In healthcare,
understanding the underlying causes of frequent
complaints, such as neck pain, goes beyond the surface. Manytimes,
the root issues may come from nutritional
deficiencies rather than just physical strain or injury. This
brings us to a fascinating and less-discussed topic in the
Manahawkin 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 critical role in our
body. It impacts the production of
DNA, nerves, and blood cells. Its deficiency, however, can show up in a variety of ways, often misleading, as
was well demonstrated in a recent case
reported which revolved around a patient who
sought help for neck pain and
cervical radiculopathy. Cervical radiculopathy is a spinal pain condition where
spinal nerve roots
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 Manahawkin Chiropractic Center, 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 demonstrates
the importance of our Manahawkin chiropractic treatment plan which bears
in mind nutritional deficiencies as possible
contributors to neuromusculoskeletal complaints. (1) For this
case’s patient and those who come to Manahawkin Chiropractic Center for holistic care, the proper
diagnosis leads to the proper 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 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 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 having
chronic neck pain without a clear diagnosis, discussing the
possibility of a B12 deficiency with your chiropractor or healthcare provider
can offer new possibilities for relief.
CONTACT Manahawkin Chiropractic Center
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 Manahawkin chiropractic
appointment soon. We are ready to not only discover
the root source of your neck pain and arm pain but
also design a path toward pain relief with gentle
chiropractic treatment and nutrition as your condition may need.
The body’s systems are truly interconnected and
do well with a broader, more integrated
approach to health and wellness like you’ll find at Manahawkin Chiropractic Center.
See you soon!