Fight Off Back Aches, Pain With Extra Vitamin D

Medical News Today:

It's no wonder that many people feel extra soreness and aches in their backs during winter months -- they're often not getting enough vitamin D. The body makes vitamin D from the sun's ultraviolet rays, so it's known as the sunshine vitamin. However, even in the sunniest parts of America, this essential vitamin for keeping bones healthy is in short supply during late fall and winter.

Read the whole story: Medical News Today

Comments

[twinkletoes]

Try:
http://bastyrcenter.org/content/view/372/
Quote:
Vitamin D Effective Treatment for Chronic Low Back Pain

People suffering from chronic low back pain may get relief from taking supplemental vitamin D, according to a new study in Spine (2003;28:177–9). The findings of this study suggest vitamin D deficiency may be an underlying cause for persistent low back pain in some adults.

In the new study, 360 men and women between the ages of 15 and 52 with low back pain lasting more than six months were given 5,000 or 10,000 IU per day of vitamin D (25-hydrox­ycholecalc­iferol) for three months. All participants had no known underlying diseases that could be a cause of their back pain.
End Quote.
This study looks to be about six years old.
You also might look here.
http://www.jabfm.org/cgi/content/full/22/1/69
and here:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12544936
Quote.
Vitamin D deficiency and chronic low back pain in Saudi Arabia.
CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D deficiency is a major contributor to chronic low back pain in areas where vitamin D deficiency is endemic. Screening for vitamin D deficiency and treatment with supplements should be mandatory in this setting. Measurement of serum 25-OH cholecalciferol is sensitive and specific for detection of vitamin D deficiency, and hence for presumed osteomalacia in patients with chronic low back pain.
End quote.
This is the study that appeared in SPINE in 2003.

[kkuchenb]

Rubbish. The only way to get rid of lower back pain is to get off your behind and get some exercise. I expect that people get less exercise during the winter.

[dlvme2]

There are many reasons for back pain. Not everyone fits into what you are implying or saying. Vitamin D may help some and if it does then that is a good thing.

[NoSillyName]

I'd been taking 400 or 800 IUs of D3 for a long time and added 1000 several months ago. Doesn't help chronic pain, but take it for the other qualities it possesses. Moved recently and am trapped in a "network" with the insurance; asked the doctor to check my Vit D level and he acted like I'd asked for a face transplant or something. Not happy.

[MightyMeno]

Ask him a year from now and he'll act like the whole thing was his idea. I realize my doc is a busy guy, but it seems I'm always a good year ahead of him on the latest information. Since I don't even have insurance, I've gone ahead and upped my intake of Vit. D, since it's supposed to be helpful in preventing the flu, among many other things.

[NoSillyName]

You are probably right, MightM. I have a chronic pain condition so I'm always researching, searching for some way to get my life back. It's hard to find an M.D. with an open mind, but I had a great one before an interstate move. I was treated like an intelligent individual and could present him with ideas that he'd consider and offer feedback. This guy now is a real drag. Checking Vitamin D levels is not some wacky new age idea (which I don't subscribe to anyway)..

I pretty much do things without asking permission anyway. I've lived in this body for five decades or so and I think I know it better than anyone else.

Bah.

[outnow]

Inflammatory bowel disease may be treated with Vit. D.

I use it in the form of A & D with zinc ointment for topical use on skin to reduce inflammation, to moisturize and to promote healing.

I take 3,500 units per day orally. I have to avoid sunlight because of skin cancer.

I swear by Vit. D. I am going to open the capsule and apply it directly to the skin to increase the amount absorbed.

Cod liver oil is good, too. Just don't overdose on the Vit. A.

[MicheleCA]

Opening the capsule will not lead to increased systemic absorption. Zinc also has anti microbial and collagen regeneration properties as well as providing a physical barrier to the sun. It's beneficial after burns--for instance it is used post operatively after deep peels. Both Vitamin D & A supplements are fat soluble, both have the potential for toxicity.

[HotheadPaisen]

Back pain- Taoist Tai Chi + Vit D= a new life!

[sprider]

add yoga and a good detox and you'll be feeling like a super hero :)

[dylansfan]

I have recently had problems with facial tingling and pins-and needles. I had a brain MRI that was normal. As an afterthought my doctor checked my vitamin D levels. I was severely deficient. I've been taking 3000 to 4500 mg of D3 aqnd my levels are back up to 34 (still a way from optimal). My symptoms are vastly better.

If you're going to take Vitamin D please take D3 and in capsule form preferably.

I take D3 and transdermal Magnesium chloride (Another very important mineral called "the beautiful mineral by ancient chinese) religiously.

[thepianodiva]

This is interesting about vitamin D and I have recently upped my intake. However, anyone with a chronic pain syndrome must read the Mind Body prescription or Healing Back Pain by Dr. John Sarno. Also, the work of Thomas Hanna of Hanna Somatics is crucial in reversing Sensory Motor Amnesia-one of the basic ways people get imprisoned in their neuro-muscular system.

[LeftAlone]

i have chronic pain and take 2000mg of vit d3 a day.
(have for years)

it does nothing for my pain but i advise everyone to take 2000mg a day.

it is possibly the most important vitamin there is.

[dylansfan]

Try transdermal magnesium chloride in oil or get form and even bath flakes (google and read about it). I rarely take any advil anymore. I used to take an advil every night because of pain.

Also, ask your doctor.

[dlvme2]

There are many causes for back pain. If it is severe and chronic personally I would see a doctor or two to get a diagnosis as to what is causing it. Depending on what it is then go from there as to how to treat it. Getting a diagnosis over the internet for a chronic problem is not the wisest thing to do.

[TazoWolf]

Vitamin D has also been shown to play a role in preventing H1N1.

[TazoWolf]

http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS175062+30-Sep-2009+PRN20090930
http://kdka.com/health/Vitamin.D.flu.2.1263220.html
http://www.lookingfit.com/hotnews/vitamin-d-and-h1n1.html
http://www.stjoenews.net/news/2009/oct/20/alternate-approach/

[CintiBlue]

It's kept me heathy!

Or, if I come down with something, it makes it less severe. Total believer here.

[dylansfan]

Thank you for the links. Taking D3 (and I understand that D3 is the vitamin to take as opposed to D2) and it has made a real difference in my health.

[MicheleCA]

Mayo Clinic Researchers Link Vitamin D and Chronic Pain Relief

http://newsblog.mayoclinic.org/2009/03/20/mayo-clinic-researchers-link-vitamin-d-and-chronic-pain-relief/

Vitamin D: Many Benefits; Optimal Dose Uncertain

http://www.mayoclinic.org/news2009-mchi/5417.html

[topkatnc]

I have been living with chronic back pain since 1980....I have had three back operations­...and go to a pain clinic every three months....­Thanks for the info...I will certainly talk to my doctor about vitamin D...

[MicheleCA]

I hope you find relief.

[Aranxa]

It hasn't seemed to do anything for my back, but since I was put on Vit D drops I have felt a lot happier and have more mental and physical energy. I would recommend everyone get their levels checked. I was skeptical at first, but now am a believer.

[Donatella]

A 13-page feature article appeared in the July/August 2008 edition of the medical journal Practical Pain Management (PPM). It condenses the full 50 page article.

http://pain-topics.org/pdf/vitamind-PPM-JulAug2008.pdf

[gvc]

I did miss this. But I'm still skeptical. A Google search for "Vitamin D A Neglected 'Analgesic' for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain," turns up multiple word-for-word copies of this promo, but no proper citation.

[Donatella]

OK, then I'll do the search for you.

http://pain-topics.org/pdf/vitamind-briefing.pdf

[Donatella]

The full report:

http://pain-topics.org/pdf/vitamind-report.pdf

The patient brochure:

http://pain-topics.org/pdf/vitamind-brochure.pdf

[outnow]

Good information. The best I've seen.

[TazoWolf]

Here's another interesting one... Vitamin D reduces need for narcotic pain relief.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090320112114.htm

and others...
Reduces falls
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001191659.htm

Protects from heart disease
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081117110840.htm

Inhibits breast cancer:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090204172437.htm

[macbabe]

Before you start downing extra Vit D have your doc check your levels first... living in WA state it seems with the lack of sunshine MANY health issues could benefit from more Vit D BUT it best to know how much you need or lacking before downing too much. Normal range is about 35 and I was a 7 and was given a high prescription dosages for 6 weeks and was amazed at the difference. But too much Vid can be toxic!

[TazoWolf]

Right. It's a lipid soluble drug, and the lipid vitamins are eliminated differently than the water soluble vitamins..­. far slower. Too high doses can lead to toxicity. The article does warn against doses too high, though.

[dylansfan]

New research has found that 35 is in fact very minimal and that the levels must be over 50 up to 100 to begin to help. I had a level of 17 and I am taking D3 religiously and it has made a real difference.

Also check out transdermal magnesium chloride (essential for calcium absorption) for pain and a host of other issues. I use it every single day.

Everyone should check with their doctors however.


Mag. chloride is water soluble and is more efficient when absorbed through the skin and avoids the digestive tract.

[twinkletoes]

It is very difficult to overdose on vitamin D. Too much water can be toxic too. Your body can break down the hormone when you have too much.
The current target to get the benefits of vitamin D is around 60ng/ml of blood. Toxic is around 200ng/ml.
The recommended rule of thumb is to take 35 times your body weight in pounds in IUs per day.
For example, if you weigh 150 lbs, the amount would be 5250 IUs per day.
Besides chronic pain, vitamin D also controls inflammation. Chronic inflammation has been linked to a wide variety of diseases including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, dementia in the elderly, asthma, and more.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/24/health/research/24aging.html?_r=1
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17919705
http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/107/3/499
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071106133106.htm
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/145727.php
http://www.lewrockwell.com/miller/miller25.html
http://www.lewrockwell.com/miller/miller27.html

[gvc]

Is this a peer-reviewed article? Why is HP reporting it as fact?

[Donatella]

Try reading the entire article before commenting.

"The report, "Vitamin D A Neglected 'Analgesic' for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain," which was peer-reviewed by a panel of experts, includes the following important points:"

[macbabe]

it IS a fact that Vit D is needed for bone and overall good health ...
http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamind.asp

[gvc]

No question the vitamin D is important to one's health. I'm questioning whether the report in the article is really published in a peer-reviewed journal. I see multiple hits for "Vitamin D A Neglected 'Analgesic' for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain," they are all word-for-word copies of this popular press report. I don't see any citation to a scholarly publication.