Vitamin D: Relief for Joint and Muscle Pain

Why a Vitamin D Deficiency Could Be The Cause of Your Joint and Muscle Pain: A guide for patients

 

The Sunshine Vitamin

 

Vitamin D is sometimes called the 'sunshine vitamin' because your body naturally produces vitamin D when it is directly exposed to sunlight. It is not as easily absorbed into your bloodstream from food sources. The UK government and the NHS, have issued public health advice, stating that everyone over the age of 1, should consider taking a vitamin D supplement in the Autumn and Winter Months, when we don't have enough natural sunshine and to ensure adequate levels of the vitamin.

 

• In the winter months, as many as 75% of us are Vitamin D deficient.
• A Vitamin D supplement is the most effective way to ensure that you're getting an adequate boost.

 

Vitamin D has many important functions. Perhaps the most vital is regulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorus and facilitating normal immune system function. Getting a sufficient amount of vitamin D is important for normal growth and development of bones and teeth, as well as improved resistance against certain diseases. According to research published in the British Medical Journal, Vitamin D is proven to reduce COVID-19 infection and severity, and this is true of other winter illnesses like the common cold and flu.

 

Vitamin D and how it can help in Pain Management

 

 

As Chiropractors and Physiotherapists, we often treat patients with problems such as chronic lower back pain, neck pain, osteoporosis, Multiple Sclerosis, and stenosis of the spine. New research has proven that low levels of Vitamin D can play a significant role in making joint and muscle problems worse. As physical therapists, we focus our efforts on finding and correcting the underlying source of your problem. While chiropractic adjustments and physio treatment can correct subluxations (misalignments), eliminate or mitigate pain, and restore normal nerve function, low levels of Vitamin D can continue to negatively affect your health, and possibly prevent your physical treatment from being as effective as it could be.

 

Various studies conducted by trusted health bodies have reported the following:

• People living with chronic pain who were deficient in vitamin D are most likely to benefit from taking vitamin D supplements (further studies are needed to determine whether vitamin D supplements can help everyone living with chronic pain - but the information gathered so far is promising).

 

• Adults with a vitamin D deficiency who are older than 50 are more likely to develop pain in their hip and knee joints. Studies have concluded that the associated pain is likely to get worse if the deficiency isn’t treated.

 

• In studies conducted on people with rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune condition that causes the body to attack its joints), most of the participants had low vitamin D levels.

 

It is important to note that Vitamin D is not a cure for pain, but if you have a vitamin D deficiency, this could be contributing to increased pain and hindering your recovery.

A simple blood test via your GP can determine if you have a vitamin D deficiency. You can also do a test at home using a readily available skin-prick blood test kit. 

 

Common Signs of Vitamin D Deficiency

 

 

The Surprising Health Benefits of Vitamin D

Bone Strength Improved Immune System Defence According to research published in the British Medical Journal, Vitamin D is proven to reduce COVID-19 infection and severity. Plays a key role in helping the brain maintain cognitive function in later years. An important role in maintaining healthy body weight. Can help reduce the severity of asthma symptoms and their frequency. Vitamin D has been shown to reduce the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis in women. Vitamin D and cancer risk: Various studies have shown that people with adequate levels of vitamin D have a significantly lower risk of developing cancer, compared to those with low levels of Vitamin D. Helps reduce heart attack risk: low levels of vitamin D may increase the risk of heart attack and early death according to a study published in September 2012. Improves Mood: Lack of Vitamin D may stress the nervous system which in turn over time may influence mood swings and depression. Balanced levels of vitamin D circulating in the bloodstream stimulates the areas of the brain, which deal with circadian rhythm and emotional centers which control emotion and mood. Helps reduce risk of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). In the beginning stages of MS, the immune system is weakened. Doctors are now recommending increased levels of vitamin D for multiple sclerosis sufferers.   If you are in pain and would like to discuss treatment with one of our expert Chiropractors or Physiotherapists, you can book a free telephone consultation HERE Or Call us now on  0117 9420200 to make an appointment.