Vitamin D and Turmeric for Frozen Shoulder and Back Pain

Physiotherapist Sammy Margot has analysed the latest research into using supplements to treat frozen shoulder and back pain. While studies suggest vitamin D could help reduce inflammation and improve shoulder mobility, Margot warns that turmeric lacks direct evidence for treating frozen shoulders despite its anti-inflammatory reputation. For back pain, a combination of omega-3 and turmeric shows promising results in reducing pain and inflammation.

Frozen shoulder occurs when the tissue around the joint becomes inflamed and shrinks, affecting at least one in 20 people and causing pain and heavily restricted movement. Aside from physiotherapy, GPs have few ways to help, prompting many to turn to natural remedies such as supplements. A study published last year by Indian scientists found a link between frozen shoulder, back pain, and vitamin D, noting that those deficient in the nutrient are far more likely to suffer the condition.

Margot states that ensuring enough vitamin D matters for musculoskeletal problems though it may not be an instant pain reliever, and research into other supplements for frozen shoulder remains lacking and inconsistent. Meanwhile, back pain affects around 80 percent of Britons at some point in their life, and certain supplements could play a role in improving symptoms. Turmeric containing anti-inflammatory curcumin could be useful for a bad back, with a trial last year showing that high-strength turmeric combined with boswellia significantly reduced back pain within four hours for 90 percent of people studied.