PHOENIX, Oct. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Holistic pain managementseeks to find treatment options to manage and treat pain in a way that works with the physiology of the body rather than against it. One very basic example of this is through identifying vitamin and nutrient deficiencies. Vitamin D is a vitamin that has large implications for treating chronic pain. In this article we will explore the role of vitamin D and how it can be used for holistic pain management.

Vitamin D has been implicated in many research papers for painrelief, yet it is still very under utilized by doctors in the pain management field. The likely reason for this, is the lack of knowledge about this vitamin's effectiveness to treat pain. Keep in mind that vitamin D does not treat pain like your typical pain medication. Taking vitamin D will not cause immediate pain relief. It only works for pain relief when there is a deficiency or inadequacy present in the body. But these deficiencies or inadequacies are quite common. In these cases it will take several months for it to have its pain relieving effects, as it works on an underlying physiological processes. Working on and improving the underlying human physiology is the exact approach holistic pain management takes. Let's look at how vitamin D deficiency causes pain.

Holistic Pain Management: physiological role of vitamin D

Vitamin D is well known for its role in maintaining serum calcium and bone health. When vitamin D deficiencies are present bone tissue forms in a weak gelatin like substance rather than its hard counterpart. This leads to fluid absorption in the bone which pushes against the bone causing pain. In severe case this is referred to as osteomalacia. Vitamin D deficiency does cause osteomalacia but the more common problem is a subclinical or undetectable osteomalcia process where the there is mild fluid retention. This process can effect any of the bones throughout the body (legs, spine, ribs, arms, etc) and can come about from even slight inadequacies of vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency is linked with conditions such asFibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, generalized musculoskeletal pain, and Myositis.

Holistic Pain Management: Vitamin D for specific pain conditions

While musculoskeletal and fibromyalgia like conditions seem to be the most plausible conditions effected by vitamin D status, It may be important in other conditions as well. There are vitamin D receptors on virtually every tissue in the body not just bone and muscle. It makes sense then that vitamin D would play a role in these other tissues and organ functions as well.

Neuropathy: A study of 51 patients with chronic neuropathy had 50% reduction in pain levels after supplementation with vitamin D for only 3 months.

Rheumatoid Arthritis and other inflammatory conditions: Several animal studies have demonstrated the ability of vitamin D to decrease inflammatory markers such as CRP. As a result it is likely helpful in many inflammatory conditions.

Mood and Pain levels: There is substantial evidence that supports the link between depression and chronic pain. How this is associated with vitamin D has not been full realized. There have been a few studies showing the relationship of vitamin D on neurotransmitters. A placebo controlled trial in patients with clinical depression found that those who took vitamin D self reported enhancements in their mood.

Holistic Pain Management: How much to take

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Holistic Pain Management and the Role of Vitamin D