Thyroid problems and back pain in women

What is the thyroid?

The thyroid gland is located in the neck, near the base area. It produces a hormone, thyroxine, which helps speed up the body’s process for making protein, increases metabolism, and is responsible for using stored energy. A patient suffering from chronic back pain attributable to thyroid malfunction should seek medical attention immediately, as the thyroid gland controls hormonal imbalances in the body. Thyroid dysfunction is one of the most common ailments affecting older women. The disease normally occurs before or after menopause. The thyroid in women is associated with weight gain or loss. Any thyroid dysfunction can negatively affect the patient, hence the need for the patient to seek professional help immediately.

Diagnosing back pain attributable to the thyroid can be difficult at times, as there are not many symptoms that patients can document themselves. There are basically two types of thyroid problems: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. The symptoms of these problems are as follows:

* Hypothyroidism: occurs when the thyroid produces less thyroxine than the body needs to function smoothly. What results is the slowdown of the body’s metabolism, leading to low energy levels.

Symptoms are as follows: dry flaky skin, cold hands and feet, hair loss, weight gain, depression/dementia and poor memory, weakened immune system, extreme exhaustion, constipation, heavy menstruation

* Hyperthyroidism: occurs when the thyroid produces excess thyroxine and increases the body’s metabolism rate. If left untreated, the disease can have an adverse effect on vital organs in the body.

Some of the symptoms are: weight loss, dry skin, insomnia/depression/excessive fatigue, nervousness/shaking, hot hands and feet, frequent bowel movements, light menstrual period.

Causes of thyroid problems in women

There are several reasons why a woman would succumb to hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. However, the main cause is hormonal imbalance, which can occur due to various reasons.

1. Low intake of vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency is said to cause Hashitomo disease, a chronic inflammation in the thyroid glands, which is due to the overproduction of antibodies that eventually damages them. This injury could lead to hypothyroidism. Hashitomo thyroidism is often associated with other autoimmune diseases such as lupus and type 1 diabetes. Vitamin D deficiency may be common in some groups with inadequate dietary intake and limited sun exposure. The recommended intake of vitamin D for adults ranges from 400 IU to 800 IU for adults over 70 years of age.

2. Adrenal Fatigue: Adrenal fatigue has similar symptoms to hypothyroidism, although they are two different things. However, most doctors recommend that adrenal deficiencies be cured first in order to be more successful in fighting hypothyroidism. Symptoms that are specific to the condition include the following: tremors under pressure, dizziness, alternating episodes of diarrhea and constipation, loss of sexual appetite, and cravings for sweet and salty foods.

3. Fibromyalgia: A significant percentage of women who had hypothyroidism are also diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Both conditions would show the same symptoms. Is he

belief of most doctors that the latter is also autoimmune in nature. Others believe that it may be a case of hypometabolism, therefore a clear manifestation of thyroid dysfunction. Fibromyalgia is characterized by joint and muscle pain. A formal diagnosis of this disorder would be extreme pain on both sides of the body, pain above and below the waist, pain in the cervical and thoracic spine, and pain in eleven tender points.

Back pain and hypothyroidism

When back pain occurs, it usually causes cramps and spasms in the back of the body. These symptoms are clear signs of hyperthyroidism. In most cases, back pain can be accompanied by pain in the neck area due to glandular inflammation. Treatment of thyroid problems would involve balancing the hormones in the body through medication. These pills would block the body’s ability to make too many hormones. Once treatment begins, the disease can be fairly easy to control and the pain simply goes away.

Medications may include anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling in the glands and muscles in the back. When the pain is controlled, more treatments can be done.

initiated to cure food. Taking too long to get medical intervention by visiting a doctor can prove detrimental in the long run. Hyperthyroidism can get worse and lead to other health problems, including diabetes.