Chronic Fatigue and Cervical Spine Health

An examination of the cervical/neck region of the spine through chiropractic will help determine a thyroid diagnosis for individuals complaining of chronic fatigue. A thyroid dysfunction means going deeper into the body’s physiology and thoroughly examining the spine. Checking for subluxations in the cervical spine will reveal possible nerve blockage and other factors contributing to a thyroid condition. Thyroid conditions tend to get overlooked because the symptoms are general. They range from:

• Fatigue
• Moodiness
• Muscle pain
• Brain fog

These are cornerstones of a thyroid condition. Under-active thyroid and/or thyroid cancer can have an impact on everyday life regardless of the severity. However, these symptoms can signify numerous other conditions.  

The Cervical Spine

The nerves connected to the thyroid gland can be traced down the spine to the last neck/cervical vertebrae, C7. A chiropractor will examine this region when individuals complain of fatigue, brain fog, or moodiness. Subluxation, translation, or disc deterioration at C7 could mean that the nerve signals and blood circulation to the thyroid are limited, interrupted, or completely blocked.  

Spinal subluxations are not the full cause of thyroid dysfunction. A single vertebra might not show signs of movement, so a chiropractor could have to look further into the spine. A chiropractic examination will search for problems that correlate with thyroid issues. For example, individuals with cervical dysfunction could experience general nerve issues in this area. It could contribute to nerve signals not being delivered to the thyroid gland. Diagnosing a root condition with secondary effects on the gland is another way to qualify for a thyroid condition.

Medical History

Questions that a chiropractor will ask during an exam could consist of:

• Is there a family history of hyper/hypothyroidism?
• Is the individual under intense stress from work, home, etc?
• Are there other symptoms that could be associated with thyroid dysfunction?

All details are necessary to connect nerve interruption to thyroid conditions and then factor in how spinal manipulation could alleviate symptoms.  

Cervical Misalignment Treatment

Combining the evidence of:

• Subluxations
• Blocked nerves
• Cervical spine dysfunction

Any further symptoms/details will help form a complete picture of a thyroid condition. If that condition is being tested or treated by a general physician, it may still benefit from a chiropractic adjustment. Physicians could recommend diet and medication to bring the thyroid back to proper function, and chiropractic can help improve the nerve function of the gland. This includes:

• Re-opening pinched pathways
• Restored blood flow to the region
• Helping nerve signals fire transmit properly

We advocate for an incremental, customized approach to restoring cervical spine curvature and optimal nerve health. We have worked with various individuals experiencing chronic fatigue, mental fog, and moodiness and have helped link these symptoms to thyroid dysfunction. If you seem to be constantly confused or have disorganized thought patterns, schedule an appointment with us today to learn more about our chiropractic approach.

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Stop Neck Pain

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References

Arick, Christopher T. “Chiropractic Management of a Patient With Chronic Fatigue: A Case Report.” Journal of Chiropractic Medicine vol. 15,4 (2016): 314-320. doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2016.08.006