In the realm of health and wellness,
understanding the triggering causes of common
complaints, such as neck pain, goes beyond the surface. Frequently,
the root issues may originate from nutritional
deficiencies rather than just physical strain or injury. This
brings us to an interesting and less-discussed topic in the
Williamson chiropractic world: the impact
of Vitamin B12 deficiency on neck pain and
radiculopathy.
THE HIDDEN CULPRIT: B12 DEFICIENCY
Vitamin B12, an essential nutrient found in meat, fish, and
dairy products, plays a vital role in our
body. It influences the production of
DNA, nerves, and blood cells. Its deficiency, however, can show up in a variety of ways, often misleading, as
was well demonstrated in a recent case
reported by Mehta A, Lynch W, Jha P. (2024). This particular
case revolves around a patient who
presented with neck pain and
cervical radiculopathy. Cervical radiculopathy is a spinal pain condition where
nerve roots coming from the spinal cord
become irritated or inflamed, causing
symptoms like pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck and arms. Through a comprehensive
examination similar to one we perform here at Apple Country Chiropractic, it was
surprisingly found that the root cause of
the patient's symptoms was a critical deficiency in Vitamin B12.
This finding is quite notable as it shows
the importance of our Williamson chiropractic treatment plan which considers nutritional deficiencies as possible
culprits for neuromusculoskeletal complaints. (1) For this
case’s patient and those who come to Apple Country Chiropractic for holistic care, the appropriate
diagnosis leads to the appropriate chiropractic care (often a mix
of Cox® Technic spinal manipulation, exercise, and nutrition) that leads to pain
relief.
THE BROADER IMPLICATION FOR CHIROPRACTIC PATIENTS
What this tells us is that for anyone dealing
with persistent neck pain, radiculopathy, or similar
neuromusculoskeletal issues, considering a check on Vitamin B12
levels could be important. The symptoms
of B12 deficiency, including fatigue, weakness, numbness, or tingling, can
overlap with those related to neck issues, making it an
easily overlooked but critical area to investigate. Your chiropractor can sort this out!
HOW TO MANAGE AND PREVENT B12 DEFICIENCY
- Dietary Choices: Ensure your diet includes
adequate amounts of Vitamin B12. For those on a vegan or vegetarian diet, incorporating
fortified foods or supplements can be beneficial.
- Regular Screening: Especially for individuals at risk (e.g.,
older adults, vegetarians, and those with gastrointestinal disorders), regular
blood tests to check B12 levels can prevent
potential complications.
- Consultation: For chiropractic patients having
chronic neck pain without a clear diagnosis, discussing the
possibility of a B12 deficiency with your chiropractor or healthcare provider
can provide new possibilities for relief.
CONTACT Apple Country Chiropractic
Listen to this PODCAST
with Dr. Umar Ellahie, on The
Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he
describes The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management.
Make your Williamson chiropractic
appointment soon. We’re ready to not only find
the root source of your neck pain and arm pain but
also set a path toward pain relief with gentle
chiropractic treatment and nutrition as your condition may require.
The body’s systems are really interrelated and
recover via a broader, more integrated
approach to health and wellness like you’ll find at Apple Country Chiropractic.
See you soon!