A stiff neck is often caused by muscle strain or tension from everyday activities. Bending over your computer for hours, having poor posture or sleeping in an uncomfortable position may cause neck tension or pain. An injury or a medical condition such as osteoporosis --- deterioration of your bones --- may also cause neck stiffness and pain. Adequate intake of vitamin D slows bone loss and reduces risk of fractures, according to MayoClinic.com. Consult your doctor if you have recurring stiffness or pain in your neck.
A Necessary Vitamin
Vitamin D keeps your bones and muscles strong by helping your system absorb and utilize calcium. Your body naturally acquires this vitamin through food and sunlight on your skin. Vitamin D deficiency may cause pain and impaired neuromuscular functioning, according to Dr. Michael Turner, lead author of a Mayo Clinic study that found a connection between low levels of vitamin D and the need for narcotic pain medication.
Vitamin D and Pain
In the study of Mayo Clinic patients requiring narcotic pain medication during 2006, one-fourth of the subjects had inadequate levels of vitamin D. The vitamin-deficient group was regularly taking nearly twice as much pain medication, and having more problems with physical functioning than those with adequate levels of vitamin D. Based on these results, Turner recommended in his 2009 report that those with chronic musculoskeletal pain be tested for vitamin D deficiency.
Prevent Deficiency
Getting natural sunlight on your skin for at least 10 minutes daily prevents vitamin D deficiency. Food sources of vitamin D include eggs, fish, fortified milk and cod liver oil. If you are not getting enough in your diet or through exposure to sunlight, taking supplements may be an option. Vitamin D2 and D3 are the forms humans need, MayoClinic.com notes; get your doctor's approval before taking supplements of any kind.
How Much To take
The Institute of Medicine recommends that infants get 400 international units of vitamin D daily. Children or adults need 600 IU; the elderly need 800 IU. Too much vitamin D can, however, be toxic to your system. Consult your doctor to see if you are deficient in vitamin D and whether taking supplements might be helpful for you.
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