Exploring the Association between Vitamin D3 Levels and Back Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Lower vitamin D3 levels have been implicated in various musculoskeletal disorders, including back pain. This study was aimed to investigate the relationship between vitamin D3 levels and incidence of back pain and its severity in adults. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 100 adult participants. Demographic information, serum vitamin D3 levels, back pain assessments using validated questionnaire, and details about medication use, medical history, and comorbidities were collected. Ethical considerations were kept in view as per hospital guidelines. Results: The study involves 100 patients, with 61.7% males and 31.8% females, aged 17 to 70 years (average 38.88, SD 13.458). 33% reported routine activity. Most patients (49.5%) experienced symptoms for over 8 months. Vitamin D3 levels correlated negatively with disability levels (r = -0.334, p < 0.001) and symptom duration (r = -0.315, p = 0.001). Higher disability levels correlated with longer symptom duration (r = 0.407, p < 0.001). Regression analysis shows Oswestry Disability Index significantly predicts Vitamin D3 levels (p < 0.001, standardized coefficient -0.336), while routine activity does not (p = 0.932). Our findings revealed a negative correlation between vitamin D3 levels and back pain severity. Conclusions: These results support the hypothesis that lower vitamin D3 levels are associated with increased back pain severity in adults. Further investigation is required to confirm these findings and elucidate the underlying mechanisms linking vitamin D3 deficiency to back pain. Potentially, our findings can inform public health initiatives and guide the development of targeted interventions to reduce the burden of back pain caused by vitamin D3 insufficiency.