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

In the realm of health and wellness, understanding the underlying causes of common complaints, such as neck pain, often go beyond the surface. Frequently, the root issues may derive from nutritional deficiencies rather than just physical damage or injury. This brings us to a fascinating and less-discussed topic in the Plainville 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, performs a vital role in our body. It impacts the production of DNA, nerves, and blood cells. Its deficiency, however, can show up in various ways, often misleading, as was vividly illustrated in a recent case reported 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 extending from the spinal cord become irritated or inflamed, causing symptoms like pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck and arms. Through a thorough examination similar to one we perform here at Layden Chiropractic, it was unexpectedly discovered that the root cause of the patient's symptoms was a severe deficiency in Vitamin B12. This finding is quite notable as it demonstrates the importance of our Plainville 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 Layden Chiropractic for holistic care, the appropriate diagnosis leads to the appropriate 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 similar neuromusculoskeletal issues, checking Vitamin B12 levels could be vital. The symptoms of B12 deficiency, including fatigue, weakness, numbness, or tingling, can overlap with those associated with neck issues, making it an easily unnoticed but critical area to explore. 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, considering 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 avert 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 provide new possibilities for relief.

CONTACT Layden 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 Plainville chiropractic appointment now. We are ready to not only discover the root source of your neck pain and arm pain but also set a plan toward pain relief with gentle chiropractic treatment and nutrition as your condition may require. The body’s systems are truly interrelated and recover via a broader, more cohesive approach to health and wellness like you’ll receive at Layden Chiropractic. See you soon!