Many people live with constant body pain, tiredness, or muscle weakness and assume it is due to stress, ageing, or long working hours. But what if the real cause is something as simple as a vitamin deficiency? Low levels of Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D can create symptoms that look very similar to chronic pain conditions. These deficiencies can affect your nerves, bones, and overall energy levels, making everyday activities feel difficult and uncomfortable.
A new study by the University of Arizona Health Sciences, published in Pain Practice, explored the intricate link between micronutrient deficiencies and chronic pain.
Researchers found a two-way relationship. People with low levels of important nutrients like Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, folate, and magnesium were more likely to have severe, long-lasting pain. At the same time, people who already suffered from severe chronic pain often had major deficiencies in these nutrients.
The difficult part is that these symptoms grow slowly and can easily be misunderstood for problems like arthritis, fibromyalgia, or just everyday tiredness. Because of this, many people keep struggling without knowing that the issue can actually be fixed with the right tests and proper vitamin supplements.
In this blog, we will explore how Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D deficiencies can mimic chronic pain and how understanding these signs can lead to faster relief and better health.
Understanding Chronic Pain from Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D plays a major role in keeping our bones, muscles, and immune system healthy. When the body does not get enough Vitamin D, it can lead to different types of chronic pain that may last for months or even years. Many people feel pain in their lower back, legs, joints, or muscles and do not realise that a vitamin deficiency could be the reason. Low Vitamin D makes bones weaker and muscles less flexible, which increases discomfort during daily activities.
Another challenge is that the pain caused by Vitamin D deficiency often feels similar to conditions like arthritis or general muscle fatigue, so it is easy to misdiagnose.
This type of chronic pain can usually be improved, sometimes with simple steps – getting a blood test, taking supplements if needed, and spending more time in sunlight.
Chronic Pain Symptoms Related to Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 is very important for keeping your nerves, blood cells, and brain healthy. When your body does not get enough Vitamin B12, the nerves can slowly become damaged. This can cause pain that feels long-lasting. The symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency may include burning, tingling, or sharp pain, especially in the hands, feet, arms, or legs. At first, this pain may appear occasionally, but over time, it can become constant and more uncomfortable.
People with Vitamin B12 deficiency may also experience muscle aches, weakness, and stiffness, which makes daily movements uncomfortable. Additionally, many individuals feel full-body pain combined with fatigue, dizziness, or numbness, which closely resembles conditions like fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome.
Because these symptoms develop slowly, Vitamin B12 deficiency is often ignored. Identifying and treating the deficiency early can help relieve pain and prevent long-term nerve damage.
Types of Chronic Pain Caused by Vitamin D Deficiency
When Vitamin D levels drop, the body struggles to keep bones, muscles, and nerves strong. This makes the body more sensitive to pain and can lead to different types of long-lasting discomfort.
Bone Pain
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which is essential for strong bones. Without enough Vitamin D, bones become weak or soft, causing a deep, dull ache. This pain is often felt in the ribs, hips, lower back, or legs. It may worsen when standing, walking, or carrying weight.
Lower Back Pain
One of the most common signs of Vitamin D deficiency is continuous lower back pain. This pain often has no specific cause, such as an injury. It happens because the spine relies on strong bones and muscles to function properly, and low Vitamin D weakens both.
Muscle Pain and Weakness
Low Vitamin D affects muscle strength and recovery. People may experience muscle soreness, cramps, or a heavy feeling in the arms and legs. Even simple tasks like climbing stairs, lifting objects, or walking long distances may feel harder than usual.
Joint Pain
Vitamin D deficiency can cause stiffness and discomfort in the joints, similar to early arthritis. People may feel pain when moving after sitting for a long time or may notice swelling and tenderness in the knees, shoulders, or hands.
Widespread Body Pain
Some people feel pain in many areas of the body at the same time. This widespread pain can be misunderstood for fibromyalgia because both conditions involve constant soreness and fatigue. Low Vitamin D increases inflammation, which spreads discomfort throughout the body.
Chronic Fatigue-Related Pain
Vitamin D helps maintain energy levels. When levels are low, the body becomes tired easily. This ongoing fatigue can make muscles and joints feel heavy, sore, or weak. Many people describe it as a “whole-body tiredness” that does not go away even with rest.
How Doctors Diagnose Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D Deficiency
Doctors use a few easy and reliable methods to find out if someone has low Vitamin B12 or Vitamin D.
Blood Tests – This is the most important step. A small sample of blood is taken to check the exact levels of Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D in the body. The results clearly show whether the levels are normal, low, or very low.
Medical History – The doctor will ask questions about your lifestyle, diet, health problems, or medicines you take. This helps them understand what might be causing the deficiency.
Symptom Evaluation – Doctors also pay attention to how you feel. Symptoms like tiredness, body pain, numbness, weakness, or mood changes help them understand whether a vitamin deficiency is affecting their health.
Common Causes of Low Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D Levels
Poor Diet – Many people do not get enough vitamins from their daily food. If the diet lacks dairy, eggs, fish, or fortified foods, it can lead to low Vitamin B12 or Vitamin D. Eating processed or fast food regularly also increases the risk.
Low Sunlight Exposure – Vitamin D is known as the “sunshine vitamin” because the body makes it when sunlight touches the skin. People who stay most of the time indoors, use sunscreen heavily, or live in areas with less sunlight may develop Vitamin D deficiency.
Digestive Issues – Conditions like IBS, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, or gut infections can reduce the body’s ability to absorb vitamins. Even if someone eats well, their digestive system may not absorb enough Vitamin B12 or Vitamin D.
Age-Related Absorption Problems – As people get older, the stomach produces fewer enzymes and acids needed to absorb Vitamin B12. Older adults also spend less time in the sun, making Vitamin D deficiency more common.
Vegetarian/Vegan Diets – Vitamin B12 is mostly found in animal-based foods like meat, eggs, and dairy. People who follow vegetarian or vegan diets may not get enough B12 unless they eat fortified foods or take supplements. Vitamin D can also be low if the diet lacks fortified foods.
Also Read: Discover Trigger Point Injections for Fast Pain Relief!
Final Words
Managing chronic pain is extremely important because it affects your daily routine, sleep, mood, and overall quality of life. While Vitamin D or Vitamin B12 deficiency can sometimes be the hidden cause, it is not always the only reason behind long-lasting pain. Chronic pain can also develop from nerve problems, joint issues, injuries, or other medical conditions. This is why proper diagnosis is essential; you should never ignore pain or assume it will go away on its own.
If you have been struggling with constant discomfort, stiffness, or fatigue, it is important to get the right evaluation from experts who understand pain deeply. Getting the correct treatment at the right time can prevent the condition from getting worse and help you return to a healthier, more active life.
If you are suffering from persistent pain, visit Chandigarh’s leading pain management centre — Pain Medics Clinic for expert guidance and personalised care.
