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Vitamin D Cited As Possible Analgesic for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain

 

Inadequate vitamin D intake has been linked to many chronic painful ailments, including bone and joint pain of various types, muscle pain, fibromyalgia syndrome, rheumatic disorders, and osteoarthritis, according to a recent report from Pain Treatment Topics (PTT) based on an extensive review of clinical research.

 

Among the findings from the report:

 

Vitamin D is a complex nutrient that functions as a hormone to benefit numerous body tissues and organs, including bones, muscles, and nerves.

 

A majority of people in many parts of the world, including the United States, do not get adequate vitamin D from sun exposure or foods.

 

The currently recommended adequate intake of vitamin D -- up to 600 IU per day -- is outdated and too low. According to the research, most children and adults need at least 1,000 IU per day, and people with chronic musculoskeletal pain would benefit from 2000 IU or more per day of supplemental vitamin D3 (also called cholecalciferol).

 

           "It must be emphasized, however, that vitamin D is not a pharmaceutical analgesic in the sense of fostering relatively immediate pain relief, and expectations along those lines would be unrealistic," the report notes. "Because its actions address underlying processes, vitamin D supplementation may take months to facilitate pain relief, which can range from partial to complete. Furthermore, vitamin D supplementation is not proposed as a panacea or as a replacement for other pain treatment modalities that may benefit patient care."

 

PTT and the associated Pain-Topics.org Web site provide open and free access to noncommercial, evidence-based clinical news, information, research, and education on the causes and effective treatment of the many types of pain conditions. It is independently produced and currently supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Covidien/Mallinckrodt Inc, a manufacturer of generic opioid analgesic products in St Louis.

 

Two-Thirds of Americans Have at Least One Chronic Medical Condition

 

About six of every 10 people in the United States age 18 and older have at least one chronic medical condition, according to the latest statistics from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).

 

A chronic condition is defined in the agency's News and Numbers report as a condition that can be expected to last at least 1 year and result in limitations or the need for ongoing medical care.

In 2005, about 22 million Americans received medical care for osteoarthritis and related conditions -- 49 million for asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 17 million for diabetes, 45 million for high blood pressure, and 19 million for heart disease, according to AHRQ, a subagency of the Department of Health and Human Services.

 

When AHRQ researchers analyzed chronic conditions as a whole in 2005, they found that:

 

· Nearly 40% of Americans between the ages of 18 and 34 had at least one chronic condition, as did 90% of those age 65 and older.

· About 77% of Americans age 65 and older had two or more chronic conditions. Only 14% of those in the 18-34 group had two or more conditions.

· Treatment of chronic conditions accounted for 90% of money spent on US adults for medical care (excluding dental care and medical equipment and supplies).

 

 

Source of articles:  APTA, PT Bulletin, June 27. 2008

July/August Calendar       

 

July 4                        Independence Day

 

August 5                   National Night Out     http://www.nationaltownwatch.org/nno/

 

 

 

It is never too late to start exercising

Studies say that it is never too late to start an exercise program. Even those who were over 65 and had always been sedentary, reduced their risk of heart disease and cancer significantly when they adopted an exercise program.

 

Stretching and flexibility

Very flexible people, according to research, may be less likely to develop arthritis and have better bone mineral density. Doing a set of stretches every day can help retain flexibility as one ages.

 

To help you get started with a program, check with your doctor to make sure you are healthy enough to exercise, and ask your physical therapist to recommend appropriate exercises for your specific needs.

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