Besides back pain, being deficient in the vitamin may also lead to other symptoms such as tiredness, increased susceptibility to illness, feelings of anxiety and delayed healing of wounds
If you’re suffering from back pain, it might be worth checking your vitamin levels. Research indicates that a vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone and lower back pain, neck discomfort, and muscle spasms.
A comprehensive review carried out in 2018, which scrutinised 81 studies, found that individuals with arthritis, muscle pain, and chronic widespread pain generally had lower vitamin D levels than those without these health issues. A study involving 98 adults with lower back pain discovered that lower vitamin D levels were linked to more severe pain.
A 2014 study also revealed that 71% of people with chronic pain had a vitamin D deficiency. More recent research from 2019 suggested that taking high doses of vitamin D supplements could help alleviate various types of pain in individuals who are deficient in this vitamin.
Vitamin D is crucial in supporting bone health by enhancing your body’s absorption of calcium and regulating bone metabolism. A lack of vitamin D can increase your risk of developing bone-related conditions such as osteoporosis and sarcopenia, characterised by the loss of muscle mass.
Interestingly, the vitamin D receptor is present in nerve cells known as nociceptors, which detect pain. This suggests that this vitamin may also influence the body’s pain signalling pathways, potentially impacting chronic pain, reports the Mirror.
Vitamin D deficiency is more prevalent than you might imagine. However, its symptoms can be subtle and vague, making it challenging to determine if you’re experiencing a deficiency or another health issue.
If you suspect you might lack vitamin D, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a blood test. Vitamin D deficiency is typically addressed through supplements and adjustments to your diet and lifestyle.
But besides vitamin D, vitamins B12 and C can also contribute to back pain. A lack of vitamin B12 can lead to neurological problems, including nerve-related back pain. This vitamin is crucial for keeping nerves healthy, particularly in the spinal cord.
A lack of vitamin C can lead to back pain because it negatively affects collagen production. Additionally, insufficient vitamin C levels are linked to neck pain and sciatica.
Magnesium plays a key role in activating vitamin D, so it might be a good idea to include this mineral in your diet as well. Additionally, increasing your intake of foods high in vitamin D could help enhance your levels.
Vitamin D deficiency doesn’t have just one cause. However, your risk might increase due to specific health conditions or lifestyle choices, such as:
- having darker skin
- infants who are breastfeeding
- adults age 65 years and older
- minimal sunlight exposure, such as people who live far from the equator or in regions with little sunlight year-round
- having overweight or obesity
- having chronic kidney disease or liver disease
- having a health condition that affects nutrient absorption, such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease
- using certain medications that affect vitamin D metabolism, such as statins
Foods rich in vitamin D include:
- fatty fish
- egg yolks
- fortified cereals
- fortified milk and juices
- yoghurt
- beef liver
Discuss your meal plan with a doctor or nutritionist, but a vitamin D deficiency can be treated with supplements. A doctor might also suggest spending more time outdoors since sunlight is a natural provider of vitamin D.
