The link between chronic neck pain, magnesium deficiency, and mortality

Chronic neck pain is often caused by age-related osteoarthritis of the cervical spine. The condition can be associated with a range of other symptoms, including neck stiffness, radiating pain in the arms and a negative impact on mood. Chronic neck pain may also be associated with dizziness and an increased risk of falls, which are a common cause of death among older adults. However, research suggests that a higher intake of magnesium from a wholegrain-rich diet containing plenty of green vegetables may improve prognosis and reduce the risk of premature death in patients with chronic neck pain. These findings come from a large population-based study published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research.

Most older adults have osteoarthritis of the cervical spine (cervical spondylosis), and many experience no local symptoms. Nevertheless, chronic neck pain lasting more than three months is relatively common and is associated with local chronic inflammation. Turning the head may produce cracking or grinding sounds, and compression of nearby nerves can cause radiating pain, numbness, tingling in the arms and reduced muscle strength in the arms and hands. In some cases, headaches, anxiety, low mood and depression may also occur.
Osteoarthritis of the cervical spine and chronic neck pain may also be associated with dizziness and an increased risk of falls and fractures, which are a common cause of death among older adults. Chronic neck pain therefore carries a substantial human and socioeconomic burden and deserves greater attention.
Previous studies have shown that poor posture, genetic factors, overweight and unhealthy dietary habits increase the risk of chronic neck pain and worsen prognosis. Against this background, the new study aimed to investigate whether dietary magnesium intake affects mortality among patients with chronic neck pain. This is particularly relevant because magnesium deficiency is relatively common and magnesium plays several roles in bone, muscle and joint health.

Higher magnesium intake is associated with lower risks of disease and premature death

The new study included nearly 3,000 patients aged 20 and older with chronic neck pain, who were followed between 1999 and 2020. Participants were drawn from NHANES, a large US population study that collects information on dietary habits, lifestyle and health over time. Using the NHANES database, relevant search terms, specific methods and subgroup analyses, the researchers identified the following outcomes during the follow-up period:

• There were 791 deaths from all causes (all-cause mortality)
• There were 180 deaths from cardiovascular disease
• There were 179 deaths from cancer
• Participants with higher magnesium intakes had a significantly lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease
• Participants who consumed at least 518 mg of magnesium per day had a significantly lower risk of dying from cancer
• Higher magnesium intake was associated with lower all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, both directly and indirectly, through a reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation

The researchers therefore concluded that patients with chronic neck pain who consume more magnesium through their diet have a lower risk of premature death.
According to the researchers, patients with chronic neck pain should consume at least 518 mg of magnesium per day to obtain more effective protection against cardiovascular disease and cancer. For comparison, this amount exceeds the recommended daily magnesium intake, which is approximately 375 mg.

Magnesium's role in bone health, neck pain and overall health

Magnesium plays a role in calcium metabolism and bone health, including the bones of the cervical spine. It is also involved in hundreds of enzymatic processes that are important for energy metabolism and the body's metabolic balance. In soft tissues such as muscles and blood vessels, magnesium acts as a natural calcium antagonist, helping to regulate calcium movement into cells. Excessive calcium accumulation within cells can contribute to muscle tension, cramps, oxidative stress and vascular dysfunction.
Magnesium also helps regulate blood vessel elasticity and the heart's response to stress.
In addition, magnesium has been associated with anti-inflammatory effects, including effects on CRP and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α.
According to the introduction to the new study, these functions may help explain why higher magnesium intake could be associated with a lower risk of chronic neck pain, common diseases and premature death.

• Magnesium is found particularly in diets rich in whole grains and green vegetables.
• Good sources include whole grains, seeds, almonds, nuts, cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, beans, avocado and other vegetables, seaweed and dark chocolate with a high cocoa content.
• If it is difficult to obtain sufficient magnesium through a wholegrain-rich diet containing plenty of vegetables, a high-quality magnesium supplement may be worth considering.

Reference:

Renkun Zhao et al. Association Analysis Between Dietary Magnesium Intake and All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality in Individuals With Chronic Neck Pain. Molecular Nutrition Food Research 2026