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Located at the base of your neck is one of the most important glands in your body: the thyroid. This small, butterfly-shaped gland secretes a number of important hormones, all of which serve important roles in proper health, development, and function.
During infancy and early childhood, the thyroid hormones spur on brain development. During the entirety of a person’s lifetime, thyroid hormones need to be produced, released, and utilized in adequate amounts and in effective ways in order to optimize the function and health of the entire body. When the thyroid isn’t working properly it can create a slew of problems, both large and small, that impact the overall health of an individual. Thankfully, the thyroid is closely connected to the function of the central nervous system and the spine, and Bozeman chiropractor Dr. Cary Gentry can help improve the function of your thyroid.
The main role of the thyroid is to regulate growth, regulate metabolism, and maintain an appropriate body temperature. When the thyroid is underperforming and not producing enough hormones, it is called hypothyroidism. This condition brings about slower metabolic processes, weight gain, constipation, depression, fatigue, joint pain and stiffness, muscle weakness, hair loss, memory problems, and more.
An overactive thyroid is also problematic and can bring about a condition called hyperthyroidism. This can cause unintentional weight loss and trouble gaining weight, a rapid and/or irregular heartbeat, nervousness and anxiety, more frequent bowel movements, fatigue, muscle weakness, thinning skin, brittle hair, sleeping problems, tremors, and more.
These two thyroid conditions are the most common issues associated with thyroid dysfunction, and they can be caused by a number of different things. Autoimmune disease, Graves’ disease, Plummer’s disease, thyroiditis, and spinal misalignments can all impact your thyroid health.
The thyroid is located so near to the spine that it seems obvious how interconnected they are. But what you may not realize is that just as spinal health can impact thyroid function, the opposite is also true: thyroid function can impact spinal health. If your lowest cervical vertebra (C7) is misaligned, the nerves that run through it and to the thyroid are negatively impacted, bringing about thyroid dysfunction. Because of that dysfunction, the thyroid begins to swell, which is a common indicator of a thyroid problem. That swelling then pushes on the nearby vertebrae and creates even more severe misalignments. The improperly functioning thyroid can also cause damage to nearby nerves, increase the likelihood of developing spinal degenerative disc disease, and more. The cycle is endless and damaging, so the sooner you deal with thyroid issues and spinal misalignments, the better.
When your spine is properly aligned, your body is better able to work effectively and efficiently, providing better wellness and overall health. Dr. Cary Gentry and his team at Waypoint Chiropractic in Bozeman, MT would love to provide you with quality chiropractic care to improve your spinal health and thyroid function. Contact Dr. Gentry today and schedule your consultation to learn more about how chiropractic can help your thyroid work at its best.
Campbell, A., Delander, K. “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.” Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research, 2017, October: 209-220. http://www.torquerelease.com.au/AVSR-Campbell-Delander.pdf.
Fuller, D., Douts, B. “Improved Thyroid Function Following Chiropractic Care to Reduce Vertebral Subluxation: A Case Study & Review of the Literature.” Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research, 2018 March: 57-67. https://www.vertebralsubluxationresearch.com/2018/03/19/improved-thyroid-function-following-chiropractic-care-to-reduce-vertebral-subluxation-a-case-study-review-of-the-literature/.
Most people have experienced neck pain at some point, whether it is from sleeping in an odd position or an injury that they have sustained. While some of the discomfort may fade with time, neck pain can be debilitating, making it difficult to drive, work, and perform your typical daily activities. One of the best ways to regain mobility and strength in the neck is to visit a skilled chiropractor. In fact, one of the most common reasons that people visit a Bozeman chiropractor is to address neck pain. The gentle adjustments performed by Dr. Cary Gentry can lead to relief from pain and a reduced risk of further pain in the future.
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