In the realm of health and wellness,
understanding the underlying causes of common
complaints, such as neck pain, often go beyond the surface. Frequently,
the root issues may derive from nutritional
deficiencies rather than just physical damage or injury. This
brings us to a fascinating and less-discussed topic in the
Tonawanda chiropractic world: the effect
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, plays a vital role in our
body. It supports the production of
DNA, nerves, and blood cells. Its deficiency, however, can manifest in numerous ways, often misleading, as
was well demonstrated in a recent case
reported which involved a patient who
presenting 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, resulting in
symptoms like pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck and arms. Through a thorough
examination similar to one we do here at Chiropractic Spine Sports And Rehabilitation, it was
surprisingly discovered that the root cause of
the patient's symptoms was a severe deficiency in Vitamin B12.
This finding is significant as it demonstrates
the importance of our Tonawanda chiropractic treatment plan which considers nutritional deficiencies as possible
culprits for neuromusculoskeletal complaints. (1) For this
case’s patient and those who come to Chiropractic Spine Sports And Rehabilitation for holistic care, the proper
diagnosis leads to the proper 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 shows us is that for anyone dealing
with persistent neck pain, radiculopathy, or other
neuromusculoskeletal issues, checking Vitamin B12
levels could be vital. The symptoms
of B12 deficiency, including fatigue, weakness, numbness, or tingling, can
overlap with those associated with 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, 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 avert
potential complications.
- Consultation: For chiropractic patients with
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 Chiropractic Spine Sports And Rehabilitation
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 Tonawanda chiropractic
appointment soon. We are ready to not only discover
the underlying source of your neck pain and arm pain but
also set a plan toward pain relief with gentle
chiropractic treatment and nutrition as your condition may demand.
The body’s systems are really interrelated and
do well with a broader, more integrated
approach to health and wellness like you’ll find at Chiropractic Spine Sports And Rehabilitation.
See you soon!