Low levels of vitamin D may be linked to an increased risk of frozen shoulder and back pain, according to recent research. Experts suggest that correcting a deficiency in this nutrient, often called the "sunshine pill," could offer benefits for those suffering from these conditions.
Frozen shoulder, a common ailment affecting at least one in 20 people, causes pain, tightness, and significantly restricted movement due to inflammation and shrinking of the joint tissue. Back pain is another prevalent issue, with around 80% of Britons experiencing it at some point in their lives. While physiotherapy is a primary treatment for frozen shoulder, many individuals turn to supplements and natural remedies.
A study involving over 5,000 people indicated that individuals deficient in vitamin D were more likely to suffer from frozen shoulder and back pain. Experts theorize that insufficient vitamin D levels can prompt the release of inflammatory cells, exacerbating pain and stiffness. In 2024, researchers at the Rothman Orthopaedic Institute in Florida reviewed studies and concluded that vitamin D possesses anti-inflammatory properties and plays a role in muscle function and tissue healing. Approximately one in five Britons are estimated to be deficient in vitamin D.
However, physiotherapist Sammy Margot emphasizes that any benefits from vitamin D supplementation would likely be most pronounced in individuals with a deficiency. She noted that while ensuring adequate vitamin D levels is important for anyone with musculoskeletal issues, it may not act as an immediate pain reliever.
Regarding other supplements for frozen shoulder, Margot stated that research is "lacking and inconsistent." She specifically addressed turmeric, a popular supplement known for its anti-inflammatory properties, noting a lack of specific trials demonstrating its effectiveness for frozen shoulder. While curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has been studied for joint pain, most research focuses on knee osteoarthritis, a different condition, and even that evidence is inconsistent.
For frozen shoulder, Margot recommends corticosteroid injections as a more evidence-based treatment, particularly when administered during the early, more painful stages. These injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the shoulder joint. Following the acute pain phase, mobility exercises and stretching become crucial for restoring movement. Combining injections with physiotherapy may also yield greater improvements. While frozen shoulder often resolves on its own, this process can take up to three years, highlighting the importance of intervention to prevent long-term loss of function.
For back pain, some supplements may offer modest improvements. Turmeric, combined with the herb boswellia, showed significant reduction in back pain in a high-quality trial published last year. Other studies have reported similar benefits with consistent turmeric use over 90 days, noting reduced disability and inflammatory markers. Evidence also suggests turmeric may help with knee osteoarthritis pain.
Omega-3 supplements may also play a role, particularly for individuals with low oily fish intake or inflammatory arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis. However, Margot noted that research showing magnesium improves back pain is very limited, with evidence pointing more towards its benefits for muscle cramps.
Margot cautioned that back pain can stem from various causes, including disc issues, joint or muscle problems, nerve irritation, or deconditioning, and each may require a different approach. Therefore, a "one-size-fits-all" supplement claim is unlikely to be effective. She stressed that for general muscle soreness, foundational elements like sufficient sleep, adequate protein intake for muscle repair, and consistent strength and fitness building are far more important.
Evidence-based recommendations for muscle soreness also include using resistance bands, consulting a physiotherapist for a tailored exercise plan, or wearing supportive footwear. Margot concluded that while supplements might offer minor pain relief, they cannot restore range of motion, strengthen muscles, or address the root cause of the pain.