In the realm of health and wellness,
understanding the triggering causes of common
complaints, such as neck pain, often go beyond the surface. Manytimes,
the root issues may stem from nutritional
deficiencies rather than just physical damage or injury. This
brings us to an interesting and less-discussed topic in the
Sitka 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, plays a vital role in our
body. It contributes to the production of
DNA, nerves, and blood cells. Its deficiency, however, can show up in various ways, often misleading, as
was vividly illustrated in a recent case
report 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, resulting in
symptoms like pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck and arms. Through a thorough
examination similar to one we perform here at Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka, 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 Sitka chiropractic treatment plan which considers nutritional deficiencies as potential
contributors to neuromusculoskeletal complaints. (1) For this
case’s patient and those who come to Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka for holistic care, the proper
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 suffering from persistent neck pain, radiculopathy, or other
neuromusculoskeletal issues, checking Vitamin B12
levels could be essential. 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 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 quite helpful.
- 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 help avoid
potential complications.
- Consultation: For chiropractic patients experiencing
chronic neck pain without a clear diagnosis, discussing the
possibility of a B12 deficiency with your chiropractor or healthcare provider
can provide new avenues for relief.
CONTACT Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka
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 Sitka chiropractic
appointment today. We are ready to not only discover
the root cause 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 truly interrelated and
do well with a broader, more cohesive
approach to health and wellness like you’ll receive at Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka.
See you soon!