Benefits Of B12 Injections
Back pain is a problem that will affect most people at some point during our lifetime. Sometimes there appears to be no apparent underlying cause, and instead, the pain comes and goes away on its own accord.However, living with the effects of chronic back pain can be debilitating. Not only could you experience discomfort ranging from mild aches to acute pain, but you may also find that your mobility is limited through the pain you are feeling.There are many different treatments and therapies that could potentially help reduce this type of discomfort. B12 injections have been used to treat various other issues in the past, but more recently they have proved successful in helping to alleviate lower back pain.
WHAT IS B12?
Cobalamin, better known as B12 is a water-soluble B-vitamin that can be found in protein-based foods such as beef, fish, poultry, milk, and eggs. Our bodies use B12 in a number of different ways, including:
- Cardiovascular health
- Cognitive functioning
- Red blood cell distribution
- Stamina
- Neurological health
Unfortunately, some illnesses and lifestyle choices can impair a person’s ability to properly absorb vitamin B12 and some individuals are considered to be at greater risk of this problem. These include people who:
- Have an autoimmune disorder such as vitiligo
- Have a gastrointestinal disorder such as coeliac disease or Crohn’s
- Have stomach ulcers, atrophic gastritis, or an abnormally thin stomach lining
- Follow a vegan diet
- Take certain medications
- Are entering their senior years
BENEFITS OF B12 INJECTIONS FOR BACK PAIN
Vitamin B12 has been shown to be beneficial in supporting our nervous system to function properly. The main element of our nervous system is the spinal cord, which runs between the brain and body and is protected within our spine. Vitamin B12 helps to maintain the myelin sheath which coats our nerve cells, protecting them from damage and helping to stop you from developing demyelinating disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS).B12 has also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties that can improve the way that the body responds to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) and reduce neurological pain. This is pain that is not generated by some physical cause, but pain generated by the nerves themselves.Additional benefits of B12 injections that are not directly related to back pain, but that can have a positive effect on your life include:
- Increased energy levels
- A healthier immune system
- Better quality sleep
- Faster metabolism
- Improved weight control
- Lower stress levels
- Improved mood
- Increased sex drive
CAN I JUST GET ADDITIONAL B12 BY CHANGING MY DIET?
While you certainly can boost the amount of B12 in the foods that you eat by changing up your diet, if your issue is with absorption of the vitamin then the problem will remain. However, it will be very difficult to see exactly how much extra B12 you are getting and whether it is enough. By choosing B12 injections, your doctor will be able to ensure that you get the right dosage to make a positive difference to your back pain.
HOW OFTEN ARE B12 INJECTIONS NEEDED?
Exactly how often you will need B12 injections will depend on your individual circumstances, but in most cases a patient will be prescribed one injection every 28 days, and this must be administered by our doctor.
If you are suffering from back pain and you would like to find out more about B12 injections and how they can help alleviate your discomfort, call Valley Spinal Care in Scottsdale, AZ today at 602-362-7900.