La Grande back pain is a familiar malady
that can result in lost work days, decreased
productivity, and missed opportunities for physical activity. This kind
of pain is manytimes 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, Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC is excited to share recent
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 typically
is a “mixed” type pain as detailed in a new study about the
involvement of neuropathic and nociceptive issues. A B vitamin complex of thiamine, pyridoxine, and
cyanocobalamin (though 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) Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC found this to be straightforward yet
striking research.
HOW B VITAMINS HELP WITH PAIN RELIEF
The three key B vitamins—thiamine, pyridoxine, and cobalamin—are
essential for nerve conduction and muscle contraction. When
levels are down, it can lead to increased
inflammation that contributes to back pain and other
musculoskeletal issues. Studies have shown that supplementing
with these important vitamins can help decrease pain by increasing
nerve conduction speed and muscle contraction strength.
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 such as exercising more
or improving posture may also help decrease
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 improved recovery from
exercise or injury related stress.
Finally, B vitamins have been linked to
better mental health which could help reduce
the likelihood of depression or anxiety which could further aggravate
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 assured;
however, research does suggest that taking a B vitamin supplement could benefit those struggling with chronic
back or joint pain.
CONTACT 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 integration to help a patient with chronic back pain find
relief.
If you’re suffering from chronic back or joint
pain, it’s important to speak with your La Grande
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 options available if you’re seeking relief from your musculoskeletal
discomfort. Schedule your La Grande chiropractic appointment
soon to begin your journey to pain relief.