Vitamin D

Vitamin D can lower back pain levelsTreatments with Vitamin D supplements have proven very effective at reducing back pain. Vitamin D is a vital factor for strong bones and joints and is highly valued for its regenerative effects for the body. Deficiencies in this nutrient have been directly linked to chronic pain. Researchers from the Mayo Clinic published a study in 2009 that revealed that patients who were deficient in Vitamin D needed at least twice the amount of strong narcotic painkillers to achieve relief than the patients who had adequate levels of Vitamin D. This essential vitamin is widely prevalent in many foods such as milk and fish. It is also produced by the body when exposed to UV rays of the sun, but one should limit sun exposure because of its damaging effects on the skin without proper protection. Since it is very difficult to obtain the necessary level of vitamin D on a daily basis from food sources, most doctors recommend consuming 2,000 IU of a vitamin D supplement daily. Taking a Vitamin D supplement may not completely cure your back pain, but many people have found beneficial relief from adding this supplement to their daily routine.

Other supplements that have proved helpful in relieving back pain are Glucosamine (500mgs, 3 times per day), 2 teaspoons per day of flaxseed oil, a Cal/Mag/Zinc supplement, and 2,000mg of Vitamin C daily.

The treatment of chronic back pain is not an exact science. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, but luckily there are many options and treatment methods available. Work with your doctor to customize the best plan of treatment for you and you will be well on your way to living a long and pain free life.