Pain is a feeling triggered by the nervous system, usually in response to an underlying condition. Pain can be short term or chronic and sharp or dull. It can affect some parts of the body or may be felt all over the body. Treatment of pain depends upon the cause and there are certain vitamins that may help relieve pain naturally.
B Vitamins
B vitamins are a group of eight vitamins, including vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B12 and folic acid, that play an important role in various cellular metabolic processes and in the formation of red blood cells. "Psychology Today" reported in May 2003 that according to researchers at Parkar College Research Institute in Dallas, B vitamins can relieve chronic back pain in as little as 30 minutes. B vitamins can be obtained from foods such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, green leafy vegetables, beans and peas. Synthetic B complex supplements can be purchased at most pharmacies without prescription and are generally well tolerated with minimal side effects.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant vitamin found in citrus fruits, strawberries, green leafy vegetables and green peppers. Synthetic supplements can also be used, although it is important to follow dosage instructions carefully as an overdose can lead to upset stomach and diarrhea. Apart from being essential for growth, development, repair and maintenance of several body tissues, vitamin C can also prevent painful conditions such as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. In fact, a study published in the July 2007 edition of "The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery" has revealed that only 2.4 percent individuals with wrist fractures taking vitamin C supplements suffered from CRPS, when compared 10.1 percent individuals who did not take vitamin C supplements.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for healthy bones. MayoClinic.com researchers reported in March 2009 that chronic pain patients with vitamin D deficiency required much higher doses of narcotic pain medications to get relief. Vitamin D deficiency can be avoided by eating foods such as diary products, oysters and fish. The human body can also produce significant amounts of vitamin D on a 10-minute exposure to sunlight. Synthetic vitamin D supplements may also be useful, although their long term overuse can lead to kidney stones, vomiting and muscle pain.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is another fat-soluble vitamin with antioxidant properties that has the ability to neutralize the harmful free radicals that are formed in the body as a result various metabolic processes in the body. CNN Health reported in January 2004 that vitamin E can reduce the pain and muscle soreness associated with severe exercise due to its antioxidant properties.
Vitamin E can be obtained from foods such as wheat germ, corn, nuts and olives, and from synthetic supplements. However, chronic use of vitamin E supplements can increase the risk of death and hence, it is best to talk to a doctor before taking them.
References
- Psychology Today: Vitamin B for Back Pain
- "The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery"; Can Vitamin C Prevent Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in Patients with Wrist Fractures?; P.E. Zollinger et al; July 2007
- MAYO CLINIC: Mayo Clinic Researchers Link Vitamin D and Chronic Pain Relief
- CNN Health: Vitamin E may reduce muscle soreness
