Update on the Use of Vitamin B12 in Management of Pain

Abstract

Methylcobalamin (MeCbl), the activated form of vitamin B12, has been used to manage some nutritional diseases and other diseases in the clinic, including Alzheimer’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis. As an adjuvant, it effects neuronal protection by fostering regeneration of injured nerves and alienating glutamate-induced neurotoxicity. Recently several studies revealed that MeCbl may have conceivable analgesic effects in experimental and clinical studies. It can reduce, pain behaviors in diabetic neuropathy, low back pain and neuralgia. MeCbl ameliorate nerve conduction, stimulated the regeneration of injured nerves, and inhibited ectopic spontaneous discharges of injured primary sensory neurons. Low back pain is an everyday problem worldwide. It can lead to a great financial burden to society due to absenteeism or having work limitations. Back pain is one of the most common symptoms for seeing primary care physicians and one of the top 5 causes of surgery. Recent studies have shown a correlation between vitamin B12 injection and a decrease in Low back pain. This review aims to synopsize the analgesic effect and mechanisms of MeCbl at the present with particular stress on chronic low back pain. Intramuscular vitamin B12 injections appear to be of benefit in the reduction of chronic low back pain and also improve associated disability. However, further research is necessary to study the possible long term adverse reactions of these intramuscular injections.