Oxford Back Pain and Musculoskeletal Conditions and B Vitamins
Oxford back pain is a common malady that can result in lost work days, decreased productivity, and missed opportunities for physical activity. This type of pain is often the result of an underlying musculoskeletal disorder and can range in severity from mild to debilitating. While there isn’t a singular solution for everyone, Satterwhite Chiropractic is excited 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 reducing back pain and other musculoskeletal conditions.
BACK PAIN AND B VITAMINS
As any Oxford 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 detailed in a new study about the involvement of neuropathic and nociceptive issues. A B vitamin complex of thiamine, pyridoxine, and cyanocobalamin (though Satterwhite Chiropractic 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) Satterwhite Chiropractic found this to be straightforward 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 down, it can lead to increased inflammation that is a factor in back pain and other musculoskeletal issues. Studies have documented that supplementing with these important vitamins can help reduce pain by increasing nerve conduction speed and muscle contraction strength.
Satterwhite Chiropractic also reminds our Oxford back pain patients that, in addition to supplementing with these vitamins, research suggests that lifestyle changes such as exercising more or working on better posture may also help decrease back pain due to their beneficial effect on general health. Another potential benefit B vitamin supplements is that they may improve the quality of sleep which can lead to better recovery from exercise or injury related stress.
Finally, B vitamins have been associated with improved mental health which could help reduce the likelihood of depression or anxiety which may further aggravate current back or joint pain symptoms. Back pain can certainly be frustrating. It can get a Oxford back pain sufferer down! It's important to note that these benefits are not guaranteed; however, research does suggest that taking a B vitamin supplement could be beneficial for those struggling with chronic back or joint pain.
CONTACT Satterwhite Chiropractic
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Kelly Brinkman on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as she describes The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management integration to help a patient with chronic back pain find relief.
