Chiropractic May Provide Drug-Free Thyroid Treatment
By Chris Brown
Thyroid conditions are common in the U.S., affecting more than 1 in 10 Americans at some point in their lives. Women are five to eight times more likely to develop thyroid issues and untreated thyroid conditions can put sufferers at risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and infertility. This is because this lower neck gland generates hormones that affect nearly every cell in the human body. Currently, treatment of thyroid problems is limited to lifelong management with medication. However, some studies have shown promise of chiropractic (in combination with other lifestyle changes) as a potential replacement for medical intervention.
Thyroid Problems
The thyroid gland produces hormones that manage a multitude of bodily functions including metabolism and growth. Thyroid problems can occur from a variety of causes, such as autoimmune disorders or cancers, but the root cause is often not known.
Thyroid dysfunctions fall into two categories hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
- Hypothyroidism - Occurs when the thyroid does not make enough hormones. This results in lowered metabolism and a range of symptoms including joint/muscle pain, depression, thinning hair, fatigue, forgetfulness, and slowed heart rate.
- Hyperthyroidism - When the thyroid produces too much hormone, hyperthyroidism (or thyrotoxicosis) results. It creates nervousness, rapid heartbeat, insomnia, tremors, vision problems, and mood swings.
The Case Study for Chiropractic Care of Thyroid Dysfunction
A case study, "Chiropractic Management of a Patient With Chronic Fatigue: A Case Report," of a 34-year-old woman with chronic fatigue and diagnosed Hashimoto thyroiditis (a condition that creates hypothyroidism) found success with chiropractic treatment combined with diet and exercise. After 12 weeks of treatment, the patient experienced increased energy, 15 pounds of weight loss, circadian rhythm regulation, and restored thyroglobulin antibodies and salivary cortisol.
Since thyroid conditions are also often a symptom of autoimmune diseases (such as Hashimoto thyroiditis), chiropractic manipulation may alleviate the overarching condition as well. Chiropractic has shown promise in reversing other autoimmune disorders, such as lupus. The case study, and chiropractic's successes with similar conditions, makes the case for a treatment that can be an alternative to a lifelong of medication dependency.
Come in for a chiropractic consultation and adjustment today at The Joint Chiropractic. With the guidance of The Joint's professional doctors of chiropractic, you could be on your way to medication-free treatment of hormonal imbalances. Walk-in sessions are accepted, and no insurance is required, to receive affordable treatment.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Asheville, N.C.