Groton Back Pain and Vitamin D: What to Know

Years of research have detailed beneficial activities of the hormone, vitamin D, on the skeleton, metabolic issues, cancer, inflammation, auto-immunity, endocrinopathies, and now adrenal diseases, diabetes, thyroiditis, and others. (1) Vitamin D’s reputation continues getting better! Researchers now are evaluating vitamin D’s effects on biomarkers like CRP, NPY, TNF-alpha, etc., after spinal manipulation and medical care. (2) In older adults who don’t always take the recommended amount of vitamin D, researchers described that even a slightly increased intake of vitamin D was associated with a lower incidence of pain over 5 years in addition to frequency of pain, severity, and number of pain locations. (3) What about vitamin D and Groton back pain, a common problem that affects millions of people around the world? Recently, research has shown that there may be a link between small levels of vitamin D and back pain. While the evidence is still early, it is important for our Groton chiropractic patients and Shoreline Medical Services/ Hutter Chiropractic Office to understand what this possible connection could mean for those suffering from chronic back pain.

WHAT IS VITAMIN D?

Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient that assists your body absorb calcium from the food you eat. It also helps keep bones healthy and strong by preventing them from becoming brittle or weak. Vitamin D can be found in foods such as dairy products, fish, eggs, mushrooms, and some vegetables. Sunlight also provides natural sources of vitamin D—its ultraviolet rays transform cholesterol in the skin into vitamin D3 which is then absorbed into the bloodstream and are deposited in fat tissues. Even in winter in Groton, sunlight helps!

HOW CAN VITAMIN D HELP WITH BACK PAIN?

Research suggests that those with lower levels of vitamin D may be more likely to have chronic back pain than those with optimal levels of vitamin D. One report examined the association between biomarkers (such as vitamin D) and pain in acute and subacute low back pain patients over time via comparison of biomarkers at baseline to changes in patient-reported outcomes at three months. The results showed that those who had lower levels of vitamin D were more likely to have higher levels of disability related to their low back pain at follow-up than those who had better levels of vitamin D at the start. (2) Do you know your Groton vitamin D level?

CHECK YOUR VITAMIN D LEVEL

Researchers have found that those with lower levels of Vitamin D tend to report more frequent episodes of back pain than their counterparts with better levels of the nutrient. This could indicate a link between low vitamin D level and heightened risk for chronic or recurrent bouts of back pain. (2) Shoreline Medical Services/ Hutter Chiropractic Office suggests you listen to this podcast with Dr. James Cox on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he reviews the benefit of proper nutrition in managing a patient with 3 disc herniations via the Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management.

CONTACT Shoreline Medical Services/ Hutter Chiropractic Office

Overall, there is evidence pointing to a link between a low Vitamin D level and an increased risk for chronic or recurrent episodes of back pain. Let’s talk about your vitamin D level. Schedule your Groton chiropractic appointment with Shoreline Medical Services/ Hutter Chiropractic Office, your partner in spinal health. 

 
Groton back pain and vitamin D  
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"This information and website content is not intended to diagnose, guarantee results, or recommend specific treatment or activity. It is designed to educate and inform only. Please consult your physician for a thorough examination leading to a diagnosis and well-planned treatment strategy. See more details on the DISCLAIMER page. Content is reviewed by Dr. James M. Cox I."