Vitamins & Minerals For Healing Upper Back Injuries

Upper back pain is usually caused by a specific event -- such as poor conditioning, sports, exercising, overuse or an improper movement, according to Virginia Tech University's Schiffert Health Center. An upper back injury can cause pain, swelling, bruising, discomfort and limited range of motion. Severe upper back pain should be examined by a physician. Certain vitamins and minerals may be able to help alleviate the symptoms associated with upper back injuries.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral that is essential to the overall health of your body. Magnesium is used to aid in muscular, neurological and cellular functions throughout your body. This mineral also plays an important role in the absorption of calcium into your bones. A lack of magnesium can lead to a weakened skeletal system. Magnesium deficiencies can cause back and neck pain as the result of muscle weakness. A magnesium deficiency can also place you at risk for muscle and tissue injuries -- including injury to the upper back. Magnesium can be taken as a supplement or found in a variety of different foods. Food sources of magnesium include green vegetables, nuts and whole grains.

Vitamin C

A water-soluble vitamin -- vitamin C or ascorbic acid -- is not stored in your body. Vitamin C constantly needs replenished in your body as it is excreted each time you urinate. Vitamin C can be supplemented or found in a number of different foods, including oranges, kiwis, strawberries, broccoli and sweet red peppers. Vitamin C had anti-inflammatory properties. This can help reduce pain, comfort and swelling caused by an injury or pain to your upper back. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, which can help prevent free radicals from attacking healthy muscles and tissues in your body. Ascorbic acid also plays a key role in the production of collagen. Collagen is a protein that is used to create and help repair muscles, ligaments and tendons.

Vitamin B-12

Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is part of the vitamin B complex -- a group of eight vitamins that help your body turn foods into sources of energy it can use. This particular B vitamin aids in the production of red blood cells and helps to support the development of healthy nerve cells, according to "The Vitamin Book." This can help reduce nerve pressure in your upper back as well as ease chronic back pain. Vitamin B-12 can be supplemented or found in many of the foods you are likely to consume regularly, such as milk, fish, cheese and eggs.

Calcium

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in your body. Calcium helps to promote the development and maintenance of strong, healthy bones and joints. This mineral can also ease pain, reduce inflammation and prevent stiffness. Calcium can also reduce your instances of fractures and developing arthritis or osteoporosis -- including issues with your upper back. Calcium can be found in a large number of foods. Food sources include milk, yogurt, cheese, kale, ice cream, pudding, baked beans, spinach, oatmeal and fortified products -- including cereal, bread and juices.