way to the United States. But not all Chinese herbal supplements are created equal, Farahmand cautions.
There have been reports of serious and life-threatening events such as liver damage associated with their use, as these products are not standardized or regulated, he explains. NCCAM warns that some Chinese herbal medications have been found to be contaminated with toxins or heavy metals or dont actually contain the ingredients listed on the label.Farahmand recommends consulting your health care provider before starting any type of Chinese supplement.
Top 5 Vitamins And Minerals To Ease Back Pain
Lower back pain is inevitable if most of your days demand pressure and stress on your back. Sitting for long periods, slouching, improper sleeping positions and not enough physical activity are the most common causes of this condition.
1. Vitamin D
The body needs vitamin D to create new bone cells. It is also an essential component in calcium absorption for healthier bones. A lack of vitamin D in the body can lead to the softening of the bone surfaces, which usually results in lower back pain.
Vitamin D has been proven to be a very good agent in maintaining back health. People with chronic lower back pain experienced significant improvement in their condition when they started taking vitamin D regularly. Studies show that regular vitamin D intake may lessen the spasms in your lower back.
Vitamin D rarely reacts with other drugs or medication and therefore is safe for you to administer and take. Furthermore, vitamin D is inexpensive and affordable for daily use.
2. Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a vitamin that helps lower back pain. Like vitamin D, it increases calcium absorption in the body which promotes strong and healthy bones. Vitamin C is known to help in the process of healing fractured and broken bones, wounds and burns. Regular intake of vitamin C also offers many health benefits such as strengthening of your immune system and increased protection from common colds and flu.
3. B Vitamins
Read Also: What Vitamins And Minerals Are Good For The Brain
Sombra Warm Therapy Natural Pain Relieving Gel
Features:
Sombra Cosmetics is a non-alcoholic topical pain relief remedy
Sombra Warmth Medical Device Natural Analgesic Gel from Sombra Cosmetics is a non-alcoholic topical pain relief remedy that features a fresh citrus fragrance. Sombra Warming Gel assists in soothing pain and aches in muscles and joints resulting from long-term back pain, sprains and strains, and states like sciatica, fibromyalgia, neuralgia, inflammation, and more. Sombra is using organic succulents for the medical qualities yet as effective agents usage and organic resin to alleviate discomfort. Sombra applies the methods of relieving pain based on the warmth and cooling principles. The Gate theory suggests that the idea of providing the brain with a feeling more powerful than pain, like heat, can provide you with the desired alleviation.
Features:
- Gallon bottle comes with a pump
Does Vitamin D Help Back Pain
According to Dr. Jagim, although vitamin D has been proven to promote skeletal muscle metabolism, improve bone health, maintain immune function, and even reduce risk factors for certain cancers, the jury is still out as to its back pain-relieving traits.
He explains, Despite vitamin D providing anti-inflammatory properties, there does not appear to be sufficient clinical evidence to support the use of vitamin D for the treatment of chronic .
As with many alternative treatments, Dr. Jagim says that future randomized controlled trials with adequate sample sizes and appropriate methodology are warranted. Although there are often strong associations between vitamin D deficiency and chronic health issues, its important to understand that association doesnt mean cause. . As such, supplementing with vitamin D may not always resolve the issue.
While more studies need to be done around vitamin D and back pain, this much has been substantiated: vitamin D supplementation has been shown to provide some anti-inflammatory benefits as Dr. Jagim says which may ease general soreness resulting from low-grade .
He goes on to say, has also been shown to reduce exercise-induced muscle damage and subsequent levels of muscle soreness following intense workouts. So, if your back tends to ache after a hard run or weight-lifting session, vitamin D just might be a help to you.
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What Nutrients Do Our Muscles Need
In order for the body to perform a movement, it first requires a nerve stimulus that is transmitted from the brain to the spinal cord and, via the nerves, on to the muscles.
For this signal transmission to function perfectly and for the more than 650 muscles in the body to be able to do their work, the nutrient supply must function above all. Protein, minerals and vitamins play a central role in this.
If the body does not receive sufficient nutrients, the transmission of nerve stimuli and the ability of the muscles to contract and relax are disturbed.
Muscle pain and muscle cramps are therefore among the first symptoms that can indicate a deficiency. Cramps in the calves and feet are very common. Muscle tremors, muscle weakness and even paralysis can also occur.
