If you suffer from chronic neck pain, you are not alone. Neck pain affects people of all ages and backgrounds. With the wide range of available treatments for neck pain, you might wonder what the best method is for you.
This article will explore the most common and efficient supplements for neck pain. We will examine the types of supplements, how they work, and how safe they are. So, without adding supplementary sentences, let us get into the topic.
Should I Consider Taking Supplements to Treat Neck Pain?
Supplements have proven to be an effective alternative treatment for neck pain. They are worth trying if you suffer from neck pain, but only with special care.
Studies show that neck pain is the fourth most common cause of disability. There are many treatment methods available for neck pain, such as:
- Medications like painkillers
- Physical therapy
- Manual therapy
- Massage therapy
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Tai Chi
- Surgery
- Home remedies, etc.
Painkillers for neck pain are widely used in the US. US Americans are estimated to consume over 30 billion doses of NSAIDs and 25 billion doses of acetaminophen a year.
Supplements represent new as well as old treatment methods for neck pain. The effects of natural supplements against neck pain have been known for ages. Many of these have Eastern origins and have only recently become popular in Western countries.
Supplements for neck pain may come in the form of tablets, capsules, or foods. Here we will list 15 of the most used and effective ones:
- Glucosamine
- Chondroitin Sulfate
- Collagen
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish oil)
- Vitamins
- Magnesium
- SAM-e (S-adenosyl-methionine)
- Probiotics
- Turmeric and curcumin
- Cherries and cherry tart juice
- Ginger
- Boswellia (also known as Frankincense)
- Capsaicin
- Bromelain
- Quercetin
Are There Any Risks in Taking Supplements?
You must be careful and ensure a supplement is safe before using it. How can you make sure a supplement is safe for you?
We strongly recommend you consult your doctor before taking any supplement for your pain. If you use any other medications, your doctor will tell you if it is safe to combine them with supplements. Talking to your doctor is the best way to make sure you do not get any unwanted side effects.
You should also know that supplements may not be universally effective. So, what worked well for your friends or colleagues might not work for you.
Feel free to check the NCCIH (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health) database for any extra information about various supplements you might consider for your neck pain.
Now, let us discover how each of the remedies mentioned relieves neck pain.
Glucosamine: Is Glucosamine Good for Neck and Shoulder Pain?
One of the most popular supplements for neck pain is glucosamine. Glucosamine is a compound that occurs naturally in the body and is found in the cartilage of the joints.
So, the question is, can glucosamine help your neck and shoulder pain? Unfortunately, the answer is not straightforward. The available studies on the effects of glucosamine on neck pain have shown mixed results.
A 2018 study found that glucosamine works great against neck pain from cervical spondylosis. Another study from the same year concluded that glucosamine provides relief from joint stiffness alone.
On the other hand, a study published in 2016 found no evidence that glucosamine reduces musculoskeletal pain. It is not helpful even in combination with chondroitin. The study analyzed a group of participants who were given a placebo and compared them to a group who took a glucosamine supplement. It found no significant difference in pain reduction or function between the groups.
Some people who take glucosamine supplements do report positive results for neck and shoulder pain. If you want to give glucosamine a try, it is important to inform your doctor beforehand. Glucosamine is generally safe to use. However, there may be a few rare side effects of glucosamine and chondroitin you need to be aware of. Read along to find out what these are.
Budget (approximate price): about $12/month for glucosamine-chondroitin supplements.
Chondroitin: How Does Chondroitin Relieve Neck Pain?
Chondroitin or chondroitin sulfate is another natural component of your joint cartilage. It provides the cartilage with resistance to compression.
Some studies have questioned whether chondroitin has an effect on neck pain or not. These studies have also analyzed the effect of chondroitin in combination with glucosamine. Similar to glucosamine, chondroitin has had mixed results against musculoskeletal pain.
According to one particular study, chondroitin may successfully relieve pain and improve joint function in osteoarthritis. This study was focused on knee osteoarthritis. Similar benefits were absent in trials with a combination of chondroitin and glucosamine.
Talking with your healthcare provider about which of these two supplements you should take is essential. But are there any risks? Let us see.
Budget (approximate price): about $12/month for glucosamine-chondroitin supplements.
What Are the Side Effects of Glucosamine and Chondroitin?
Serious side effects are rare in the first three years after taking glucosamine or chondroitin. So, the good news is that these supplements are generally safe.
However, some cons do come with their use. These cons include experiencing the following adverse effects:
- Heartburn or abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Headaches
- Allergic reactions (especially if you have an allergy to shellfish).
- Interactions with other drugs, such as Warfarin.
If you have diabetes or kidney problems, you should consult your doctor before taking glucosamine. Glucosamine may affect blood sugar levels and cause kidney damage. Glucosamine can also affect bleeding time. Thus, your doctor may advise you to stop using glucosamine temporarily before undergoing surgery.
By taking high doses of glucosamine, you may cause irreversible damage to your pancreas and increase the risk of getting diabetes. Always take your recommended dosage.
Collagen Supplements
Collagen is one of the most important proteins in the human body. It is a crucial cartilage, bone, and skin connective tissue component.
Collagen is made up of small chunks of protein called collagen peptides. Collagen peptides may be taken as supplements. Collagen supplements have been shown to:
- Improve pain and joint function,
- Fasten recovery, and
- Promote muscle and tendon growth.
Collagen peptides break down into smaller, bioactive peptides and individual amino acids. These bioactive peptides are the reason behind the effect of collagen peptide supplements. They may also play a critical role in collagen turnover.
The benefits of collagen supplements are even more remarkable in combination with resistance exercises. Resistance exercises are strength exercises. They use weights or your body weight to improve muscle strength. They should be performed carefully and in moderation to not worsen your neck pain.
Oral collagen supplements are generally safe and rarely associated with side effects. Be wary of the dose that you take, though. Too much collagen can damage your digestive system and cause fatigue.
Budget (approximate price): about $27/month.
Fish Oil: Is Omega 3 Good for Neck Pain?
Omega-3s (short for omega-3 fatty acids) represent natural fat in the human body and foods like fish and fish oil.
Fish oil supplements have been some of the most beloved natural products of US adults and children for ages. And not without reason!
Omega-3 fatty acids are the most effective natural anti-inflammatory agents. They work by stopping the production of inflammatory chemicals in our body cells. This action is achieved by the active ingredients EPA and DHA.
Omega-3 fish oil supplements have proven a safer alternative to NSAIDs for many conditions. These include nonsurgical neck or back pain and even diseases like:
- Rheumatoid arthritis,
- Hyperlipidemia,
- Degeneration of the macula of the eye, etc.
Omega-3 supplements can be taken as capsules in 2-4 doses daily. If you take higher-than-recommended doses of fish oil, you might interfere with your immune system and blood clotting mechanism. Consult your doctor to find out about the best dose for you.
Budget (approximate price): about $14/month.
Do Fish Oil Supplements Have Side Effects?
Fish Oil or Omega-3 supplements may sometimes give rise to mild side effects, such as:
- Unpleasant taste,
- Bad breath,
- Bad-smelling sweat,
- Headache,
- Gastrointestinal symptoms such as heartburn, nausea, and diarrhea,
- Allergy, and
- Interactions with blood clotting drugs.
What Vitamins Help With Neck and Shoulder Pain?
Vitamins seem to be the default answer to any question that has to do with supplements. Vitamin supplements are sometimes necessary to increase energy levels and help your system function better. But do they play a role in relieving neck and shoulder pain?
Read further along to discover the anti-pain effects of various vitamin types. Remember to always seek advice from your doctor before deciding what or how many vitamins you can take.
Vitamin B Supplements
According to a 2021 study, B-complex vitamins may effectively reduce musculoskeletal pain. This study analyzed the effects of three vitamins:
- Thiamine (B1)
- Pyridoxine (B6)
- Cyanocobalamine (B12)
A combination of these three vitamins has a great effect on neck pain. This is thanks to their ability to fight inflammation and reduce nerve pain transmission. Be careful to always take adequate doses of these vitamins. Taking too much B6, for example, may cause some unwanted neurological symptoms, like foot tingling and numbness.
Budget (approximate price): about $14/month.
Vitamin B12: Can Vitamin B12 Deficiency Cause Neck and Shoulder Pain?
Vitamin B12, or Methylcobalamine, is an essential vitamin for our bodies. It helps keep nerve function and blood cells healthy, make DNA, and prevent anemia.
A study also stated the benefits that vitamin B12 has on the musculoskeletal system. It improves various types of pain, including cervical spine (neck) pain. This improvement continued when patients took vitamin B12 supplements for over four weeks.
Budget (approximate price): about $3.5/month.
Vitamin C Supplements
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential factor in keeping collagen strong and firm. The links between collagen molecules are crucial for ligament, tendon, and bone quality. Without enough Vitamin C, collagen becomes poor, and joints and bones weaken. As a result of the poor collagen function, pain symptoms appear.
Studies say that Vitamin C supplements help keep the collagen crosslinks in place and
may be used for acute and chronic neck pain relief.
Budget (approximate price): about $15/month.
Vitamin D and K Supplements
Vitamin D is a vitamin responsible for bone strength.
It also reduces cancer cell growth, inflammation, and the chances of infection. Lower-than-recommended levels of Vitamin D are pretty common. In the US, 42% of adults are deficient, while 70% of children between six and eleven have low vitamin D stores.
According to a study, low Vitamin D levels may be one of the factors for neck and back pain. So, do not forget about Vitamin D supplements if you have neck pain.
You might want to try combining Vitamin D with Vitamin K. While Vitamin D helps bones, Vitamin K contributes to cartilage strength.
However, too much Vitamin D may harm the bones. Too much Vitamin K reduces the effect of blood-thinning medications. So, again, be careful with your doses!
Budget (approximate price): about $14/month (dose varies for vitamin D)
Vitamin E Supplements
Vitamin E is best known for its ability to fight off an evil process called oxidative stress. It also does a fantastic job against inflammation.
Vitamin E supplements may be effective against osteoarthritis and cervical spondylosis. These are two of the most common causes of neck joint damage and pain.
Budget (approximate price): about $3/month.
Magnesium for Neck Pain: What People Are Saying About Magnesium Use
Magnesium has long been used for health purposes, including pain relief. Magnesium is vital in maintaining normal cell function. Without magnesium, muscles, and nerves do not work well. It can be naturally found in many foods like nuts and vegetables.
Magnesium supplements have proven effective in relieving pain after spinal cord and nerve root damage. This ability makes them go-to supplements for neck pain. They also have a relaxing effect, which makes them ideal for the stress and anxiety that may come with the pain.
Lack of magnesium may be a red flag even when not dealing with neck pain. Long-term lack of magnesium may lead to an increased risk for diseases such as:
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Metabolic syndrome
- Skeletal diseases
If you take more magnesium than recommended, you may develop hypermagnesemia. Hypermagnesemia is characterized by dangerous cardiovascular and neurological complications.
Budget (approximate price): about $9/month.
SAM-e (S-Adenosyl-Methionine) Supplements
S-adenosyl-methionine (or SAM-e) is another compound naturally found in the body. SAM-e has anti-inflammatory, cartilage-protecting, and pain-relieving effects. Its pain-relieving effects are comparable to NSAIDs like Ibuprofen, minus the side effects.
This means that SAM-e supplements have the potential to be very beneficial for osteoarthritic neck pain.
SAM-e also has a mild anti-depressive effect. This is a plus for those suffering from depression symptoms, often associated with chronic pain.
SAM-e supplements usually start working after a few weeks of using them daily. Their daily dose is 1200 mg. Always follow the dose that your doctor suggests to you. Overdosing may potentially cause digestive problems.
Budget (approximate price): about $30/month.
Probiotics
Neck and shoulder pain and stiffness is a symptom typical for developed countries. This pain and stiffness often come from increased muscle tension and decreased blood flow.
Probiotics are food supplements that contain the “good kind” of bacteria, which can prevent clotting and promote blood flow.
A 2018 study analyzed the effect of a probiotic containing Bacillopeptidase F compared to a placebo. It successfully relieved neck pain, stiffness, and headaches. It even showed no side effects! Though, you may develop some gas and bloating if you overdose.
Talk to your doctor to see if probiotics are the right supplement for you.
Budget (approximate price): about $35/month.
Turmeric and Curcumin for Neck Pain: What People Are Saying About Turmeric Use
Turmeric is a spice commonly used in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisine. It has gained popularity in recent years for its potential health benefits. People have been using it as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments, such as:
- Inflammation,
- Joint pain,
- Digestive issues, etc.
The active ingredient in turmeric is called Curcumin, and it is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
Curcumin can help to reduce neck pain and stiffness. Turmeric supplements are available in capsule form.
The daily dose of turmeric supplements should contain around 200 mg of curcumin. Turmeric can be taken with meals to increase absorption and evade side effects.
Turmeric is generally safe to use. Some common side effects include the following:
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Nausea
- Rash
- Yellow stool
- Drug interactions
Do consult your doctor if any of the following conditions apply to you:
- You are pregnant or nursing
- You have kidney stones
- You have gallstones
- You have diabetes
- You have an allergy to turmeric, ginger, or other members of the same family.
How to Use Turmeric?
Turmeric is versatile and can be easily incorporated into your daily routine. Here are some simple ways to use turmeric in your daily routine:
- Turmeric/Curcumin supplements
- As a topical treatment
- As part of the diet. Turmeric can be found as a tea or a spice in soups and curries.
Budget (approximate price): about $10/month.
Cherries and Cherry Tart Juice
Cherries and cherry juice have been used as a natural remedy for musculoskeletal pain. Apart from tasting good, they contain anthocyanins, which have excellent anti-inflammatory properties.
So, including cherries and cherry juice in your diet would not hurt (literally)!
Ginger
Ginger is a flowering plant famous for its health benefits. It is most commonly used for nausea and motion sickness.
One of its many benefits is osteoarthritic pain relief. Ginger acts as a pain reliever by blocking the activity of prostaglandins while also acting as an antioxidant.
Ginger is generally safe for use. It can be taken in several ways, such as:
- Capsules
- Powders
- Tea
- Oils
- Tinctures
To ensure better absorption, get your ginger supplements with food.
Boswellia (Frankincense) Supplements
Boswellic acid is a chemical obtained from the Boswellia or Frankincense plant species. This chemical has been proposed as a therapy for different chronic conditions. One of the medical conditions it treats is osteoarthritic pain.
Boswellia is one of the most popular components in Ayurvedic and Unani medicines.
A 2019 study states that Boswellia supplements may relieve osteoarthritic neck pain. This is thanks to their ability to change cell processes that lead to inflammation and pain.
Budget (approximate price): about $15/month.
Capsaicin
You might not have heard of this one, but chances are you have tasted it! Capsaicin is the compound that gives the “chili” to the peppers. The feeling of burning, itching, or pricking comes from capsaicin binding to pain receptors in the skin or mucosa.
Capsaicin creams are topical supplements that can be used against chronic musculoskeletal pain. Does that make sense? Well, the idea behind this supplement is something called desensitization. At first, applying capsaicin supplements may hurt, but the pain disappears as weeks go by. The body gets used to it.
Is this method effective for neck pain? Capsaicin has shown some positive effects, but it may be helpful only when other treatments have not shown improvement.
Budget (approximate price): about $14/month.
Bromelain
Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapple. It has a proteolytic enzyme effect, meaning it breaks down (suppresses) some proteins called prostaglandins. These are proteins that cause inflammation. It also works against proteins that cause pain, such as bradykinin.
In this way, bromelain reduces inflammation and relieves muscle pain and swelling.
According to this 2021 study, bromelain supplements may replace NSAIDs in osteoarthritis treatment. So, bromelain definitely deserves the attention it has been getting.
Budget (approximate price): about $16/month.
Quercetin
Quercetin is a flavonoid present in many daily foods, such as apples and onions.
Studies show that quercetin has an anti-inflammatory effect in osteoarthritis, like bromelain. It may also play important roles against other inflammatory diseases.
The anti-inflammatory ability of quercetin makes it a potential supplement for musculoskeletal pain.
Budget (approximate price): about $18/month.
Which Supplement is Best for Neck Pain?
After discussing all these supplements for neck pain, you might naturally wonder: which is the best of the bunch? Well, there is no clear answer to this question. The effect of one supplement may differ from person to person.
What you can do is keep yourself informed and try out these options after talking to your doctor. Consulting your doctor helps you not take too much or have bad interactions.
It is essential to know that supplements do not replace pain or disease medications. They are, after all, as the name suggests, supplements!
Takeaway
Neck pain is a common problem worldwide. Supplements for neck pain are one of the many ways you can treat the pain.
Supplements for neck pain may come in the form of tablets, capsules, tablets, or foods. 15 of the most used and effective supplements for neck pain include:
- Glucosamine
- Chondroitin Sulfate
- Collagen
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish oil)
- Vitamins
- Magnesium
- SAM-e (S-adenosyl-methionine)
- Probiotics
- Turmeric and curcumin
- Cherries and cherry tart juice
- Ginger
- Boswellia (also known as Frankincense)
- Capsaicin
- Bromelain
- Quercetin
Always consult your doctor before taking any dietary supplement! Consulting your doctor helps you become aware of the possible side effects, interactions, and doses.
