In the realm of health and wellness,
understanding the triggering causes of frequent
complaints, such as neck pain, often go beyond the surface. Frequently,
the root issues may originate from nutritional
deficiencies rather than just physical damage or injury. This
brings us to an interesting and less-discussed topic in the
Manchester 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, performs a vital role in our
body. It impacts the production of
DNA, nerves, and blood cells. Its deficiency, however, can be
evident in a variety of ways, often misleading, as
was well demonstrated in a recent case
report by Mehta A, Lynch W, Jha P. (2024). This particular
case revolves around a patient who
came in 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 do here at Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries, it was
unexpectedly found that the root cause of
the patient's symptoms was a critical deficiency in Vitamin B12.
This finding is significant as it demonstrates
the importance of our Manchester chiropractic treatment plan which bears
in mind nutritional deficiencies as possible
culprits for neuromusculoskeletal complaints. (1) For this
case’s patient and those who come to Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries for holistic care, the proper
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 shows us is that for anyone dealing
with persistent neck pain, radiculopathy, or similar
neuromusculoskeletal issues, checking Vitamin B12
levels could be vital. 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, incorporating
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 having
chronic neck pain without a clear diagnosis, talking about the
possibility of a B12 deficiency with your chiropractor or healthcare provider
can provide new avenues for relief.
CONTACT Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries
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 Manchester chiropractic
appointment today. We’re ready to not only discover
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
do well with a broader, more integrated
approach to health and wellness like you’ll find at Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries.
See you soon!