Are You Getting the Right Vitamins & Minerals for Pain Relief?

About one in five adults experiences pain daily or on most days, and for patients struggling with pain, the toll on their health and well-being is detrimental and can be debilitating. 

Pain is a prevalent health problem worldwide, resulting from a multitude of causes, including injuries, illnesses, improper posture, vigorous physical activity, and more. Pain is a sensation that ranges from minor to severe discomfort in the body. It is also a signal that something may be amiss in the nervous system. Pain can manifest as a burning, pricking, tingling, discomfort, sting, or throbbing aching. The level of pain might vary depending on what is causing it.

The etiology of joint pain across the body can be multifaceted and intricate. A comprehensive assessment by a medical practitioner is necessary to determine the cause of joint pain throughout the body. Joint discomfort can sometimes be caused by lifestyle choices, such as eating a diet deficient in vitamins & minerals that are vital for muscles and nerves.

Role of Vitamins & Minerals in Pain Relief

Vitamins & Minerals are beneficial for nerves and muscles and are an essential part of your diet and not getting enough could cause problems like weakness in the bones. These essential micronutrients for nerves and joints can help provide relief by reducing inflammation, improving blood flow, and strengthening the nerves and joints. Therefore, incorporating them for nerves and joints into your diet can be an effective way to relieve pain and promote overall health.

There is a wide variety of vitamins & minerals for nerves and joints – so which ones are they and how can they help?

1. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is referred to as the “sunshine vitamin” since it is produced by our bodies when we are exposed to sunlight. Many individuals, however, do not receive enough vitamin D, particularly during the winter months when sunshine is limited. Vitamin D insufficiency can cause persistent discomfort, particularly in the muscles and bones. Some studies have also shown that it may help with pain alleviation.

But how does vitamin D help with achy joints? One theory is that it plays a role in reducing inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection, but when it becomes chronic, it can cause pain and damage to tissues.

2. Vitamin B

What vitamin is best for leg cramps? If you’re troubled by shooting pain in your calf at night, it is likely to be muscle spasms that bring on cramps. Vitamin B complex for muscle pain is a popular choice. Taking vitamin B complex that contains vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12 is believed to help alleviate pain and inflammation caused by nerve damage and provide vitamins for nerves and muscles to promote overall health and wellness. 

3. Vitamin C

For those with arthritis, vitamin C should be on the list of vitamins taken for knee pain and other joint pain linked to their condition. This vitamin has anti-inflammatory properties that can be beneficial in easing pain.

Having low vitamin C levels in your diet could make you three times as likely to have inflammatory arthritis, making these vitamins perfect for shoulder pain. A deficiency of vitamin C is also linked to spinal pain. 

4. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals in the body. Free radicals are molecules that can cause oxidative stress and damage to cells, leading to inflammation. By reducing oxidative stress, vitamin E may contribute to a decrease in inflammation, which is often associated with pain.

5. Magnesium

Magnesium is known for its muscle relaxant properties. It helps regulate muscle contractions and can alleviate muscle cramps and spasms. This property may be particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing pain related to muscle tension. Magnesium has also been investigated for its potential role in reducing the frequency and severity of migraines.

6. Zinc

Zinc is involved in the regulation of neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. While the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, zinc may influence the activity of certain receptors involved in pain perception. Zinc acts as an antioxidant and helps protect cells from oxidative stress. Chronic pain conditions.

About Zanskar Health

If you have joint or muscle pain that makes it hard to move, Zanskar offers the most advanced full stack pain relief solutions for you.

Now available to purchase, Zanskar® Advanced Pain Healing Cream has a unique formulation of natural ingredients like Arnica, Vitamin B6, Vitamin E, MSM and Capsaicin, which is trusted by over 20L+ pain sufferers globally. It provides lasting relief from muscle and joint discomfort that you can feel good about. Get your fix today - buy now.

You can also gain access to therapeutic exercises and stretches for your condition by downloading the Zanskar Health physiotherapy mobile app. Additionally, you’ll have a personal care team to guide, support, and tailor our program to you, including behavioral and nutritional coaching.

Download our mobile app here 👉 download and track your exercise streak.

Medical Review: This article is written by Dr Nishtha Mittal (Senior Health Content Editor at Zanskar Health) and has been medically reviewed by Dr Rashi Goel (Senior Physiotherapist at Zanskar Health). This article and its contents are provided for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or professional services specific to you or your medical condition.