In healthcare,
understanding the underlying causes of frequent
complaints, such as neck pain, often go beyond the surface. Manytimes,
the root issues may come from nutritional
deficiencies rather than just physical damage or injury. This
brings us to an interesting and less-discussed topic in the
La Grande 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, performs a critical role in our
body. It contributes to 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
came in with neck pain and
cervical radiculopathy. Cervical radiculopathy is a spinal pain condition where
spinal nerve roots
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 Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC, it was
surprisingly 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 La Grande 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 Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC for holistic care, the appropriate
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 tells us is that for anyone suffering from persistent neck pain, radiculopathy, or similar
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: 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 help avoid
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 Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC
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 La Grande chiropractic
appointment now. We’re ready to not only find
the root cause of your neck pain and arm pain but
also set a plan toward pain relief with gentle
chiropractic treatment and nutrition as your condition may require.
The body’s systems are truly interconnected and
recover via a broader, more cohesive
approach to health and wellness like you’ll receive at Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC.
See you soon!