Abstract

Background: Vitamin D is an essential element for establishing bone and muscle structures. Unexplained musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is a common problem in elderly. The aim of this study is investigation of association between vitamin D deficiency and unexplained MSK pain. Methods: In order to quantify serum levels of vitamin D and other biochemical parameters, serum samples were taken from 1105 subjects aged from 17 to 79 years old, selected based on randomized clustered sampling from 50 blocks in Tehran Unexplained MSK pain was assessed based on the verbal rating scale. Results: Prevalence of MSK pain was 4.4 in the group with normal serum vitamin D, 4.9 in the group of mild vitamin D deficiency, 7.4 in the group of moderate vitamin D deficiency and 11.3 in the group of severe vitamin D deficiency. There was also a relative risk for unexplained MSK pain of severe vitamin D deficiency of 1.26 (95CI: 1.01-1.72). Odds Ratio was 4.65 (CI95:1.25-17.3) in this women. We found quite a high prevalence of unexplained MSK pain in people participated in our study. We also found a Conclusion: Positive relationship between BMI and unexplained MSK pain. Conclusion: vitamin D deficiency may be a major cause of unexplained MSK pain especially in older women.