What Does Vitamin D Have To Do With Your Back Pain?

Recently, I have been reading much more into the topic of Vitamin D, and its apparent influence on chronic musculoskeletal pain. Various research papers have been appearing showing that vitamin D deficiency is EXTREMELY common in general, but an even MORE common finding with those suffering from lower back pain.

There are a number of reasons for why vitamin D deficiency can cause chronic pain.

1. Vitamin D deficiency causes a reduction in calcium absorption.
2. Production of parathyroid hormone is increased to maintain blood calcium levels
3. Parathyroid hormone results in increased urinary excretion of phosphorus, which leads to hypophosphatemia.
4. Insufficient calcium phosphate results in deposition of unmineralized collagen matrix on the endosteum (inside) and periosteum (outside) of bones.
5. When the collagen matrix hydrates and swells, it compresses the sensory-innervated periosteum, resulting in pain.

(excerpt from Musculoskeletal Pain: Expanded Clinical Strategies, by Alex Vasquez, DC)

Now, what all that jargon basically means is that vitamin D deficiency creates a widespread state of pro-inflammation in the body. This situation is completely reversible with proper vitamin D supplementation.

In a few studies done, a very impressive percentage of back pain sufferers either improved dramatically or had complete resolution of their pain with vitamin D supplementation. It is important to note, however, that the individuals who received these results had chronic, undiagnosed pain. Meaning, the pain was not attributed to any mechanical diagnosis, such as disc herniation.

However, that does not mean that vitamin D can’t help you with back pain if you do have a mechanical cause.

Based on this new, exciting information, it would be worthwhile to have your doctor check your Vitamin D3 levels for deficiency. Correcting it may be your ticket to back pain relief!

Sam Visnic–