Many Americans don’t get enough Vitamin D from their diets and this is especially troublesome for those who suffer for chronic pain conditions. We get most of our Vitamin D from fish, and sometimes dairy products like milk and cheese. Those that suffer from inflammatory conditions that cause frequent pain and other chronic pain disorders, should be sure to incorporate these foods into their diet or take a Vitamin D supplement. Here’s why.
Low Vitamin D levels can cause weakness, achiness and fatigue. In 2011 the Journal of Neuroscience published an article hypothesizing that Vitamin D deficiency contributes to muscle hypersensitivity through direct effects on sensory pain receptors. Normalizing Vitamin D levels can reduce these these negative symptoms. Those with inflammatory conditions like arthritis, may also notice reduced inflammation and pain in their joints when increasing Vitamin D intake.
While Vitamin D isn’t the only factor in chronic pain conditions, scientists believe there is a significant link between them. Talk to a physiatrist like Dr. Michael Y. Mizhiritsky about your Vitamin D levels and how to incorporate it into your daily life.
