In a 2011 study published in "Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatology," vitamin D has been linked to the possible prevention of chronic pain diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Vitamin D deficiency can cause osteomalacia, or a softening of the bones, which include bone pain, muscle pain, and fatigue. Vitamin D deficiency is becoming a widespread health concern with a 2009 report in the "Archives of Internal Medicine" showing as many as 77 percent of Americans do not have sufficient vitamin D levels.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat soluble nutrient that comes in two different forms. Vitamin D2, or ergocalciferol, is synthesized from plants and is used to make high dose vitamin supplements. Vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol, is the natural form of vitamin D that is created by the skin when it is exposed to ultra-violet B rays from the sun. It can also be found in fortified milk and oily fish like salmon. Vitamin D is measured in the blood as 25 hydroxyvitamin D, or 25(OH)D, and is expressed in nanograms per milliliter. The optimal range is 30 to 80ng/ml. Vitamin D insufficiency is classified as 25(OH)D levels between 20 and 30ng/ml and vitamin D deficiency is under 20ng/ml.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain, according to the National Institutes of Health, is pain lasting for more than 12 weeks. Chronic pain can be the result of an injury or can be a symptom of a disease such as rheumatoid arthritis. Chronic pain can create other medical issues such as fatigue, loss of appetite, sleep disturbances and mood changes. It can also affect mobility and limit daily activities, which can lead to depression. The treatment of chronic pain usually includes pain medications, nerve blocks, acupuncture or electrical stimulation, all with the goal of reducing your pain and improving function.
Vitamin D Deficiency and Chronic Pain
Chronic pain however, is not always affected by pain medications and a 2009 study by the Mayo Clinic found a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and pain relief. Their study showed that patients with chronic pain and a low vitamin D level were taking as much as twice the pain medication dosage of individuals with normal vitamin D levels and some were still not receiving adequate pain management. The researchers believe that by correcting the vitamin D deficiency with vitamin D supplements will reduce the pain levels. Another 2009 study published in the "Annals of Rheumatic Diseases" links vitamin D deficiency to chronic widespread pain. The researchers believe that higher vitamin D3 intake could reduce the risk of chronic widespread pain.
Considerations
Consult with your physician and ask to have your vitamin D levels tested. If the results come back showing you are vitamin D deficient, your physician will prescribe a high dose vitamin D3 treatment plan that usually consists of 50,000 International Units, or IU, of vitamin D3 for eight weeks. Once your vitamin D level is within optimal range, your physician will start you on a regular supplement plan to avoid becoming deficient again. You may find that once your vitamin D levels are stabilized, your chronic pain may be reduced.
References
- "Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatology"; Does Vitamin D Affect Risk of Developing Autoimmune Disease?: A Systemic Review; M.A.Kriegel et al; June 2011
- "Archives of Internal Medicine"; Demographic Differences and Trends of Vitamin D Insufficiency in the US Population, 1988-2004; Adit A. Ginde, MD et al.; March 23, 2009
- The Merck Manuals; Vitamin D; Larry E. Johnson, MD, PhD; August 2007
- Mayo Clinic; Mayo Clinic Researchers Link Vitamin D and Chronic Pain Relief; Bryan Anderson; March 20, 2009
- "NIH MedlinePlus"; Chronic Pain: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment; Spring 2011; Volume 6 Number 1; Pages 5-6
- "Annals of Rheumatic Diseases"; Vitamin D and Chronic Widespread Pain in a White Middle-aged British Population: Evidence from a Cross-sectional Population Survey; K Atherton et al.; June 2009
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