Authors: Ibraheem Algarni , Ahmed A. Alfayez , Hussain A. Alharbi , Waleed K. Alsobhi , Abdulaziz A. Dhelemi , Malak N. AlShebel , Mousa M. Alanzi , Ziyad M. Alqurayqiri , Turki M. Alharbi

Abstract

Musculoskeletal pain (MSP) is highly prevalent and impacts productivity, leading to significant economic and social burdens. Combining non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with Vitamin B supplements has shown promising results in reducing MSP more effectively than NSAIDs alone. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of NSAIDs with Vitamin B, paving the way for future studies on the potential of Vitamin B as an add-on therapy for various MSP conditions. The relevant records up to June 2024 were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Two independent reviewers extracted data from eligible studies, including baseline data and information about the safety and efficacy of mixture regimens compared to using NSAIDs alone. Around 2,326 records were collected from four databases, excluding 189 duplicates. After screening titles and abstracts, 15 records were assessed for eligibility, resulting in eight included articles. Of these, six provided sufficient data for analysis, which compared NSAIDs alone vs. NSAIDs + Vitamin B for musculoskeletal pain, osteoarthritis, back pain, and cervical sprains. NSAIDs + Vitamin B significantly reduced visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores (MD: -0.85 [95%CI: -1.33, -0.36; P = 0.0007]). Adverse events were lower for NSAIDs + Vitamin B but not statistically significant (RR: 0.77 [95%CI: 0.51, 1.18; P = 0.23]). Combining NSAIDs with Vitamin B supplements showed promising benefits for musculoskeletal pain, offering more effective pain relief, earlier therapy termination, and improved functionality as compared to NSAIDs alone.

Keywords: Vitamin B, NSAID, Musculoskeletal pain, Osteoarthritis, Back pain, Meta-analysis