From time to time, patients may decide to go for surgery for their musculosketal conditions when they have exhausted all conservative methods. They would say to me, “I can’t really do much because I am in so much pain. I can’t do the exercises that are prescribed to me. What else can I do to improve my outcome?”. My answer would be “Check your vitamin D”.

A recent study found that 65% of patients undergoing spinal fusion had vitamin D inadequacy (<32 ng/mL), which can delay recovery. Spine-related disability is higher in patients with low levels of vitamin D.

Dr. Jacob M. Buchowski, MD, and orthopedic surgeons at Washington University School of Medicine suggested that it is reasonable to screen patients scheduled for surgery for vitamin D levels, and those with a documented deficiency should be given vitamin D supplements. Dr. Buchowski and his colleagues at Barnes-Jewish Hospital now routinely screen all patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery for vitamin D deficiency. They found that many younger patients have vitamin D deficiency. (read more)

Vitamin D deficiency can affect many aspects of our health, such as our respiratory system, digestive system etc. If you haven’t had a vitamin D check up in your last physical exam, ask for it in your next visit. It’s one of the easiest things you can do to improve your overall health.