The Georgetown Neck Pain, Radiculopathy Arm Pain, & B12 Deficiency Connection

In the realm of health and wellness, understanding the underlying causes of frequent complaints, such as neck pain, often go beyond the surface. Manytimes, the root issues may derive from nutritional deficiencies rather than just physical strain or injury. This brings us to an interesting and less-discussed topic in the Georgetown 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 vital role in our body. It influences the production of DNA, nerves, and blood cells. Its deficiency, however, can be evident in numerous ways, often misleading, as was well shown in a recent case reported by Mehta A, Lynch W, Jha P. (2024). This particular case revolves 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 aggravated 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 Dr. Butwell, 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 Georgetown chiropractic treatment plan which bears in mind nutritional deficiencies as possible culprits for neuromusculoskeletal complaints. (1) For this case’s patient and those who come to Dr. Butwell for holistic care, the proper 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 other neuromusculoskeletal issues, checking 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 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 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 provide new possibilities for relief.

CONTACT Dr. Butwell

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 Georgetown chiropractic appointment today. We are ready to not only discover the root 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 demand. The body’s systems are truly interrelated and recover via a broader, more cohesive approach to health and wellness like you’ll receive at Dr. Butwell. See you soon!