Investigating the effects of Vitamin C on low back pain and disc degeneration
Official title: Role of Vitamin C in Low back Pain and Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10741198 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how Vitamin C might help people with chronic low back pain by improving the health of their spinal discs, with the hope of finding a safe and easy treatment that could reduce the need for stronger pain medications or surgeries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | August 7, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $421,178 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AT012559-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10741198 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing chronic low back pain, particularly those with intervertebral disc degeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute back pain or those whose pain is not related to intervertebral disc degeneration may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the potential role of Vitamin C in alleviating chronic low back pain and addressing intervertebral disc degeneration. It focuses on understanding how Vitamin C can influence collagen production and DNA methylation, which are crucial for maintaining healthy spinal discs. The study aims to identify a safe and effective treatment option that could be easily implemented in clinical settings, potentially reducing reliance on opioids and invasive procedures. By examining the biochemical processes involved, the research seeks to provide insights into non-invasive therapeutic strategies for patients suffering from chronic back pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, non-invasive treatment options for patients suffering from chronic low back pain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with non-invasive treatments for chronic low back pain, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stone, Laura S — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Stone, Laura S
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.