The Easley Neck Pain, Radiculopathy Arm Pain, & B12 Deficiency Connection

In healthcare, 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 Easley chiropractic community: the impact 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, plays a critical role in our body. It influences the production of DNA, nerves, and blood cells. Its deficiency, however, can manifest in various ways, often misleading, as was well shown in a recent case reported by Mehta A, Lynch W, Jha P. (2024). This particular case revolves around a patient who presenting with neck pain and cervical radiculopathy. Cervical radiculopathy is a spinal pain condition where spinal nerve roots become aggravated or inflamed, resulting in symptoms like pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck and arms. Through a comprehensive examination similar to one we do here at Young Chiropractic, it was unexpectedly found that the root cause of the patient's symptoms was a critical deficiency in Vitamin B12. This finding is quite notable as it shows the importance of our Easley 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 Young Chiropractic 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 tells us is that for anyone dealing with persistent neck pain, radiculopathy, or other neuromusculoskeletal issues, considering a check on Vitamin B12 levels could be quite revealing. 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 investigate. Your chiropractor can sort this out!

HOW TO ADDRESS AND PREVENT B12 DEFICIENCY

• Dietary Choices: Ensure 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 check B12 levels can help avoid potential complications.
• Consultation: For chiropractic patients with 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 Young Chiropractic

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 Easley chiropractic appointment now. We are ready to not only find the underlying 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 Young Chiropractic. See you soon!