The Concord, NC Neck Pain, Radiculopathy Arm Pain, & B12 Deficiency Connection

In healthcare, understanding the underlying causes of frequent complaints, such as neck pain, goes beyond the surface. Manytimes, the root issues may originate from nutritional deficiencies rather than just physical strain or injury. This brings us to a fascinating and less-discussed topic in the Concord, NC 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, plays a vital role in our body. It influences 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 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, resulting in symptoms like pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck and arms. Through a thorough examination similar to one we perform here at Pure Chiropractic, 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 Concord, NC chiropractic treatment plan which considers nutritional deficiencies as possible contributors to neuromusculoskeletal complaints. (1) For this case’s patient and those who come to Pure Chiropractic 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 tells us is that for anyone dealing with persistent neck pain, radiculopathy, or similar neuromusculoskeletal issues, checking Vitamin B12 levels could be essential. The symptoms of B12 deficiency, including fatigue, weakness, numbness, or tingling, can overlap with those associated with 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 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, discussing the possibility of a B12 deficiency with your chiropractor or healthcare provider can offer new avenues for relief.

CONTACT Pure 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.

Make your Concord, NC chiropractic appointment today. We’re 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 require. The body’s systems are truly interconnected and recover via a broader, more integrated approach to health and wellness like you’ll find at Pure Chiropractic. See you soon!