The Manchester Neck Pain, Radiculopathy Arm Pain, & B12 Deficiency Connection
In the realm of health and wellness, understanding the underlying causes of frequent complaints, such as neck pain, often go beyond the surface. Frequently, 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 Manchester 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, has a critical role in our body. It supports the production of DNA, nerves, and blood cells. Its deficiency, however, can show up in a variety of ways, often misleading, as was vividly illustrated 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, resulting in symptoms like pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck and arms. Through a comprehensive examination similar to one we perform here at Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries, it was surprisingly discovered that the root cause of the patient's symptoms was a critical deficiency in Vitamin B12. This finding is quite notable as it demonstrates the importance of our Manchester chiropractic treatment plan which considers nutritional deficiencies as possible contributors to 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 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 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 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 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 help avoid 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 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.
Schedule your Manchester chiropractic appointment soon. We’re ready to not only find the root 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 demand. The body’s systems are truly interrelated and recover via a broader, more cohesive approach to health and wellness like you’ll receive at Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries. See you soon!
