Carpel tunnel syndrome. Headaches. Joint pain and inflammation.
Treating these common symptoms is all in a day’s work for a chiropractor.
But you may be surprised to learn that these types of musculoskeletal complaints are often caused by hypothyroidism, a condition associated with an improperly functioning thyroid.
Since chiropractors are trained to discover the underlying cause and related health issues that produce the presenting problem, we are often the first to discover a patient’s thyroid issues.
The thyroid is one of the largest endocrine glands, secreting three types of hormones—T2, T3, and T4—which influence a number of bodily functions, including metabolism. Poor thyroid function has been linked to myriad serious health conditions including fibromyalgia, eczema, gum disease, infertility, and autoimmune diseases.
Research shows that 10-40 percent of Americans have some type of problem with their thyroid function. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too little thyroid hormone. Hyperthyroidism happens when the thyroid is overactive, producing too much of the T4 hormone, which causes some body systems to accelerate.
The bottom line is that a malfunctioning thyroid affects nearly every body system, makes you feel rotten, and could lead to more serious illness if it’s not managed properly.
How Can Chiropractic Care Support Those With a Thyroid Condition?
Regular chiropractic care helps thyroid patients manage their condition by bringing a much needed, but often overlooked, holistic component to the treatment plan.
While a medical doctor will prescribe the necessary thyroid hormone replacement, he or she will often neglect to address the roles that lifestyle choices, diet, and nutrition play in helping a patient with a thyroid condition support proper thyroid function, feel better, and reclaim a higher quality of life.
That’s where we chiropractors come in. Chiropractic care is the necessary supplement to the traditional treatment, as it guides patients in adopting a healthier thyroid-supportive lifestyle. Chiropractic patients with a thyroid condition should incorporate the following lifestyle directions in conjunction with their medical and chiropractic care:
Avoid foods containing gluten and soy. Load up on iodine-rich sea vegetables and foods high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Minimize stress levels. Meditation, journaling, playing with the kids, or soaking in the tub, are all great ways to unwind. Do whatever works best for you.
Limit exposure to environmental toxins. As much as possible, choose organic items and use an air and water filter.
Rest well and exercise often. Poor sleep habits stress and strain the thyroid. Among its many benefits for the entire body, exercise stimulates the thyroid gland to secrete more thyroid hormone.
Keep to a chiropractic adjustment schedule. Maintaining proper alignment and consulting with a chiropractor regularly helps protect you from illness and ensures overall good health.
January is Thyroid Awareness Month. It’s the perfect time to rev up your chiropractic routine to include care that’s focused on thyroid support and health. I’d love to work with you to create a personalized approach for your specific thyroid-related needs. Contact us today to learn more.