McHenry back pain is a familiar problem
that can cause 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 isn’t a one-size-fits-all
solution, OrthoIllinois Chiropractic is eager to present new
research that has uncovered 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 McHenry 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 OrthoIllinois Chiropractic would propose 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) OrthoIllinois Chiropractic found this to be straightforward yet
impressive 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 low, it can lead to heightened
inflammation that contributes to back pain and other
musculoskeletal issues. Studies have shown that supplementing
with these important vitamins can help reduce pain by boosting
nerve conduction speed and muscle contraction strength.
OrthoIllinois Chiropractic also reminds our McHenry back
pain patients that, in addition to supplementing with these vitamins, research suggests
that lifestyle changes like exercising more
or working on better posture may also help decrease
back pain due to their beneficial effect
on general health. Another potential benefit B
vitamin supplements is that they may enhanced sleep quality which can lead to better recovery from
exercise or injury related stress.
Finally, B vitamins have been linked to
improved 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 certainly
be frustrating. It can get a McHenry back pain sufferer down! It's
important to note that these benefits are not assured;
however, research does suggest that taking a B vitamin supplement could benefit those struggling with chronic
back or joint pain.
CONTACT OrthoIllinois Chiropractic
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 integration to help a patient with chronic back pain find
relief.
If you are suffering from chronic back or joint
pain, it’s important to talk with your McHenry
chiropractor before beginning any sort of
supplementation regimen involving thiamine (B1), pyridoxine (B6), cobalamin
(B12). Supplementation should be used as part of an overall treatment plan. The
good news is there are all sorts of options out if you’re looking for relief from your musculoskeletal
discomfort. Schedule your McHenry chiropractic appointment
soon to begin your trip to pain relief.