Back pain is a common condition. Eight out of 10 people will experience back ache during their lives and most commonly the low back is affected. Back pain can be the result of a variety of health conditions, including problems with the bones, ligaments, tendons, or muscle sprains and strains following an injury. Some vitamins appear to help relief symptoms of back pain, particularly vitamins A B, D and E. If you suffer from pack pain and consider taking vitamin supplements you should first talk to your health care provider.
Vitamin D
According to a study featured in July 2008 issue of "Medical News Today" vitamin D supplementation is a safe and effective therapy for relieving back pain. This study is a review of over 22 clinical investigations. The authors found that individuals suffering from chronic back pain are often deficient in vitamin D and when used supplementation with this nutrient back aches disappeared or significantly improved.
B Complex
A combination of vitamins B and the conventional anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac effectively reduced back aches associated with herniated disks of the low back spine.This is the conclusion of a study published in 2009 issue of the Russian journal " Zhurnal Nevrologii I Psikhiatrii Imeni." The authors found that moderate and significant improvement of back pain was experienced by 66 percent of the subjects treated with both B complex and diclofenac. Only 34 percent of the participants who received diclofenac alone had decreased their symptoms of back pain.
Dr. Balch suggests also B complex formula and additional supplementation with vitamin B 12, explaining that this nutrient is important in the absorption of the calcium, an essential mineral for healthy bones.
Antioxidants C and E
James Balch, MD and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" also recommend antioxidant vitamins A and E along with supplementation with D and B vitamins. He indicates that vitamins A and E are important for the production and the metabolism of bones and joints and are also necessary for healing these structures.
Warnings
Vitamin A, D and E are fat soluble and can be toxic in over dosage. Therefore it is important to seek medical advice regarding the daily doses that are safe and effective for your condition.
Considerations
Consult a qualified health care provider to find out optimal dosage of these nutrients as well as possible side effects and drug or herb interactions. Keep in mind that vitamins do not replace and should not be used to replace conventional drugs used for managing back pain.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional healing"; James Balch, MD et al; 2002
- Medical News Today: Vitamin D A Surprising Champion Of Back Pain Relief, Report Says
- " Zhurnal Nevrologii I Psikhiatrii Imeni."; Vitamin B Complex (Milgamma) in the Treatment of Vertebrogenic Lumbosacral Radiculopathy; OS. Levin et al; 2009
