The New York City 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, often go beyond the surface. Manytimes, the root issues may stem from nutritional deficiencies rather than just physical damage or injury. This brings us to an interesting and less-discussed topic in the New York City 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 influences the production of DNA, nerves, and blood cells. Its deficiency, however, can show up in numerous ways, often misleading, as was well demonstrated in a recent case reported by Mehta A, Lynch W, Jha P. (2024). This particular case revolves around a patient who presenting with neck pain and cervical radiculopathy. Cervical radiculopathy is a spinal pain condition where nerve roots extending from the spinal cord become aggravated or inflamed, resulting in symptoms like pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck and arms. Through a comprehensive examination similar to one we perform here at Rosenberg Wellness Center, it was unexpectedly discovered 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 New York City chiropractic treatment plan which bears in mind nutritional deficiencies as potential culprits for neuromusculoskeletal complaints. (1) For this case’s patient and those who come to Rosenberg Wellness Center for holistic care, the proper 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 essential. The symptoms of B12 deficiency, including fatigue, weakness, numbness, or tingling, can overlap with those related to 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 check B12 levels can prevent 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 provide new possibilities for relief.

CONTACT Rosenberg Wellness Center

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.

Make your New York City chiropractic appointment soon. We are 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 need. The body’s systems are really interconnected and recover via a broader, more cohesive approach to health and wellness like you’ll receive at Rosenberg Wellness Center. See you soon!