The Fort Wayne Neck Pain, Radiculopathy Arm Pain, & B12 Deficiency Connection

In the realm of health and wellness, understanding the triggering 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 strain or injury. This brings us to a fascinating and less-discussed topic in the Fort Wayne 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, has a critical role in our body. It contributes to the production of DNA, nerves, and blood cells. Its deficiency, however, can show up in a variety of ways, often misleading, as was vividly illustrated in a recent case reported which involved a patient who sought help for 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 Cox Chiropractic Medicine Inc, it was unexpectedly found 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 Fort Wayne 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 Cox Chiropractic Medicine Inc for holistic care, the proper diagnosis leads to the appropriate chiropractic care (often a combination 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 other neuromusculoskeletal issues, considering a check on 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 overlooked but critical area to investigate. Your chiropractor can sort this out!

HOW TO ADDRESS 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 check B12 levels can help avoid 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 offer new avenues for relief.

CONTACT Cox Chiropractic Medicine Inc

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 Fort Wayne chiropractic appointment today. We’re ready to not only discover 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 need. The body’s systems are truly interconnected and recover via a broader, more cohesive approach to health and wellness like you’ll receive at Cox Chiropractic Medicine Inc. See you soon!