Important Vitamins to Take for Shoulder and Neck Pain

Tip

Vitamins for neck and shoulder pain include B12, C and D. Consult your doctor before you take any supplements for neck pain or shoulder pain.

Understanding Neck and Shoulder Pain

According to Harvard Health Publishing, it is estimated that seven out of 10 people have had neck pain at some point in their lives. The good news, however, according to the UK's National Health Service, is that most cases of neck pain and shoulder pain only last a few weeks.

Harvard Health Publishing states that neck pain rarely starts overnight; it usually evolves over time and can be made worse by conditions like arthritis, degenerative disc disease and declining muscle strength. Harvard Health lists stress, bad posture and lack of sleep as some of the causes of neck pain.

Vitamins for Neck and Shoulder Pain

Apart from taking preventive measures to ensure that you're not straining your neck and shoulders, Penn Medicine notes that stretching and maintaining a basic level of fitness can go a long way. Your diet also plays a role, because it helps you maintain strong muscles, bones and joints. Deficiencies of certain nutrients can make it more likely for you to develop neck and shoulder pain.

If you are experiencing severe neck or shoulder pain, you should visit your doctor to figure out what's causing it, get tested for nutrition deficiencies and get a prescription for vitamin or mineral supplements for neck pain and shoulder pain, if necessary.

Understanding the role that various vitamins play in neck and shoulder pain can enable you to have an informed conversation with your doctor. Avoid taking vitamin supplements for neck pain or shoulder pain without consulting your doctor, because excess doses of certain vitamins can also have negative side effects, according to the Victoria State Government.

According to Harvard Health Publishing, natural remedies for neck pain and shoulder pain include ice packs in the first two days when the pain is acute and heating pads thereafter. Another natural remedy for neck pain and shoulder pain is a cervical collar, which can be effective if used for short periods of time.

Vitamin D, a Critical Nutrient

The Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) recommends that adults under the age of 70 get 15 micrograms of vitamin D per day and that adults over the age of 70 get 20 micrograms of this nutrient per day.

According to the ODS, vitamin D is available in four forms. To begin with, your skin synthesizes vitamin D when it is exposed to the sun. Some foods, like fatty fish, beef liver, egg yolks, cheese and mushrooms also offer vitamin D. Fortified foods, like breakfast cereals, juices and yogurt may also supply this vitamin. Last, your doctor may prescribe vitamin D supplements if you have a deficiency of this nutrient.

Vitamin B12, a Natural Painkiller

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, most adults need 2.4 micrograms of vitamin B12 per day. Pregnant and breastfeeding women require slightly higher quantities of this vitamin.

Also known as cobalamin, vitamin B12 is not easily available from plant-based sources. The U.S. National Library of Medicine notes that it is most commonly found in animal products like fish, clams, organ meats like beef liver, poultry, eggs and dairy products.

Vitamin C for Collagen Synthesis

According to the Linus Pauling Institute, the recommended daily intake of vitamin C is between 75 and 120 milligrams a day, depending on age, gender and other factors like whether you smoke or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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