As many as eight out of 10 people will experience back pain in their lifetime, according to Medical News Today. Good nutrition and certain vitamins might be beneficial in preventing many back problems and lessen lumbar pain by maintaining bone and muscle strength necessary to support the body.
Vitamin B
Vitamins in the B complex family, especially vitamins B-1, B-6 and B-12, might help support, nourish and heal nerve tissue. A combination of B vitamins brought relief to chronically long-term back pain sufferers in studies at Parker College Research Institute in Dallas. Conclusions showed 200 to 500 mg of vitamin B achieved relief of back pain in 30 to 60 minutes and lasted six to 12 hours. When combined with B vitamins, dosages of anti-inflammatory medication can be reduced. A German study, published in Klinische Wochenschr in 1990, found vitamins B-1, B-6 and B-12 in combination with NSAIDs were more effective in relieving pain than the drugs alone and the vitamin B shortened the duration of painful vertebral symptoms.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium for bone health. A deficiency in vitamin D intake can result in a softening of bone, which could cause pain. Studies in Saudi Arabia in 2003 investigated the correlation between vitamin D and pain among 360 patients ranging in age from 15 to 52 years. The findings of the assessment showed 83 percent of pain sufferers had inadequate levels of vitamin D. After three months of treatment with vitamin D supplements, 95 percent of all patients improved and experienced back-pain relief. Conclusions suggest that vitamin D is a major contributor to the lessening of chronic low back pain in which a deficiency of vitamin D exists.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C assists with collagen production and maintains healthful connective tissue. A study at the University of Kansas in 2010 found a deficiency of vitamin C can contribute to degenerative disk disease in the elderly, who might have problems with poor dentition or mobility. Tissue inflammation from DDD can further increase vitamin C requirements, which could accelerate low-back pain, according to Medical Hypotheses.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is essential for bone health by making a particular protein, which is part of bone structure, and helps to metabolize calcium. A study at the University of Michigan School of Nursing found vitamin K deficiencies could compromise bone health and contribute to the development of osteoporosis, which can result in chronic back problems. Women are particularly susceptible to vitamin K inadequacies at the onset of menopause.
References
- Medical News Today: Vitamin D A Surprising Champion Of Back Pain Relief, Report Says
- "Psychology Today"; Vitamin B for Back Pain; 2003
- "Klinische Wochenschr;" [Results of a Double-Blind Study of Diclofenac + Vitamin B1, B6, B12 Versus Diclofenac in Patients with Acute Pain of the Lumbar Vertebrae. A Multicenter study]; Brüggemann G, et al.; 1990
- "Spine"; Vitamin D Deficiency and Chronic Low Back Pain in Saudi Arabia; Al Faraj S., et al.; 2003
- "Medical Hypotheses"; Vitamin C Deficiency is an Under-Diagnosed Contributor to Degenerative Disc Disease in the Elderly; VH Smith; 2010
- Medical News Today: Study Suggests Vitamin K Deficiency As An Osteoporosis Risk Factor; 2006
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