A PROSPECTIVE COMPARATIVE STUDY ON EFFICACY OF ORAL VITAMIN D FORMULATIONS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN WITH VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Objective: Chronic low back pain is a global health problem with significant medical and economic burden. Vitamin D deficiency and obesity are its risk factors. The objective was to determine efficacy of oral vitamin D formulations in patients with chronic low back pain with vitamin D deficiency. Methods: A prospective analytical cohort study was conducted. Patients with self-reported chronic low back pain and with vitamin D concentrations ≤30 ng/dl were identified and randomized into 3 groups namely Granule, Nano syrup and soft gel capsule group. Vitamin D supplementation of 60,000 IUs per dose for ten consecutive days was given in the form of granule (1 g sachet), Nano syrup (5 ml bottle) and soft gel capsule. We measured (25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]) concentrations and to assess pain, Visual analogue scale and Modified Oswestry low back pain disability questionnaire (MODQ) were used before and 12 w after the intervention. Results: After 12 w 25(OH)D levels increased significantly with vitamin D supplementation in all the groups but more in the Nano syrup group. There was also significant reduction in back pain intensity in all the groups after vitamin D supplementation. However in Nano syrup group, there was a significantly greater reduction in back pain compared with other groups. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that vitamin D supplementation in vitamin D deficient adults may improve chronic low back pain. Hence, testing for vitamin D deficiency in those with chronic low back pain may be warranted.