In healthcare,
understanding the underlying causes of common
complaints, such as neck pain, goes beyond the surface. Manytimes,
the root issues may derive from nutritional
deficiencies rather than just physical strain or injury. This
brings us to an interesting and less-discussed topic in the
Carrolltown chiropractic community: the effect
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, performs a vital role in our
body. It influences the production of
DNA, nerves, and blood cells. Its deficiency, however, can manifest in various ways, often misleading, as
was well shown in a recent case
report 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, 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 severe deficiency in Vitamin B12.
This finding is quite notable as it demonstrates
the importance of our Carrolltown chiropractic treatment plan which considers nutritional deficiencies as potential
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 proper chiropractic care (often a blend
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 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: 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 beneficial.
- 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 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 Gormish Chiropractic & 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.
Schedule your Carrolltown chiropractic
appointment today. We’re ready to not only find
the underlying source of your neck pain and arm pain but
also design a plan toward pain relief with gentle
chiropractic treatment and nutrition as your condition may need.
The body’s systems are really interrelated and
recover via a broader, more cohesive
approach to health and wellness like you’ll receive at Gormish Chiropractic & Rehabilitation.
See you soon!