Can Chiropractic Help Your Thyroid?
Your thyroid is an incredibly important gland in your body. Shaped like a butterfly, it’s located in the front of your neck and is responsible for controlling how your body produces and uses thyroid hormones. Thyroid dysfunction is increasingly common these days, particularly among women, although men can be affected as well.
Getting to Know Your Thyroid
Thyroid problems typically manifest as either hypothyroidism, which is an underactive thyroid, and hyperthyroidism, which is an overactive thyroid. Those with an underactive thyroid typically experience symptoms like fatigue, sluggishness, and even a slower heart rate. Those with hyperthyroidism may have a faster heart rate, increased blood pressure, and heightened anxiety. Both under- and overactive thyroids can also lead to symptoms such as:
Weight fluctuations (gain or loss)
Changes in mood and energy
Hair loss
Running hot or cold
Gastrointestinal issues (constipation, diarrhea, etc.)
If you’ve been diagnosed with a thyroid condition, medicinal and supplemental support are sometimes necessary, but it’s important to not overlook another powerful healing pathway: chiropractic care!
Your Thyroid and Chiropractic Adjustments
Your thyroid gland sits right between your lowest cervical vertebra (C5) and highest thoracic vertebra (T1). The nerves that communicate to the thyroid run directly through your spinal cord. These nerves send and receive messages between your brain, thyroid, and the rest of your body. If a bone near the thyroid is misaligned even the slightest bit, it can impede that communication pathway and affect thyroid function.
Chiropractic adjustments will help remove any hindrances in the nerve communications that travel through the spine. In a study published in 2017, a 34-year-old woman saw a significant improvement in her thyroid function and IBS symptoms after 2 months of chiropractic. She eventually was able to get off her thyroid medication completely!
At Spine & Wellness Co., we love the opportunity to teach our patients about thyroid health and help them pursue the path to healing. Regular chiropractic adjustments are a wonderful, gentle, and effective addition to a thyroid care protocol.
