Replied by Art (California) on 05/07/2025
Hi Rebecca, You may find the following link of interest :
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10095945/#:~:text=Some studies pointed out that, and fatigue caused by hypoxia.
Here is a relevant quote from the link :
' To our knowledge, there are few epidemiological investigations regarding LBP in people living in mountainous areas. Some studies pointed out that the potential risk of chronic LBP was increased among miners at high altitudes due to the decreased muscle endurance and fatigue caused by hypoxia.8 A study also showed that rural mountain residents walked up and down steep slopes on a daily basis, which increased the mechanical load on their bodies and may lead to musculoskeletal disorders such as knee and low back pain.9 '
You can use a finger clip on oxygen meter to test your oxygen level before going to Big Bear and again after being there for a day or two to rule that possibility in or out. Here is a link to typical devices :
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=finger+mounted+oxygen+meter&crid=Y1OWMTSTTK90&sprefix=finger+mounted+oxygen+meter,aps,181&ref=nb_sb_noss
It requires oxygen to overcome hypoxia if that turns out to be the cause.
Something you can try to see if it helps is melatonin lotion (ML) applied to the lower back as ML can have analgesic effects as discussed here as well as how to make it :
https://www.earthclinic.com/supplements/melatonin-lotion.html
Melatonin can also offer some protective effects in hypoxia as discussed here :
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213231725001181?via=ihub
Here is a relevant quote from the link :
' Melatonin showed a promising profile as a mitochondrial modulator. The specific effects on mitochondrial Ca2+-activated F1Fo-ATPase regulated the cell energy metabolism impaired in H/R conditions and protected against oxidative damage induced by mitochondrial ROS production. This made it potentially useful in therapeutic settings such as ischemia-reperfusion, metabolic diseases or other mitochondrial dysfunction conditions involving mPTP opening and mitochondrial SOX overproduction. '
It is worth mentioning that ML ultimately goes systemic over a 24 hour period after applying ML to the skin.
Supplements that are helpful for improving oxygen levels are discussed here :
https://restorativemedicine.org/journal/crucial-role-oxygen-health/#:~:text=Certain dietary supplements such as, oxygen consumption VÌo2max.
Here is a relevant quote from the link :
' Certain dietary supplements such as Ginkgo biloba, coenzyme Q10, and beetroot juice can increase oxygenation through enhanced blood flow while branched-chain amino acids and omega-3 fatty acids can improve maximum oxygen consumption VÌo2max. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D may reduce the incidence of sleep apnea while N-acetyl cysteine may protect against hypoxia injury related to sleep apnea.'
If hypoxia turns out to be the cause of the lower back pain (LBP), the above should be useful in overcoming the hypoxia until your body hopefully adjusts to the higher altitude.
Art