We explored the effectiveness of intramuscular Vitamin B12 for treating low back pain, particularly in those with mechanical sciatica. In a well-structured study involving 60 participants, patients received either Vitamin B12 or a placebo, and we measured pain and disability levels.
By the end of the study, those receiving Vitamin B12 showed a significant decrease in both pain and disability compared to the placebo group. Moreover, they relied less on pain relief medication, indicating that B12 could be a beneficial option for addressing persistent back pain.
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We conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study to explore the effectiveness of intramuscular vitamin B12 in treating low back pain, including cases of sciatica. A total of 60 patients between the ages of 18 and 65, all suffering from mechanical lumbago or sciatic neuritis, participated in the study over a period of time. Each patient had a solid medical history of back pain lasting from 6 months to 5 years, with significant pain intensity measured on a scale.
Throughout the study, both groups showed notable reductions in pain and disability. However, when we compared the active treatment with the placebo, the results favored vitamin B12 significantly; the differences were strikingly marked in measurement tools used for assessing pain and disability. Furthermore, the placebo group reported higher consumption of paracetamol compared to those receiving vitamin B12, indicating that this vitamin could effectively alleviate pain and the need for additional pain relief medications.
Overall, our findings support the potential of vitamin B12 injections in managing low back pain and sciatica for those without signs of nutritional deficiency.
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Dietary supplement boosts pain reliefEfficacy of Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression (PLDD) Combined with an Oral Food Supplement for Lumbar Disc Herniation.
Moderate relevance for pain management
We explored the impact of a novel dietary supplement on patients undergoing percutaneous laser disc decompression for lumbar disc herniation.
Patients were divided into two groups: one received just the laser treatment while the other added the supplement.
While both groups reported reduced pain levels post-surgery, the supplement group experienced slightly better outcomes.
Most patients using the supplement noted improved leg pain, with 66.5% reporting significant relief. However, it’s important to mention that the supplement's additional benefits weren’t groundbreaking compared to the laser treatment alone.
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Vitamin B12 aids post-surgery recoveryCocktail Treatment with a Gelatin Sponge Impregnated with Ropivacaine, Dexamethasone, and Vitamin B12 Promotes Early Postoperative Recovery after Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy: A Retrospective, Case-Controlled Study.
High relevance, effective treatment explored
We evaluated the effectiveness of a unique “cocktail treatment,” containing ropivacaine, dexamethasone, and vitamin B12, after percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD). In our retrospective study at Hong-Hui Hospital, we compared results from 100 patients—50 received the treatment while the other 50 did not.
The findings indicated that this cocktail significantly improved both back and leg pain relief, as well as enhanced functional recovery for those who received it. While promising, we acknowledge the study's single-center design and lack of randomization as limitations.
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Vitamin B12 aids nerve recoveryComparative evaluation of the electrophysiological, functional and ultrastructural effects of alpha lipoic acid and cyanocobalamin administration in a rat model of sciatic nerve injury.
Mixed evaluation of benefits
We explored the regenerative and protective effects of vitamin B12 on rats with sciatic nerve injuries. In the study, 40 rats were divided into several groups, including a control group, a sham group, and groups treated with either saline, alpha lipoic acid (ALA), or vitamin B12. Each treatment lasted for 12 weeks following the nerve injury.
Our findings revealed that while vitamin B12 showed some positive effects on nerve recovery, particularly in reducing edema and improving myelination, ALA treatment outperformed it in functional recovery measures. We noted significant improvements in the sciatic functional index for ALA-treated rats compared to those receiving vitamin B12.
The study highlighted the importance of understanding both the structural and functional aspects of nerve recovery. Even though vitamin B12 contributed favorably towards recovery, the results demonstrated that ALA might be a more effective option for enhancing movement and functionality after sciatic nerve injury.
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