What’s the Deal with Vitamin D?

You may have heard people say they get their Vitamin D from spending time in the sun. But beyond the casual joke, Vitamin D plays a significant role in overall health, especially when it comes to managing pain.

Vitamin D is naturally produced by your skin when exposed to sunlight. However, wearing sunscreen, while important for protecting your skin, can reduce this natural production. Fortunately, you can also get Vitamin D from foods like salmon, sardines, egg yolks, and shrimp. Many processed foods are fortified with Vitamin D, and supplements provide another reliable source.

Why is Vitamin D important in pain management? Research highlights several key benefits of adequate Vitamin D levels, including:

• Supporting healthy bones and reducing the risk of osteoporosis-related pain

• Strengthening muscles, which helps prevent strain and injury

• Reducing inflammation that can worsen chronic pain conditions

• Enhancing immune system function to fight illness that may contribute to pain

• Improving mood and reducing depression, which often accompanies chronic pain

  
  

Vitamin D deficiency is more common than you might think, especially for those who live in northern regions, spend most of their time indoors, or have limited sun exposure due to factors like pollution or darker skin tones. Deficiency in Vitamin D can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, muscle aches, and even stress fractures, which can worsen pain and limit mobility.

At Ashford Pain Solutions, we emphasize the importance of proper nutrition and vitamin levels in comprehensive pain management. If you are experiencing unexplained aches, persistent fatigue, or bone pain, we recommend discussing Vitamin D testing with your doctor. A simple blood test can determine if your Vitamin D levels are adequate. If needed, your physician can prescribe supplements to help restore healthy levels and support your pain management plan.

Taking Vitamin D supplements with your largest meal of the day is advised because Vitamin D is fat-soluble and absorbs better this way. Typical daily doses range from 1000 to 2000 IU, but you should always follow your doctor’s guidance to avoid excessive intake.

Effective pain management is about treating your whole body. Ensuring you have sufficient Vitamin D is one part of that process. At Ashford Pain Solutions, we offer personalized care that addresses all aspects of your health to help you live a more comfortable, active life.

If you have questions about how Vitamin D might affect your pain or want to explore treatment options, contact Ashford Pain Solutions today to schedule an appointment.

Contact Us