Soaking up some rays may help some people to relieve an aching back. Researchers say many chronic back pain sufferers have insufficient amounts of vitamin D.

A report from Pain Treatment Topics has found that the vitamin is an important tool for natural muscle pain relief, especially when there is no evidence of any injury, disease or bone problem to explain the pain.

Researchers cite a study that showed 95 percent of back pain patients who received adequate levels of vitamin D for three months had fewer symptoms. "When sufficient vitamin D supplementation was provided, their pain either vanished or was at least helped to a significant extent," said the study’s author Dr Stewart Leavitt.

In addition, the study found inadequate vitamin D intake can result in a softening of bone surfaces, called osteomalacia, which causes pain. The lower back seems to be particularly vulnerable.

Researchers say the findings also explain why many people suffer from more aches and pains during the winter months when exposure to vitamin D-rich ultraviolet rays are in short supply.

While Leavitt stresses that the vitamin shouldn’t replace all other pain-relieving therapies, it can be helpful. “Extra vitamin D should be considered for all persons during winter months, and especially for those who have back aches and pains," he said.

Vitamin D can be found in food sources like milk, tuna, eggs and fortified breakfast cereals as well as in nutritional supplement form.