The Carrolltown Neck Pain, Radiculopathy Arm Pain, & B12 Deficiency Connection
In healthcare, understanding the triggering causes of frequent complaints, such as neck pain, goes beyond the surface. Manytimes, the root issues may originate from nutritional deficiencies rather than just physical damage or injury. This brings us to a fascinating and less-discussed topic in the Carrolltown chiropractic world: the impact of a deficiency of vitamin B12 on neck pain and radiculopathy.
THE HIDDEN CULPRIT: B12 DEFICIENCY
Vitamin B12, an essential nutrient found in meat, fish, and dairy products, has a critical role in our body. It contributes to the production of DNA, nerves, and blood cells. Its deficiency, however, can be evident in a variety of ways, often misleading, as was well shown 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 spinal nerve roots 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 Gormish Chiropractic & Rehabilitation, it was unexpectedly discovered that the root cause of the patient's symptoms was a critical deficiency in Vitamin B12. This finding is significant as it shows the importance of our Carrolltown chiropractic treatment plan which considers nutritional deficiencies as possible culprits for neuromusculoskeletal complaints. (1) For this case’s patient and those who come to Gormish Chiropractic & Rehabilitation for holistic care, the appropriate diagnosis leads to the appropriate chiropractic care (often a combination 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 unnoticed but critical area to explore. Your chiropractor can sort this out!
HOW TO MANAGE AND PREVENT B12 DEFICIENCY
- Dietary Choices: Make sure your diet includes adequate amounts of Vitamin B12. For those on a vegan or vegetarian diet, considering fortified foods or supplements can be quite helpful.
- Regular Screening: Especially for individuals at risk (e.g., older adults, vegetarians, and those with gastrointestinal disorders), regular blood tests to screen for B12 levels can prevent potential complications.
- Consultation: For chiropractic patients having chronic neck pain without a clear diagnosis, talking about the possibility of a B12 deficiency with your chiropractor or healthcare provider can offer new possibilities for relief.
CONTACT Gormish Chiropractic & Rehabilitation
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Umar Ellahie, on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he illustrates The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management.
Schedule your Carrolltown chiropractic appointment soon. We are ready to not only find the root cause 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 truly interconnected and do well with a broader, more cohesive approach to health and wellness like you’ll receive at Gormish Chiropractic & Rehabilitation. See you soon!
