Baton Rouge Back Pain and Musculoskeletal Conditions and B Vitamins
Baton Rouge back pain is a common problem that can result in lost work days, decreased productivity, and failed opportunities for physical activity. This kind of pain is manytimes the result of an underlying musculoskeletal disorder and can vary in severity from mild to debilitating. While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, Medical Spine and Sports Injury and Rehab Centers is eager to present recent research that has uncovered some promising evidence about the role of B vitamins—particularly thiamine (B1), pyridoxine (B6), and cobalamin (B12)—in decreasing back pain and other musculoskeletal conditions.
BACK PAIN AND B VITAMINS
As any Baton Rouge musculoskeletal pain sufferer knows, conditions like low back, neck pain, radicular arm pain, sciatic leg pain, etc. affect work and daily functioning. Such musculoskeletal pain often is a “mixed” type pain as described in a new study about how neuropathic and nociceptive issues are involved. A B vitamin complex of thiamine, pyridoxine, and cyanocobalamin (though Medical Spine and Sports Injury and Rehab Centers would suggest methylcobalamine) was therapeutic in calming mixed pain via antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antiallodynic, anti-hyperalgesic, and neuromodulatory effects on the overall pain system. (1,2) Medical Spine and Sports Injury and Rehab Centers found this to be simple yet impressive research.
HOW B VITAMINS HELP WITH PAIN RELIEF
The three key B vitamins—thiamine, pyridoxine, and cobalamin—are necessary for nerve conduction and muscle contraction. When levels are low, it can lead to increased inflammation that is a factor in back pain and other musculoskeletal issues. Studies have shown that supplementing with these important vitamins can help decrease pain by boosting nerve conduction speed and muscle contraction strength.
Medical Spine and Sports Injury and Rehab Centers also reminds our Baton Rouge back pain patients that, in addition to supplementing with these vitamins, research suggests that lifestyle changes like exercising more or working on better posture may also help decrease back pain due to their positive impact on overall health. Another potential benefit B vitamin supplements is that they may enhanced sleep quality which can lead to better recovery from exercise or injury related stress.
Finally, B vitamins have been linked to improved mental health which could help reduce the likelihood of depression or anxiety which may further exacerbate existing back or joint pain symptoms. Back pain can certainly be frustrating. It can get a Baton Rouge back pain sufferer down! It's important to note that these benefits are not assured; however, research does suggest that taking a B vitamin supplement could benefit those who are dealing with chronic back or joint pain.
CONTACT Medical Spine and Sports Injury and Rehab Centers
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Kelly Brinkman on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as she illustrates The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management integration to help a patient with chronic back pain find relief.
