The Thyroid

Your Questions Answered

 

Since January is Thyroid Awareness Month we thought we would talk about your thyroid’s roll in your body, what happens when it isn’t working correctly, and what you can do to support your thyroid’s function, including Neuro-Structural chiropractic care . Still have questions? Contact our practice in Santa Clara, CA to schedule a Complimentary Consultation .

Patients often ask us about thyroid problems and if chiropractic can help. Since January is Thyroid Awareness Month we thought we would talk about your thyroid’s roll in your body, what happens when it isn’t working correctly, and what you can do to support your thyroid’s function.

As you may already know, your thyroid is an endocrine (hormone) gland located in your neck right under your voice box. This gland influences every cell in your body. It regulates your metabolism, controls fat burning, and influences the growth and development of nearly every process in your body. Pretty important right? Additionally, its nerve supply and connection to your brain comes from the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve, which is a branch of the Vagus nerve, located at the C4-T1 levels of the cervical (neck) spine.

Many people in the United States have problems with their thyroid function. It is estimated that 40% of the Adult population has Hypothyroidism. (N Eng J Med, 315:1486; 1986)  And “women are five to eight times more likely than men to have thyroid problems.” (American Thyroid Association)

So, now that we know what our thyroid glands are and what they do, we can talk about what happens whey they are not functioning correctly. An unhealthy thyroid can lead to many health issues such as fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, acne, eczema, gum disease, infertility, cancer, and autoimmune diseases.

Some of the symptoms of thyroid inadequacy (hypoactive) are:

• Cold hands / feet or cold sensitivity

• Constipation

• Infertility

• Muscle cramping

• Increased serum cholesterol

• Dry, rough skin/ dry hair and brittle nails

• Chronic fatigue

• Difficulty losing weight

• Swollen hands / feet or puffy face, or abdominal bloating

Hyperactive thyroid has similar symptoms, but also some opposite effects like:

• Feeling restless, nervous, emotional, irritable, and as if you’re always on the go

• Sleeping poorly

• Difficulty concentrating

• Frequent bowel movements

• Irregular menstrual periods in women

• Weight loss (or weight gain, in rare cases)

• Rapid, forceful, or irregular heartbeat

• Lack of menstrual periods in women

• Protruding eyes or exophthalmos

The best way to diagnose a thyroid issue is through blood tests and a full thyroid panel. A lot of times a standard blood test isn’t complete enough to get a full picture and will often times under diagnose a thyroid problem.

Some of the most common factors contributing to the development of a thyroid problem are:

• Halogens in the environment like Chlorine, Flouride, Bromine

• Poor gut health

• Lack of nutrients like Zinc, Copper, B vitamins, Vitamin C, Iodine, and Selenium

• Structural shifts in the cervical and thoracic spine

Treatments for thyroid related problems vary from standard medical hormone replacement to more natural ways with nutrition and lifestyle changes. Regardless of which course of treatment is chosen, changes to your lifestyle are imperative because a thyroid issue is typically a symptom of a larger problem. If you are only treating the symptoms, the underlying root cause will not be addresses and will manifest differently later in life.

Some of these lifestyle changes and supplementation are:

• Essential fatty acids (omega 3’s available in the office)

• Healing your gut (probiotics, soon tone available in the office)

• Vitamins and mineral like B’s, C, Iodine, Selenium, Zinc (soon to be available in the office)

• Avoid toxins like Chlorine and Flourine

• Avoid plastic containers

• Avoid processed food

• Exercise

• Neuro-Structural Chiropractic Adjustments

• Get enough rest

At Platinum Chiropractic our goal is Neuro-Structural Correction of the spine and nervous system. In this way we improve and normalize the function and connection of the nerve supply from the brain to the body, allowing glands such as your thyroid and other bodily systems to work properly. We have many patients who have seen incredible improvements in their thyroid function as a result of specific chiropractic adjustments.

Have more questions? Schedule a Complimentary Consultation to speak with a doctor.