Pain, especially neuropathic pain is a big problem for elderly people. This is because the normal NSAIDs aka painkillers don’t work for this kind of pain.
What does? Let’s talk about the B-vitamins
What is pain?
Pain is the body’s alarm system. It is a signal that something is fundamentally wrong.
It involves complex interactions between the brain, nerves, and spinal cord, and while no one likes the sensation of pain, it is essential for survival and the avoidance of injury.
Pain is categorized into 3:
- Nociceptive pain
- Neuropathic pain
- Nociplastic pain
Nociceptive pain is pain that comes from injury, inflammation, or physical damage to tissues, such as a broken bone or period cramps.
Neuropathic pain is pain due to damage to the nerves or nervous system eg diabetic neuropathy or sciatica.
Nociplastic pain is basically trauma from past pain. It is psychological.
We’re going to talk about neuropathic pain.
Neuropathic pain
Why is neuropathic pain different?
Neuropathic pain is different because it doesn’t come from an external injury or inflammation, it comes from damaged or malfunctioning nerves.
It often feels like:
- Burning
- Tingling
- Electric shocks
- Numbness
It can be spontaneous, or triggered by the lightest touch.
It can also persist for years after the original illness goes away, this is because the nerves take a long time to heal.
If regular painkillers don’t work for this kind of pain, what does?
For neuropathic pain, treatment focuses on nerve-specific therapies such as:
- Antidepressants
- Anticonvulsants
- Topical painkillers
- Lifestyle modification
- Natural remedies
The role of vitamins B1, B6 and B12.
The B vitamins especially B1, B6 and B12 play a huge role in neuropathic pain.
This is because they’re essential for nerve function, nerve regeneration and reduction of inflammation.
What’s more? It is scientifically proven.
Let’s get into the benefits.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) – The nerve protector
Thiamine is essential for nerve function and energy metabolism.
How does it relieve pain?
- It protects the nerves from oxidative damage and inflammation
- It supports the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that helps with nerve signalling
- It prevents diabetic neuropathy.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found that thiamine supplementation significantly reduced neuropathic pain in diabetic patients.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) – The pain modulator
Vitamin B6 is crucial for the synthesis of neurotransmitters, especially serotonin and GABA.
They help in regulating the perception of pain.
How does it relieve pain?
- It reduces inflammation and nerve irritation
- It increases the amount of dopamine and serotonin
- It supports the production of red blood cells, ensuring the delivery of oxygen to the nerves.
While Vitamin B6 is great, overuse can cause nerve toxicity and worsen pain.
It’s important to speak to a doctor before using it.
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) – The nerve healer
Vitamin B12 is essential for the myelin sheath, which is the protective covering of the nerves.
How does it relieve pain?
- It repairs damaged nerves and regenerates myelin
- It reduces homocysteine levels, which can damage blood vessels
- It improves communication between the nerves and the brain
Deficiency in this vitamin can lead to numbness, tingling sensation, weakness and severe neuropathic pain.
You can get these vitamins from food
Food sources of Vitamin B1 include: Meat, fish, beans, nuts, lentils etc
Food sources of Vitamin B6 include: Fruits like bananas and avocados and vegetables like spinach and kale.
Food sources of Vitamin B12 include: Beef, liver chicken, fish and shellfish, beans, peas and dairy.
These vitamins are found in most foods, and you can get enough of them if you eat a healthy and balanced diet.
In conclusion, Vitamins B1, B6 and B12 are not just a regular combination.
They’re scientifically proven for relief of nerve pain, and regeneration of nerves.
If you suffer from neuropathic pain, talk to your doctor about adding B vitamins to your routine.
You’d not regret it.
By Pharm.Oluoma @zizelle
