Vitamin B for Nerve Pain
Vitamin B for Nerve Pain
Adequate levels of B vitamins are essential to support the health and normal function of the nerves in our bodies. Vitamin B is so remarkably important to our nerves that research shows that supplementing with specific B vitamins can help support the healing of nerves if they become injured from trauma or in particular diseases. In particular, vitamins B1, B6, and B12 have been shown not only to support healthy nerve function but also to be essential in their repair in cases of nerve damage.
The chiropractic physicians at Ravenswood Chiropractic in Chicago pay close attention to this research and successfully apply it in their clinical practice as a supportive therapy for patients who exhibit symptoms of B vitamin deficiencies and for those suffering from nerve pain.
What the B Vitamin Studies for Nerve Pain Say
“Neurotropic B vitamins play crucial roles as coenzymes and beyond in the nervous system. Particularly vitamin B1 (thiamine), B6 (pyridoxine), and B12 (cobalamin) contribute essentially to the maintenance of a healthy nervous system. Their importance is highlighted by many neurological diseases related to deficiencies in one or more of these vitamins, but they can improve certain neurological conditions even without a (proven) deficiency.” [1]
Studies have determined that taking a combination of B1, B6, and B12, for up to 3 months, is an effective method to support the healing of nerves across various neurological conditions [2], including diabetic neuropathy [3] and lumbar radiculopathy [4].
Our chiropractic physicians have seen the same benefits with their patients.
This is not surprising because vitamin B12 plays a critical role in nerve conduction. After all, B12 is heavily involved in maintaining the myelin sheath (the fatty cover that insulates your central and peripheral nervous system), which supports proper nerve function.
Vitamin B6 is responsible for the build-up and breakdown of almost all neurotransmitters (chemicals that help nerves send messages).
Thiamine is a critical component of the Krebs cycle, creating adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which powers your brain and nerves. [1]
The research into the effective dosages and treatment duration is significant to those suffering from nerve pain and holds much promise for future benefit.
“Results: Treatment with combination of vitamin B1, B6 and B12 in subjects with symptoms of PN [peripheral neuropathy] showed significant improvement in overall Total Symptom Score (TSS), within 14 days. The treatment also successfully reduced individual components of TSS from baseline to Visit 5. A significant percentage reduction was also observed for all the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) parameters at the end of 12 weeks, while the Quality of Life (QoL) scores increased from baseline to the end of treatment. Conclusions: The fixed dose combination of vitamin B1, B6 and B12 was effective and well tolerated in subjects with mild to moderate peripheral neuropathy, of various etiologies.” [2]
“In present study, efficacy of combination of vitamin B1, B6 and B12 in the management of diabetic peripheral neuropathy found to be in 87.4% patients. These results are close to the findings of Abbas and Swair where they proved efficacy in 88.9%19.”[3]
“An open controlled study of efficacy of the vitamin B complex (milgamma) has been performed in 38 patients with vertebrogenic lumbosacral radiculopathy suffered from moderate or severe pain during 1 month or longer… The results revealed the potentiation of analgesic effect of diclofenac by the vitamin B complex. Using of milgamma in combination with NSAIDS leads to the rapid and long-standing regress of pain syndrome in patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy.” [4]
Should You Supplement Your Diet With B Vitamins?
In cases of vitamin B deficiencies it is necessary to consider if there are any dietary factors that may be contributing to this issue. The food you eat can make a dramatic difference in how your body functions, which ultimately affects how you feel. If one is not getting enough B vitamins from their diet, this may also need to be considered as a contributing factor to the manifestation of one’s symptoms, such as pain or fatigue.
Using functional medicine to treat vitamin B deficiencies in patients with nerve pain, our chiropractic physicians help your body heal faster by making sure it has all the necessary ingredients. While this may be done with supplementing with B vitamins, our providers may also suggest dietary recommendations, if necessary, to help support the health of you and your body.
It should be noted that ingesting high amounts of vitamin B6 may cause a severe side effect known as sensory neuropathy, if taken in excessive doses for extended periods. Before supplementing B vitamins for nerve pain or maintenance of health, speak with your chiropractic physician or licensed healthcare provider to see if this is right for you.
If you have nerve pain, including from a pinched nerve, sciatica, fibromyalgia, peripheral neuropathy, call and speak to one of our expert team members today about how we can help 773.878.7330.
References
1. Calderón‐Ospina, Carlos Alberto, and Mauricio Orlando Nava‐Mesa. “B Vitamins in the Nervous System: Current Knowledge of the Biochemical Modes of Action and Synergies of Thiamine, Pyridoxine, and Cobalamin.” CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, vol. 26, no. 1, 2019, pp. 5–13., doi:10.1111/cns.13207.
2. Hakim, M, et al. “Management of peripheral neuropathy symptoms with a fixed dose combination of high dose vitamin: B1, B6, B12,: a 12 weeks prospective non interventional study.” Asian Journal of Medical Sciences, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 32-40.
3. Rizvi, A., Ahmad, A., Rizvi, Z. “Efficacy of Combination of Vitamin B1, B6 and B12 in Management of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy.” PJMHS, vol. 7, no. 3, pp.801-804.
4. O. S. Levin and I.A. Moseikin. “Vitamin B Complex (Milgamma) in the Treatment of Vertebrogenic Lumbosacral Radiculopathy.” Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova, vol 109, no. 10, pp. 30-35., PMID: 20037567
5. M.B. Katan. “How Much Vitamin B6 Is Toxic.” Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd, vol 149, no. 46, pp. 2545 -2546. PMID: 16320662
6. Vrolijik, M., et al. “The vitamin B6 paradox: Supplementation with high concentrations of pyridoxine leads to decreased vitamin B6 function.” Toxicology in vitro, vol. 44, pp. 206-212
Dr. DeFabio D.C. is a highly regarded chiropractor in Chicago who focuses on helping his patients achieve optimal health and wellness. He takes a holistic approach to care, treating symptoms and addressing underlying issues to promote long-term healing. Dr. DeFabio D.C. is passionate about empowering his patients to take control of their health and live their best lives. You can find him surfing, skateboarding, and volunteering at the Lakeview Food Pantry when he’s not in the office.
