In healthcare,
understanding the triggering causes of common
complaints, such as neck pain, often go 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
Largo 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, plays a critical role in our
body. It supports the production of
DNA, nerves, and blood cells. Its deficiency, however, can manifest 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
nerve roots extending from the spinal cord
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 do here at Hollstrom & Associates Inc, 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 shows
the importance of our Largo chiropractic treatment plan which considers nutritional deficiencies as potential
culprits for neuromusculoskeletal complaints. (1) For this
case’s patient and those who come to Hollstrom & Associates Inc 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 shows us is that for anyone dealing
with persistent neck pain, radiculopathy, or similar
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 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, considering
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 screen for B12 levels can avert
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 possibilities for relief.
CONTACT Hollstrom & Associates Inc
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 Largo chiropractic
appointment now. We are ready to not only find
the root cause 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 require.
The body’s systems are really interrelated and
recover via a broader, more integrated
approach to health and wellness like you’ll find at Hollstrom & Associates Inc.
See you soon!