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, goes beyond the surface. Manytimes, the root issues may originate 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 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 a variety of ways, often misleading, as was well demonstrated 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 nerve roots coming 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 surprisingly found that the root cause of the patient's symptoms was a severe deficiency in Vitamin B12. This finding is quite notable as it shows 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 shows us is that for anyone suffering from persistent neck pain, radiculopathy, or other neuromusculoskeletal issues, checking 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 unnoticed but critical area to explore. Your chiropractor can sort this out!

HOW TO MANAGE 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 prevent potential complications.
  • Consultation: For chiropractic patients having 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 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 soon. We’re ready to not only discover the underlying source of your neck pain and arm pain but also design a path toward pain relief with gentle chiropractic treatment and nutrition as your condition may need. The body’s systems are truly interrelated and do well with a broader, more integrated approach to health and wellness like you’ll find at Layden Chiropractic. See you soon!

 Plainville neck pain and arm pain 
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"This information and website content is not intended to diagnose, guarantee results, or recommend specific treatment or activity. It is designed to educate and inform only. Please consult your physician for a thorough examination leading to a diagnosis and well-planned treatment strategy. See more details on the DISCLAIMER page. Content is reviewed by Dr. James M. Cox I."