In healthcare,
understanding the underlying causes of common
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
Groton chiropractic community: the impact
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 supports the production of
DNA, nerves, and blood cells. Its deficiency, however, can show up in numerous ways, often misleading, as
was well shown 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
nerve roots coming from the spinal cord
become aggravated 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 Shoreline Medical Services/ Hutter Chiropractic Office, it was
unexpectedly found that the root cause of
the patient's symptoms was a severe deficiency in Vitamin B12.
This finding is quite notable as it shows
the importance of our Groton 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 Shoreline Medical Services/ Hutter Chiropractic Office 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 shows us is that for anyone suffering from 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 overlooked but critical area to explore. Your chiropractor can sort this out!
HOW TO ADDRESS 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 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 experiencing
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 Shoreline Medical Services/ Hutter Chiropractic Office
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 Groton chiropractic
appointment today. We are ready to not only find
the underlying 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 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 Shoreline Medical Services/ Hutter Chiropractic Office.
See you soon!