Vitamin D Supplementation For Non Specific Musculoskeletal Pain Among Adults Attending Department Of Orthopaedics, Gauhati Medical College: A Randomized Controlled Study

Objectives: The objective of this study was to measure the level of vitamin D in adult patients coming with nonspecific musculoskeletal pain and evaluate the effect of the correction of vitamin D deficiency on the pain, fatigue and quality of life. Methods: A pragmatic prospective study was conducted in Orthopaedics out patient department at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, between January 1 and June 30, 2016. All patients aged 18 to 60 years consulting for diffuse nonspecific musculoskeletal chronic pain and/or chronic unexplained fatigue, were enrolled in this study. They were randomised into study group who received the vitamin D supplementation and the control group who received a placebo. Results: Eighty nine complete cases underwent the study. Out of this sixty eight patients were deficient, fifteen patients had insufficient vitamin D level and rest six had sufficient level. The correction of vitamin D deficiency resulted in a significant decrease in the level of pain intensity according to VAS (P=0.001) and the pain free duration (P<0.001), consumption of analgesics (P=0.002) and discomfort in carrying out activities of daily living following: the shopping, cleaning, walking for more than a kilometer (P<0.001) and dressing (P=0.012). Conclusion: The correction of vitamin D has had a positive impact both physical, mental and social activities. Chroninc nonspecific musculoskeletal pain should be evaluated for vitain D deficiency. Supplementation in these patients brings overall improvement in these patients.