Back pain is known to be a very common problem that affects a number of people, especially those who have desk jobs or other strenuous work. In most cases, back pain is due to the strain of the bones, muscles and ligaments, which lead to inflammation. Consuming vitamins may prove to be beneficial in the treatment of back pain. Given below are some vitamins for back pain.
Effective Vitamins for Back Pain Relief
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble B-Vitamin that is known to play a crucial role in the processes of the body. The Office of Dietary Supplements states that this vitamin plays a major role in the red blood cell formation as well as repair and maintenance of brain cells. It also aids in the production of DNA. Vitamin B12 deficiency is a common issue faced by many individuals, as mostly non-vegetarian foods are known to be good sources of vitamin B12. According to a research study published in the European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences in May 2000, 60 individuals who suffered from back pain were given vitamin B12 injections or a placebo.
At the end of the research study, it was observed that those who were given vitamin B12 injections experienced tremendous relief from back pain, compared to those who were given a placebo. The researchers stated that the effectiveness of this vitamin is due to the effect it has on the nervous system. Those who have normal amounts of this vitamin in their blood may still not have enough for the production of nerve cells in the spinal cord. Vitamin B12 may prove beneficial in promoting the production of new nerve cells and in replacing the old as well as damaged nerve cells, according to the researchers.
In addition to that, vitamin B12 also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that may help in reducing pain as well as inflammation associated with back pain. Foods that contain high amounts of this vitamin B12 include dairy, fatty fish, eggs, lean beef, fortified cereals and tempeh. If you are vegetarian, consider taking a multivitamin supplement containing vitamin B12 as there are few vegetarian foods that contain enough vitamin B12 to meet your daily requirements.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is known to be a water-soluble vitamin that possesses anti-oxidant as well as anti-inflammatory properties. This vitamin is known to be helpful in preventing the cells of your back from damage caused by free radicals. It also helps to reduce pain in the back.
Vitamin C is also helpful in the production of collagen as well as in the repairing of damaged tissues of the body. In most cases, the daily dosage of this vitamin is around 500-1000 mg per day for an adult. Foods that contain vitamin C include grapefruit, cranberries, spinach, kale, broccoli, tomatoes, and strawberries.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that exhibits anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant properties that help in reducing pain as well as soreness associated with back pain.
The daily requirement of this vitamin for adults is around 14-18 mg. Foods that are good sources of vitamin E include olives, wheat germ, spinach, kale, soybean oil, corn oil, seeds, nuts and Swiss chard.
