Inadequate Vitamin D Levels Linked To High Use Of Narcotic Medication By Patients In Chronic Pain
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chronic pain is the leading cause of disability in the United States. These patients often end up taking narcotic-type pain medication such as morphine, fentanyl or oxycodone.
This study found that patients who required narcotic pain medication, and who also had inadequate levels of vitamin D, were taking much higher doses of pain medication — nearly twice as much — as those who had adequate levels. Similarly, these patients self-reported worse physical functioning and worse overall health perception. In addition, a correlation was noted between increasing body mass index (a measure of obesity) and decreasing levels of vitamin D. Study results were published in a recent edition of Pain Medicine.
"This is an important finding as we continue to investigate the causes of chronic pain," says Michael Turner, M.D., a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician at Mayo Clinic and lead author of the study.
"Vitamin D is known to promote both bone and muscle strength. Conversely, deficiency is an under-recognized source of diffuse pain and impaired neuromuscular functioning. By recognizing it, physicians can significantly improve their patients' pain, function and quality of life."
To read the rest of the article:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090320112114.htm
Great article. I can say that I definitely have less pain since my Vitamin D level is up in the "normal" range. My rheumy was adamant that low Vit D causes muscle and bone pain. My NP found my low Vit D level. She is a pretty sharp cookie. I like her better than any of the MD's we have in our little town. Thanks for the post!
VMy NP decided to have my Vit D level checked, and she mentioned a correlation between Vit D deficiency and pain (and depression). I told my RD that I was having it checked, and he pooh-poohed the very idea! Turns out it was low, and I've been on a supplement since then. I really can't tell if it helps or not. Heck, I can't tell if anything I take helps or not!
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