Mayo Clinic study suggests those who have chronic pain may need to assess vitami

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Mayo Clinic study suggests those who have chronic pain may need to assess

vitamin D status

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-03/mc-mcs032009.php

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Mayo Clinic research shows a correlation between inadequate

vitamin D levels and the amount of narcotic medication taken by patients who

have chronic pain. This correlation is an important finding as researchers

discover new ways to treat 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 , 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. "

Researchers retrospectively studied 267 chronic pain patients admitted to the

Mayo Comprehensive Pain Rehabilitation Center in Rochester from February to

December 2006. Vitamin D levels at the time of admission were compared to other

parameters such as the amount and duration of narcotic pain medication usage;

self-reported levels of pain, emotional distress, physical functioning and

health perception; and demographic information such as gender, age, diagnosis

and body mass index.

Further research should document the effects of correcting deficient levels

among these patients, researchers recommend.

This study has important implications for both chronic pain patients and

physicians. " Though preliminary, these results suggest that patients who suffer

from chronic, diffuse pain and are on narcotics should consider getting their

vitamin D levels checked. Inadequate levels may play a role in creating or

sustaining their pain, " says Dr. .

" Physicians who care for patients with chronic, diffuse pain that seems

musculoskeletal — and involves many areas of tenderness to palpation — should

strongly consider checking a vitamin D level, " he says. " For example, many

patients who have been labeled with fibromyalgia are, in fact, suffering from

symptomatic vitamin D inadequacy. Vigilance is especially required when risk

factors are present such as obesity, darker pigmented skin or limited exposure

to sunlight. "

Assessment and treatment are relatively simple and inexpensive. Levels can be

assessed by a simple blood test (25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]). Under the

guidance of a physician, an appropriate repletion regimen can then be devised.

Because it is a natural substance and not a drug, vitamin D is readily available

and inexpensive.

In addition to the benefits of strong muscles and bones, emerging research

demonstrates that vitamin D plays important roles in the immune system, helps

fight inflammation and helps fights certain types of cancer.