Vitamin D Deficiency is Associated with Nonspecific Low Back Pain in Young Women, a Case-Control Study

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is linked to several musculoskeletal conditions including nonspecific low back pain, autoimmune diseases. Data regarding to vitamin D deficiency and low back pain are not consistent across various studies. The objective of this case-control study was to determine association of vitamin D deficiency and low back pain in women. Methods: Eighty-one women with nonspecific low back pain and 101 age-matched controls entered the study. Serum vitamin D was assessed by quantitative determination of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) by electerochemiluminecence method, and levels <20ng/ml were considered as vitamin D deficiency. Mann-Whitney U test and chi square test was used for analysis. Results: Mean age of patients and controls was 35.1±8.14 and 37.4±7.9 years respectively. Median serum 25-OHD concentration in patients was significantly lower than control group (p=0.003). Serum 25-OHD deficiency was observed in 57(70.4%) patients versus 47(46.5%) controls (p=0.001). There was a significant association between serum 25-OHD deficiency and low back pain (OR=2.72, 95%CI, 1.47-5, p=0.001). 25-OHD deficiency was significantly correlated with low back pain (r=0.239, p=0.001). Conclusion: This study indicates a significant association between vitamin D deficiency and nonspecific LBP in women and justifies serum 25-OHD assessment in women with low back pain.