In healthcare,
understanding the triggering causes of common
complaints, such as neck pain, often go beyond the surface. Frequently,
the root issues may come from nutritional
deficiencies rather than just physical strain or injury. This
brings us to an interesting and less-discussed topic in the
Ashburn chiropractic world: 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 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
reported which involved a patient who
presenting 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 do here at Poulin Chiropractic of Herndon and Ashburn, it was
surprisingly found that the root cause of
the patient's symptoms was a critical deficiency in Vitamin B12.
This finding is quite notable as it shows
the importance of our Ashburn chiropractic treatment plan which bears
in mind nutritional deficiencies as potential
contributors to neuromusculoskeletal complaints. (1) For this
case’s patient and those who come to Poulin Chiropractic of Herndon and Ashburn for holistic care, the proper
diagnosis leads to the proper 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 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 related to 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, 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 experiencing
chronic neck pain without a clear diagnosis, talking about the
possibility of a B12 deficiency with your chiropractor or healthcare provider
can offer new avenues for relief.
CONTACT Poulin Chiropractic of Herndon and Ashburn
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.
Make your Ashburn chiropractic
appointment soon. We’re ready to not only discover
the root cause 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 require.
The body’s systems are really interrelated and
do well with a broader, more integrated
approach to health and wellness like you’ll find at Poulin Chiropractic of Herndon and Ashburn.
See you soon!