Relationship between musculoskeletal pain and Vitamin D levels in elderly women

Introduction: Pain is a common symptom of aging. Vitamin D is an effective pre-prohormone with ubiquitous receptors in many tissues, including the musculoskeletal system. Vitamin D deficiency is known to cause pain, proximal muscle weakness in lower extremities, skeletal mineralization defects, balance disorders, increased risk of fall and fracture, and reduced functional capacity. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between vitamin D levels and the musculoskeletal pain in female patients aged 65 years or over. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 120 female patients aged 65 years and over who were admitted to physical therapy and rehabilitation outpatient clinic. The participants were administered a questionnaire consisting of demographic data (age, education, occupation, sun exposure, physical activity levels, intake of calcium-rich foods), musculoskeletal pain, and location of the pain. The levels of 25(OH) vitamin D (vitamin D), calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and parathormon in the serum were recorded from the hospital database. Results: Of the participants, 101 (84%) had vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency, 83 (69%) had musculoskeletal pain, and 37 (31%) had no pain at all. Serum vitamin D levels were significantly lower in those who had pain (p=0.008). Sixty-two (75%) of the patients with musculoskeletal pain (n=83) had vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency. Among those with musculoskeletal system pain and vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency (n=62), the pain was most frequently localized to the lower back (41%) and upper back (32%). Conclusion: It is important to evaluate serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels particularly in elderly female patients admitted with musculoskeletal pain. Vitamin D deficiency should be kept in mind for female patients suffering from the lower and upper back pain. Considering the role of vitamin D on the musculoskeletal system, assessment of vitamin D levels and, in case of deficiency, supplementation therapy is recommended for elderly women