Vitamin C for Musculoskeletal Pain
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
Recent evidence has shown that vitamin C has some analgesic properties and can therefore reduce opioids used during healing. Vitamin C analgesic effect has been explored mostly during the short-term postoperative context or in disease specific chronic pain prevention but not after acute musculoskeletal injuries, which are often seen in the emergency department (ED). The study's primary aim is to compare the total morphine 5 mg equivalent pills consumed during a two-week follow-up between patients receiving vitamin C or a placebo after ED discharge for an acute musculoskeletal pain complaint. The investigators will conduct a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial with 464 participants distributed in two arms, one group receiving 1 000 mg of vitamin C twice a day for 14 days and another one receiving a placebo. Participants will be ≥18 years of age, treated in ED for acute musculoskeletal pain present for less than 2 weeks, and discharged with an opioid prescription for home pain management. Total morphine 5 mg equivalent pills consumed during the two-week follow-up will be assessed via an electronic (or paper) diary. In addition, patients will report their daily pain intensity, pain relief, side effects, and other types of pain medication or other non-pharmacological approach (ice, heat, immobilization, etc.) used. Three months after the injury, participants will also be contacted to evaluate chronic pain development. The investigators hypothesized that vitamin C, compared to a placebo, will reduce opioid consumption during a 14-day follow-up for ED discharged patients treated for acute pain.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot participate if you are treated with cyclosporin or coumadin, or if you are already taking vitamin C supplements.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Vitamin C for musculoskeletal pain?
Research suggests that vitamin C (ascorbic acid) may help improve collagen production and tissue healing, which are important for musculoskeletal health. Some studies have found that low levels of vitamin C are linked to increased back pain and arthritis, indicating that vitamin C might be beneficial in managing these conditions.12345
Is Vitamin C safe for humans?
How does the treatment Vitamin C differ from other treatments for musculoskeletal pain?
Vitamin C is unique in treating musculoskeletal pain because it enhances collagen synthesis, which is crucial for soft tissue healing, and reduces oxidative stress, which can contribute to pain. Unlike other treatments, it also acts as a cofactor for the production of opioid peptides, potentially reducing the need for traditional pain medications.23589
Research Team
Raoul Daoust, MD MSc
Principal Investigator
Université de Montréal
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for adults over 18 who visited the emergency department (ED) with musculoskeletal pain that's been there for less than two weeks. They must have left the ED with a prescription for opioids and be able to speak French or English.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive 1,000 mg of vitamin C or placebo twice a day for 14 days
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for opioid consumption and pain relief via electronic or paper diary
Long-term Follow-up
Participants are contacted to evaluate chronic pain development and opioid use
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Placebo
- Vitamin C
Vitamin C is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada for the following indications:
- Scurvy
- Dietary supplement
- Scurvy
- Dietary supplement
- Scurvy
- Dietary supplement
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Hopital du Sacre-Coeur de Montreal
Lead Sponsor
Hopital de l'Enfant-Jesus
Collaborator