scholarly journals Vitamin D Supplementation in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: An Open Label, Single Arm Clinical Trial

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (21;1) ◽  
pp. E99-E105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Babita Ghai

Background: Vitamin-D deficiency may possibly be related to chronic low back pain (CLBP). Objective: The study is aimed to assess the impact of vitamin-D supplementation on pain intensity, functional disability, and vitamin-D levels in patients with CLBP. Study Design: Single arm open-label study. Setting: Outpatient pain clinic of a tertiary care hospital. Methods: Sixty-eight eligible patients (CLBP for ≥ 3 months, pain score ≥ 50 on visual analogue scale (VAS) and plasma 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 levels < 30 ng/mL) were enrolled. Patients were supplemented with 60,000 IU of oral vitamin-D3 given every week for 8 weeks. Efficacy parameters included pain intensity and functional disability measured by VAS and modified Oswestry disability questionnaire (MODQ) scores at baseline, 2, 3, and 6 months post-supplementation. Plasma 25(OH) D3 levels were measured at baseline and 8 weeks. Results: Baseline mean (SD) vitamin-D levels were 12.8 (5.73) ng/mL and increased to 36.07 (12.51) post supplementation (P < 0.01). Forty-five (66%) patients attained normal levels (> 29 ng/mL) post supplementation. Significant reduction in VAS was observed at 2, 3, and 6 months [61 (19), 45 (19), 36 (18)] as compared to 81 (19) at baseline (P ≤ 0.001 at all-time intervals). A significant improvement in the functional ability was also observed at 2, 3, and 6 months [36 (12), 31 (13), and 26 (10)] as compared to baseline 45 (16) (P ≤ 0.001 at all-time intervals). Conclusion: Vitamin-D supplementation in deficient CLBP patients may lead to improvement in pain intensity and functional ability apart from normalization of the levels. Future controlled clinical trials are required to confirm the hypothesis. Key words: Vitamin D, deficiency, screening, low back pain, chronic, supplementation

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (20;7) ◽  
pp. 611-640
Author(s):  
Joshua Zadro

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is the highest contributor to disability worldwide, with current intervention strategies only providing small to moderate analgesic effects. The use of vitamin D supplementation for LBP has gained interest due to its proposed anti-inflammatory and neuromodulatory properties. However, it is still unclear whether vitamin D levels differ between those with and without LBP or if vitamin D levels are associated with pain intensity. Objectives: We aim to investigate the association between vitamin D levels and LBP and to determine if vitamin D levels correlate with pain intensity in individuals with LBP. Study Design: This study was conducted in accordance with the guidelines for performing a Metaanalysis and Systematic Review Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE). Methods: We performed electronic database searches combined keywords relating to vitamin D and LBP in MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, AMED, WEB OF SCIENCE, and SCOPUS from the earliest record to March 2017. Studies were included if they reported any quantitative measure of vitamin D, such as serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], with adequate data in patients with and without LBP or adequate data on pain intensity in patients with LBP. No restriction on the type or duration of LBP, nor the age and gender of patients was applied. Two reviewers independently performed the selection of studies, extracted data, and assessed the methodological quality of the included studies using a modified 15-item Downs and Black checklist. Results: After the removal of duplicates and the screening of titles and abstracts, 105 full texts were evaluated. There were 29 articles included in this systemic review (22 entered into a meta-analysis), including 19 cross-sectional studies, 9 case-control studies, and one single-arm surgical trial where the pre-operative data were used in our analyses. The pooled results from 19 studies showed that individuals with LBP were more likely to have vitamin D deficiency (pooled OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.20 - 2.12, P = 0.001, n = 19), severe deficiency (pooled OR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.19 - 3.64, P = 0.010, n = 7), and lower serum concentrations of 25(OH)D (weighted MD = 3.86, 95% CI: 0.20 - 7.52, P = 0.039, n = 12) compared to those without LBP (where “n” is the number of studies). The association between vitamin D deficiency (pooled OR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.26 - 2.66, P = 0.002, n = 9) or serum 25(OH)D (weighted MD = 7.64, 95% CI: 4.02 - 11.26, P < 0.001, n = 4) and LBP was stronger for women but failed to be statistically significant for men (pooled OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 0.62 - 1.81, P = 0.213, n = 3). In addition, there were strong associations between vitamin D deficiency and LBP in patients < 60 years old (particularly women). We found minimal evidence to support an association between vitamin D levels and pain intensity in patients with LBP. Limitations: We were unable to investigate whether vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of developing LBP as there were no longitudinal studies included in this review. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with LBP, with stronger associations observed in younger women and those with severe levels of deficiency. The association between vitamin D levels and pain intensity is inconsistent. These results may guide the implementation of future studies on vitamin D supplementation for LBP. PROSPERO Registration No: CRD42016046874. Key words: Vitamin D, low back pain, deficiency, pain intensity, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, supplementation, cross-sectional study, case-control study


Cureus ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mukesh Kumar ◽  
Masroor Ahmed ◽  
Ghulam Hussain ◽  
Muhammad Bux ◽  
Naveed Ahmed ◽  
...  

2017 ◽  
Vol 118 (1) ◽  
pp. 143-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Dzik ◽  
Wojciech Skrobot ◽  
Damian Jozef Flis ◽  
Mateusz Karnia ◽  
Witold Libionka ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
pp. 18
Author(s):  
Leo R Athinaraj Antony Soundararajan

Introduction: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders and it is documented that >90% of the cases have no defined cause for pain, called nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP). Alteration in the joint position, abnormal posture, and impaired muscle recruitment may result in recurrent CLBP. Lumbar lordosis (LL) provides strength against the compressive forces of gravity and it also protects the posterior spinal ligament and acts as a shock absorber for vertical forces. Increased LL is considered as a reason for radiculopathy, facet pain, and postural pain. Spinal posture and pelvic position were analyzed and documented as altered in CLBP patients. Anatomically, the anterior and posterior tilt of the back and pelvis by the force of different muscles can alter the spinal curvature. Posterior pelvic tilt in a standing position can decrease the LL. The pelvic inclination is related to the lumbar curve, and both are related to the performance and length of the back and abdominal muscles. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of core stabilization exercise on pain intensity, functional disability, LL, and pelvic inclination in NSLBP. Methodology: A total of 63 patients aged between 20 and 60 years who met the selection criteria were included. All participants gave their written consent to participate in this study. Demographic data such as age, weight, height, and duration of the back pain were documented. Patients were asked to report their pain using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Disability in Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). Exclusion criteria were participants with musculoskeletal disorders (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis) and a history of previous fractures and systemic diseases. DIERS Formetric 4D spine and posture analyzer were used to assess spinal alignment using the light-optical scanning method on the back of patient in standing position. Angle of LL: the angle formed by the apex of LL and the T12 and L5 spinous processes. Pelvic tilt is the orientation of the pelvis in respect to the thighbones and the rest of the body. Core stabilization exercises were given for 30 min, five days a week, for 12 sessions. Pre- and posttest values were documented and analyzed. Result: In this experimental study, we used Pearson’s correlation coefficient to find the correlation between LL and pelvic inclination angle and found a strong positive correlation (r = 0.76; P = 0.001). The study showed that core stabilization exercise for 12 weeks’ duration had statistically significant reduction in the pain intensity (p < 0.01), functional disability (p < 0.002), LL (p < 0.05), and pelvic inclination angle (p < 0.05) among patients with chronic NSLBP. Conclusion: From this research, we conclude that core stabilization exercises decrease the pain intensity, functional disability, LL, and pelvic inclination angle in patients with chronic NSLBP. Thus, evaluation of the lumbar curvature and pelvic inclination, and designing the appropriate exercise is recommended in the management of NSLBP.


2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary J. Vorsanger, PhD, MD ◽  
Jim Xiang, PhD ◽  
Theophilus J. Gana, MD, PhD ◽  
Maria Luz G. Pascual, MD, MPH ◽  
R. Rosanna B. Fleming, MS

Background: This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of tramadol ER 300 mg and 200 mg versus placebo once daily in the treatment of chronic low back pain, using an open-label run-in followed by, without washout, a randomized controlled study design.Methods: Adults with scores ≥40 on a pain intensity visual analog scale (VAS; 0 = no pain; 100 = extreme pain) received open-label tramadol ER, initiated at 100 mg once daily and titrated to 300 mg once daily during a three-week open-label run-in. Patients completing run-in were randomized to receive tramadol ER 300 mg, 200 mg, or placebo once daily for 12 weeks.Results: Of 619 patients enrolled, 233 (38 percent) withdrew from the run-in, primarily because of adverse event (n = 128) or lack of efficacy (n = 41). A total of 386 patients were then randomized to receive either 300 mg (n = 128), 200 mg (n = 129), or placebo (n = 129). Following randomization, mean scores for pain intensity VAS since the previous visit, averaged over the 12-week study period, increased more in the placebo group (12.2 mm) than in the tramadol ER 300-mg (5.2 mm, p = 0.009) and 200-mg (7.8 mm, p = 0.052) groups. Secondary efficacy scores for current pain intensity VAS, patient global assessment, Roland Disability Index, and overall sleep quality improved significantly (p ≤ 0.029 each) in the tramadol ER groups compared with placebo. The most common adverse events during the double-blind period were nausea, constipation, headache, dizziness, insomnia, and diarrhea.Conclusions: In patients who tolerated and obtained pain relief from tramadol ER, continuation of tramadol ER treatment for 12 weeks maintained pain relief more effectively than placebo. Adverse events were similar to those previously reported for tramadol ER.


2020 ◽  
Vol 123 (11) ◽  
pp. 1302-1311
Author(s):  
Abdullah Al-Taiar ◽  
Abdur Rahman ◽  
Reem Al-Sabah ◽  
Lemia Shaban ◽  
Anwar H. AlBaloul ◽  
...  

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level and low back pain (LBP) among adolescents while adjusting for potential confounders pertinent to this age group including the weight of school bags, BMI and physical activity. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 760 randomly selected adolescents in middle schools. Data on LBP and the risk factors for LBP were collected from parents by a self-administered questionnaire and from adolescents by face-to-face interview. Blood samples were tested in an accredited laboratory; and 25(OH)D was measured using liquid chromatography-tandem MS. The lifetime prevalence and the 6-month prevalence of LBP were 32·28 (95 % CI 28·97, 35·73) % and 21·26 (95 % CI 18·40, 24·33) %, respectively. There was no difference in the geometric mean of 25(OH)D between those with and without LBP in the past 6 months (28·50 nmol/l and 30·82 nmol/l, respectively; P = 0·122). There was no association between 25(OH)D and LBP in the univariable or multivariable analysis whether 25(OH)D fitted as a continuous or as a categorical variable. We found no association between vitamin D level and LBP in adolescents in an area with high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. Although it is important to have sufficient vitamin D levels during adolescence for several other health benefits, we concluded that vitamin D is not a major determinant for LBP among adolescents in our setting.


2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 160-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Burhan Baykara ◽  
Banu Dilek ◽  
Kemal Nas ◽  
M. Ali Ulu ◽  
İbrahim Batmaz ◽  
...  

2015 ◽  
Vol 5;18 (5;9) ◽  
pp. E853-E862
Author(s):  
Dipika Bansal

Background: Vitamin D has a significant role to play in bone metabolism and neuromuscular function. Several researchers have indicated that Vitamin D deficiency may be possibly related to chronic musculoskeletal pain including chronic low back pain (CLBP). Objectives: The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D and its contribution to chronic lower back pain. Study Design: Controlled study Setting: Outpatient pain clinic of tertiary care hospital. Methods: Data presented in this manuscript are from patients who were screened for inclusion in an open label, single arm clinical trial aimed to assess the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in patients with CLBP. Consecutive patients visiting the outpatient pain clinic of a tertiary care hospital with a diagnosis of CLBP with or without leg pain were recruited. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to measure low back pain intensity, and the Modified Oswestry disability questionnaire (MODQ) was used to measure functional ability. Plasma 25-OHD levels of all patients were measured and the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was calculated. The multivariate logistic regression model was used to investigate the association between vitamin D deficiency and patient characteristics. Results: A total of 328 patients were included in the study. Mean age of the study population was 43.8 years. Two hundred eighty-two (86%) (men 153/172 [89%], women 129/156 [83%]) of patients had below normal plasma vitamin D levels. Among these, 217 (66%) (men 126 [73%], women 91 [58%]) were found to be deficient and 65 (20%) (men 27 [16%], women 38 [24%]) were had insufficient levels. Multivariate regression analysis found that men were significantly more prone to have deficiency as compared to women (OR = 1.78 (1.10 – 2.88), P = 0.02). We also found a significantly positive relationship between vitamin D deficiency and increased functional disability (OR = 1.53 (1.24 – 1.87), P = 0.01). However, we did not find any relationship with pain severity, presence of other co-morbidities and educational level. Limitations: Not possible to access a good quality data on sun exposure and vitamin D dietary inake dieat in study population. No bone scans were performed. Conclusion: The result of this study provides a message about the high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in the Indian CLBP population. Clinical guidelines for managing CLBP should include assessment of vitamin D status, together with advice on appropriate vitamin D supplementation in those found to be deficient. Clinical trial registration: CTRI/2014/03/004459 Key words: Chronic low back pain, disability, hypovitaminosis D, India, pain severity, prevalence, vitamin D, visual analogue scale


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document