Southern New Hampshire back pain is a common problem that can result in lost work days, reduced productivity, and failed opportunities for physical activity. This kind of pain is often the result of an underlying musculoskeletal disorder and can vary in severity from mild to debilitating. While there is no singular solution for everyone, New Hampshire Spine and Sport is eager to share new 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 Southern New Hampshire musculoskeletal pain sufferer realizes, conditions like low back, neck pain, radicular arm pain, sciatic leg pain, etc. impact work and daily functioning. Such musculoskeletal pain typically 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 New Hampshire Spine and Sport would propose methylcobalamine) was therapeutic in calming mixed pain via antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antiallodynic, anti-hyperalgesic, and neuromodulatory effects on the general pain system. (1,2) New Hampshire Spine and Sport found this to be straightforward yet striking 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 decrease pain by boosting nerve conduction speed and muscle contraction strength.
New Hampshire Spine and Sport also reminds our Southern New Hampshire back pain patients that, in addition to supplementing with these vitamins, research suggests that lifestyle changes like exercising more or improving posture may also help reduce back pain due to their beneficial impact on general health. Another positive benefit B vitamin supplements is that they may enhanced the quality of sleep which can lead to better recovery from exercise or injury related stress.
Finally, B vitamins have been associated with better mental health which could help decrease the likelihood of depression or anxiety which could further aggravate current back or joint pain symptoms. Back pain can surely be frustrating. It can get a Southern New Hampshire 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 who are dealing with chronic back or joint pain.
CONTACT New Hampshire Spine and Sport
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 incorporation to help a patient with chronic back pain find relief.