In the realm of health and wellness,
understanding the underlying causes of common
complaints, such as neck pain, goes beyond the surface. Frequently,
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
Oxford 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 impacts the production of
DNA, nerves, and blood cells. Its deficiency, however, can be
evident in numerous ways, often misleading, as
was well demonstrated in a recent case
report which revolved around a patient who
presenting with neck pain and
cervical radiculopathy. Cervical radiculopathy is a spinal pain condition where
nerve roots extending from the spinal cord
become aggravated or inflamed, resulting in
symptoms like pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck and arms. Through a thorough
examination similar to one we do here at Satterwhite Chiropractic, it was
surprisingly discovered that the root cause of
the patient's symptoms was a severe deficiency in Vitamin B12.
This finding is significant as it shows
the importance of our Oxford chiropractic treatment plan which considers nutritional deficiencies as potential
culprits for neuromusculoskeletal complaints. (1) For this
case’s patient and those who come to Satterwhite Chiropractic for holistic care, the appropriate
diagnosis leads to the appropriate 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, considering a check on Vitamin B12
levels could be important. 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 explore. Your chiropractor can sort this out!
HOW TO MANAGE 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 check B12 levels can prevent
potential complications.
- Consultation: For chiropractic patients experiencing
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 Satterwhite Chiropractic
Listen to this PODCAST
with Dr. Umar Ellahie, on The
Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he
illustrates The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management.
Schedule your Oxford chiropractic
appointment soon. We are ready to not only find
the underlying source of your neck pain and arm pain but
also set a path 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 integrated
approach to health and wellness like you’ll find at Satterwhite Chiropractic.
See you soon!