Hypothyroidism and Chiropractic

What is Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) is a condition in which your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough of the thyroid hormone to keep the body running normally. Women are more likely to have this condition, especially those older than 60. An underactive thyroid upsets the normal balance of chemical reactions in your body. Therefore, it can cause a number of health problems, such as obesity, joint pain, infertility and heart disease.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

When thyroid hormone levels are too low, the body’s cells can’t get enough thyroid hormone and the body’s processes start slowing down. As a result, the body slows, and you may begin feeling colder, more tired, constipated, or even depressed.

You can confirm low thyroid function with a simple blood test for TSH.

Causes of Hypothyroidism

While there are many possible causes, some of the most common are:

• Surgery: Some people with thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, or Graves disease need to have all or part of their thyroid removed. Entire removal of the thyroid gland will absolutely require medication. However, if part of the gland is left, it may be enough to maintain normal levels.
• Inflammation of the thyroid gland which is usually caused by an autoimmune attack or by a viral infection. This is common in thyroiditis.
• An autoimmune disease like Hashimoto’s
• Iodine Deficiency: The thyroid gland requires iodine to make the thyroid hormone. An imbalance may cause the thyroid to not function effectively.
• Radiation treatment may destroy part of the normal thyroid function.
• Congenital hypothyroidism 
• Certain Medications are likely to trigger hypothyroidism in patients who are genetically predisposed to the condition.

Primary hypothyroidism is a problem with the thyroid itself whereas secondary hypothyroidism involves improper signaling from the brain and glands.

How Can Chiropractic Help?

Subluxation affects the brain’s ability to regulate the functions of the body. As a result, subluxation can play a role in this condition. A recent study reports a 34-year-old woman who presented to a chiropractic office with low back pain, hip pain, upper back pain, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In addition, she presented with secondary hypothyroidism. She had been suffering from this condition for years! So she began chiropractic care with the intention of improving her body’s functioning. After 8 months of care, her pain and IBS improved significantly! In addition, her thyroid was functioning so much better, she had to come off her medications in order for it to properly regulate.

Even Dr. Christina used to suffer from secondary hypothyroidism. Following a year of chiropractic care, her thyroid levels returned to normal, she regained more energy and was able to enjoy life to it’s fullest! 1) Campbell, A., DC, & Delander, K., DC. (2017). Resolution of Hypothyroidism & Irritable Bowel Syndrome in a 34-Year-Old Female Following Chiropractic Care to Reduce Vertebral Subluxation: A Case Study & Review of the Literature. A. Vertebral Subluxation Res., 2017(4)