Researchers tested whether three B vitamins (B1, B6, and B12) given as injections could help people with long-lasting lower back pain feel better. In this study of 163 people in Peru, those who received the vitamin injections along with standard pain medication experienced greater pain relief than those who only received standard medication. About 84% of people getting the vitamins had significant pain improvement compared to 64% in the comparison group. While the vitamin treatment showed promise, more research is needed to confirm these results work the same way in other populations.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether injections of three B vitamins (B1, B6, and B12) added to regular pain medication could help people with chronic lower back pain feel better
  • Who participated: 163 adults with long-term mechanical lower back pain from six medical centers in Peru. Half received vitamin injections plus standard pain medication, and half received placebo injections plus the same medication.
  • Key finding: After 28 days, 84% of people receiving the B vitamin injections had at least 30% less pain compared to 64% of those receiving placebo injections. This difference was statistically significant and remained true even after accounting for body weight and nutrition levels.
  • What it means for you: B vitamin injections may be a helpful addition to standard back pain treatment, though this study was done in Peru and results may differ in other populations. Talk to your doctor before trying this approach, as more research is needed to confirm these findings.

The Research Details

This was a randomized controlled trial, which is considered one of the strongest types of medical research. Researchers randomly assigned 163 people with chronic lower back pain to two groups: one group received injections containing three B vitamins (B1, B6, and B12) plus standard pain medication, while the other group received fake injections (placebo) plus the same pain medication. Neither the patients nor the doctors knew who was getting the real vitamins or the placebo—this is called “double-blind” and helps prevent bias. The study took place across six medical centers in Peru and lasted 28 days.

The researchers measured pain using a standard pain scale (NRS-11, which goes from 0 to 10) and also asked patients how they felt overall and how much their back pain affected their daily activities. They used statistical methods to account for factors like body weight and nutrition that might affect the results.

This study design is strong because it randomly assigns people to groups and uses a placebo comparison, which helps show that any improvements are actually from the treatment and not just from people expecting to feel better.

This research approach matters because chronic lower back pain affects millions of people worldwide and current treatments don’t work well for everyone. By testing B vitamins as an addition to standard treatment rather than a replacement, researchers were looking for ways to help more people get relief. The randomized, double-blind design helps ensure the results are reliable and not influenced by bias or placebo effects.

This study has several strengths: it’s a randomized controlled trial (the gold standard for testing treatments), it was double-blind (reducing bias), it included 163 participants, and it was conducted across multiple centers. However, the study was conducted only in Peru, so results may not apply equally to other populations. The study lasted only 28 days, so we don’t know if benefits continue longer. The study also had more side effects in the treatment group, which is important to consider.

What the Results Show

The main finding was that 84% of people receiving B vitamin injections achieved at least 30% pain reduction after 28 days, compared to 64% of those receiving placebo injections. This means the vitamin group was about 31% more likely to experience significant pain relief. This difference was statistically significant, meaning it’s unlikely to have happened by chance.

When researchers adjusted their analysis to account for factors like body weight and nutrition levels, the results remained strong and significant. This suggests the B vitamins themselves were responsible for the improvement, not other factors.

Patients also reported feeling better overall when asked about their general improvement (Patient Global Assessment). There was also a favorable trend in the Oswestry Disability Index, which measures how much back pain interferes with daily activities like walking, sitting, and working.

Beyond the main pain reduction findings, patients receiving B vitamins reported improvements in their overall sense of wellness and showed trends toward better function in daily activities. These secondary measures suggest the treatment may have broader benefits than just pain reduction. However, the study did report more side effects in the treatment group, though no serious adverse events were documented in either group.

Previous research has suggested that B vitamins, particularly B1, B6, and B12, may help with musculoskeletal pain (pain in muscles and bones). This study is one of the first to test all three vitamins together as an injection for chronic lower back pain. The results support earlier findings that these vitamins may be helpful, but this is the first rigorous clinical trial testing this specific combination in this patient population.

Several important limitations should be considered: First, the study was conducted only in Peru, so results may not apply equally to people in other countries or with different genetic backgrounds. Second, the study lasted only 28 days, so we don’t know if benefits continue or fade over time. Third, the treatment group experienced more side effects overall, though none were serious. Fourth, the study didn’t compare the vitamin treatment to other pain management approaches beyond standard medication. Finally, the study was relatively small (163 people), so larger studies would strengthen confidence in the findings.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, B vitamin injections (B1, B6, and B12) may be worth discussing with your doctor as an addition to standard back pain treatment. However, confidence in this recommendation is moderate because the study was conducted in one country and lasted only 28 days. More research in different populations and over longer time periods would strengthen this recommendation. This should not replace standard medical care for back pain.

People with chronic lower back pain who haven’t found adequate relief with standard treatments may want to discuss this option with their doctor. This may be particularly relevant for those in or traveling to Peru where this treatment is available. However, people with certain medical conditions, those taking specific medications, or those who are pregnant should consult their doctor before trying this treatment. This research is not yet strong enough to recommend for everyone with back pain.

In this study, significant pain reduction occurred within 28 days. However, this doesn’t mean everyone will see results this quickly, and we don’t know if improvements continue beyond 28 days. It typically takes at least 2-4 weeks to notice meaningful changes in chronic pain conditions. Individual results will vary.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily pain levels on a 0-10 scale each morning and evening, along with weekly notes on how much back pain interferes with daily activities like walking, sitting at work, or exercising. This creates a clear picture of whether pain is improving over time.
  • If trying B vitamin treatment, use the app to set reminders for injection appointments and to log pain levels consistently. Create a simple log showing pain before and after treatment to share with your doctor and track whether the treatment is working for you personally.
  • Over 4-8 weeks, track whether your pain score decreases by at least 30% from your starting point. Also monitor for any side effects and note changes in daily function (like being able to sit longer or walk farther). Share this data with your healthcare provider to determine if the treatment is right for you.

This research summary is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. The study was conducted in Peru and results may not apply equally to all populations. Before starting any new treatment for back pain, including B vitamin injections, consult with your healthcare provider. This is especially important if you have other medical conditions, take medications, are pregnant, or have had allergic reactions to B vitamins. While this study shows promise, larger and longer studies are needed to confirm these findings. Your doctor can help determine if this treatment is appropriate for your specific situation.