PMQs: Boris Johnson urged to introduce vitamin D treatment
When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters.Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer.Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights.You can unsubscribe at any time.
Vitamin D deficiency is a condition that can lead to bone deformities and bone pain, and people who aren’t outdoors often are at risk. For this reason your back pain could be associated with low levels of vitamin D and with the right supplements could improve your health including eradicating your back pain.
“Large observational studies have found a relationship between a deficiency and chronic lower back pain,” said medical website Healthline.
One study examined the association between vitamin D levels and back pain in more than 9,000 older women.
The researchers found those with vitamin D deficiency were more likely to have back pain, including severe back pain that limited their daily activities.
In another study, people with vitamin D deficiency were nearly twice as likely to experience bone pain in their legs, ribs or joints compared to those with blood levels in the normal range.
“Low blood levels of vitamin D may be a cause or contributing factor to bone pain and lower back pain,” said Healthline.
In a study published in the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, treating vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in back pain was investigated.
The association between vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency and pain in the musculoskeletal system, especially in the neck and/or back regions, and/or muscle spasm is not well studied, began the study.
It added: “Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency can cause or worsen neck and back pain and muscle spasm.
“The correction of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency plays an important role in the treatment of chronic neck and back pain and muscle spasm among patients having concurrent vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency because it can be prevented and treated easily.
“Although this series calls for in-depth, large cohort studies to further research this association, a vitamin D test should be performed in individuals with chronic pain and muscle spasm who have the risk factors for vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency, such as lack of sun exposure because of their lifestyle or certain medical conditions, especially among those who do not respond to the first tier of treatment.”
DON’T MISS
How do I know if I have a blood clot? [INSIGHT]
Stroke: Five tips to reduce your risk [ADVICE]
Apple cider vinegar: Does it lower blood pressure? [TIPS]
As vitamin D helps keep bones and muscles healthy, a lack of it could therefore make it more likely that people will have issues with their joints and muscles, said Ramsay Health Care.
The health site continued: “Experts believe it could be to blame for throbbing or aching in the bones, particularly the knees and back.
“Vitamin D is also thought to be important in preventing bone fractures, as it ensures bones are strong enough to withstand falls.
“And there have been recent studies that have claimed that increasing vitamin D intake could help people with rheumatoid arthritis, as well as asthma.”
Am I at risk of a vitamin D deficiency?
Some people won’t get enough vitamin D from sunlight because they have very little or no sunshine exposure.
At-risk groups include people who:
- Aren’t often outdoors – for example, if you’re frail or housebound
- Are in an institution like a care home
- Usually wear clothes that cover most of your skin when outdoors
If you have dark skin – for example you have an African, African-Caribbean or south Asian background – you may also not get enough vitamin D from sunlight.
According to the Department of Health, you should take a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D throughout the year if you fall into one or more of these at-risk categories.
Can I take too much vitamin D supplements?
According to the NHS, taking too many vitamin D supplements over a long period of time can cause too much calcium to build up in the body (hypercalcaemia).
“This can weaken the bones and damage the kidneys and the heart,” explains the health website.
To keep the risks at bay, the health site advises staying with the recommended limits of 10 micrograms a day.
This advice applies to adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women and the elderly, and children aged 11 to 17 years.
Source: Read Full Article