La Grande Back Pain and Musculoskeletal Conditions and B Vitamins
La Grande back pain is a familiar problem that can result in lost work days, reduced productivity, and missed opportunities for physical activity. This type of pain is often the result of an underlying musculoskeletal disorder and can vary in severity from mild to debilitating. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, Dr. Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC is excited to share new research that has exposed some hopeful evidence about the role of B vitamins—namely thiamine (B1), pyridoxine (B6), and cobalamin (B12)—in decreasing back pain and other musculoskeletal conditions.
BACK PAIN AND B VITAMINS
As any La Grande 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 how neuropathic and nociceptive issues are involved. A B vitamin complex of thiamine, pyridoxine, and cyanocobalamin (though Dr. Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC 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) Dr. Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC found this to be simple 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 heightened inflammation that contributes to back pain and other musculoskeletal issues. Studies have documented that supplementing with these important vitamins can help reduce pain by boosting nerve conduction speed and muscle contraction strength.
Dr. Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC also reminds our La Grande back pain patients that, in addition to supplementing with these vitamins, research proposes that lifestyle changes like getting more exercise or improving posture may also help reduce back pain due to their positive impact on general health. Another positive benefit B vitamin supplements is that they may improve sleep quality which can lead to better recovery from exercise or injury related stress.
Finally, B vitamins have been associated with enhanced mental health which could help reduce the likelihood of depression or anxiety which could further exacerbate existing back or joint pain symptoms. Back pain can certainly be frustrating. It can get a La Grande 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 Dr. Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC
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 incorporation to guide a chronic back pain sufferer toward relief.
