I met a chiropractor last week and he’s of the impression that trauma to your jaw as a child can affect the pituitary glad and in turn cause thyroid issues. His experience was with his 15 year old daughter who was diagnosed hypothyroid but instead of giving her thyroxine he took her to a functional dentist, one of only a few in the U.K. near us. With treatment she recovered and was no longer hypo within 2 years and never took thyroxine.
He also doesn’t believe hashimotos is an autoimmune disease.
My jaw is misaligned and I have had TMJ for as long as I can remember. But surely it couldn’t be that easy! I’m back tomorrow and obviously don’t want to get my hopes up. But everything he has said to me and my health issues does all add up and make sense.
He wants me to see the functional dentist who I’m keen to see for an assessment. Could he be right? Anyone heard something like this before?
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Hi MissFG, I don't know if Dr. Hashimoto actually called it an autoimmune condition but there are antibody tests that prove it. At the same time there appear to be several brain antibodies. There are other Hypothyroid conditions that are not Hashimoto's so maybe that's what he meant. The case for Hashimoto's as autoimmune is strong.
The hypothalamus and pituitary are closely connected: "" Damage to the hypothalamus may impact any of these hormones and the related endocrine systems. ..
I'm just speculating but I've learned that the disease process can begin in the hypothalamus because it is a sensory gland and the seat of stress. However I don't know if a concussion could be part of that but I think it's possible. There are many nerves emanating from the brain.
After perceiving a stressor, a small brain area called the hypothalamus sends a chemical message to the pituitary gland. From here a new chemical message is sent out of the brain through our blood, to the producers of stress hormones called the adrenal glands that sit on top of the kidneys.
"Many of these hypothalamic hormones act on the pituitary gland. Hypothalamic disease therefore affects the functioning of the pituitary and the target organs controlled by the pituitary, including the adrenal glands, ovaries and testes, and the thyroid gland.[2]
Is the chiropractor helping you with the joint as well as the dentist?
He was saying mine could be caused by the removal of 4 healthy teeth incorrectly when I was 3. As I was still growing it could had caused me lasting affects including my misaligned jaw which I’m having Botox under the maxillofacial dept now as I’ve suffered for many years.
A lot makes sense I’m just not sure realigning my jaw down to the bottom of my spine (as I have hip/leg issues) could the improve my thyroid?
But everything you’ve said makes me very curious. Yes he’s helping me with my hips as he’ll start from the bottom of my spine up. But as he said there’s no point fixing my hips if my jaw is misaligned as it will only be temporary unless I treat the cause
So they were baby teeth? Did it affect your permanent teeth? Did something happen to your jaw during removal. This seems unusual. Do you clench at night?
It's important to have a holistic view of the entire body/systems. I'm still a believer in healing. I think the future is stem cells but it depends on the backlash from pharmaceutical industry which fights tooth and nail against treatments that don't utilize their products.
I guess compensation is at work when you have misalignment working its way down the body. My daughter had this problem and tried mouth pieces of all sorts but I think hers was due to clenching.
Yes can you believe they removed 4 baby teeth when I was 3. Then again in my adult teeth. The chiropractor said they should of made room for the teeth rather than remove them. He thinks this could be what’s causing a lot of my issues.
My right jaw is misaligned and disk slides too far. I can see in photographs how it affects my eye and smile. It cracks every time I move or open my mouth. Sometimes it locks and I can’t open wide enough to eat or brush my teeth but these spasms come and go.
I don’t believe I clench my teeth now but no matter what I do I can’t relax my jaw. I’m finally getting Botox at the hospital but is only a short term temporary treatment and it only helps a little.
When looking at a poster in his office I was exactly as he explained. My left hip is misaligned compensating for my jaw which causes pain and inflammation in my right side of my neck and shoulder.
I’ve literally tried everything and mouth guards make me clench so makes it worse. I think the functional dentist will make a mould / brace to correct my jaw. Then the chiropractor will work from my hips up.
However if I’ve underlying issues these will still be there, although hopefully I’ll see an improvement
Oooh, ouch and you do have a real problem. I wish I had answers. Ask your chiropractor if he does prolotherapy. It's very old and was done on the spine thirty years ago but it worked well. The idea is to inject either glucose or saline into the area and it will aggravate the ligament. We know ligaments do not have a good blood supply (that's why they are white) and this treatment creates a blood supply and may cause a correction.
That’s interesting! I’m seeing rheumatology soon as I have Tendinopathy in my hips and groin. Do you think the glucose or saline could still be possible?
I just googled it. I will say that when I was going to the chiropractor he had a doctor who would give shots of lidocaine with his practice but it said this about that:
Prolotherapy is a procedure and, therefore, not subject to FDA regulation. ... The agents used in the reviewed studies, such as dextrose and lidocaine, are approved for injection by the FDA but are not specifically approved for prolotherapy for joint and ligamentous injections, making such use off-label.May 1, 2019
So ask your chiro for a doctor that is different from the painkiller doctors. They just go to the muscle. Let me know if he helps you out.
Find the organization and go to the site, they will list anyone close to you. These functional doctors who have been interviewed online like the Mitochondria episode I posted today, treat people all over the world. I'watched many of these docuseries and would definitely go to one I've heard speak on the topic and know how educated they are.
My friend on the east coast has used a clinic out west and flew over once or twice but gets instruction and tests using Face time. If you have money, it's wonderful.
I just thought of another treatment. Have you ever heard of rolfing? They manipulate the fascia. I don't know how much fascia would be in the cheek, people use rolfing for fasciitis and tendinitis. Ida Rold invented the procedure.
I have a small problem with my joint but have a real problem with tinnitus on that same side. Do you have any ringing in your ears?
I’ve just had a quick google and found a lady near me in Leeds so not too far to go. No I don’t have tinnitus but feel like I’ve got most other things 😂
My jaw was out of alignment at birth. I was not diagnosed with hypothyroidism until decades later. My thinking is the stress from a major earthquake set this disease in motion. Perhaps that misalignment had given me more of a predisposition for a thyroid disorder than others.
TMJ disorders can cause a whole host of problems. My Chiro. also sent me to a functional Dentist. The Dentist and the Chiro worked together to get my TM joint re-balanced after an auto accident that caused "jaw lash". (E: Whiplash of the jaw. )
hasn't chiropractor been discredited as having any kind of value in physical health care, along with homeopathy? Total quackery can be expensive so please look at all treatment options, especially ones underpinned by medical/scientific facts and research.
it is not widely available on the NHS and there is no evidence to support chiropractors many claims, including this one. Look up the Simon Singh libel case.
No it’s not but I think that’s more down to cutbacks and costs. My consultants I have spoken to are all supportive of me seeing him especially my maxillofacial consultant, as they aren’t funded to realign my jaw to heal TMJ.
There are always fors & against treatments but I’m definitely one for trying it and see if it helps. I have other issues in my hips and pelvis that might stem from my jaw or from focal myosotis I had. But if he can help then I’m willing to give it a go.
It all depends what you mean by evidence. If the only "EVIDENCE" accepted is a study funded at least in part by a person or institution associated with the pharmaceutical industry, then there will never be any for anything that is not mainstream
I agree that there is much merit in chiropractic care (and homeopathy) for many things. Greygoose's response said it very well.
Personally, if it weren't for chiropractic care (since I was young) I would be in even worse shape than I am. The misalignment of the body can turn everything on its end. I have many of the skeletal issues you have. But, as my thyroid issues were triggered by a serious infection, chiropractic care didn't have much of an effect (on thyroid), in my case. But it certainly helped the rest of me. It may or may not be a solution. That would depend on the issue itself, the severity and the underlying causes. But, I do believe anything that can bring the structure of the body back into alignment has the capacity to improve one's quality of life.
The chiropractor I consulted realigned my hips and knees which I had been having trouble with for some time - no help from conventional medicine! As he worked, I could feel them slipping back into place. That was about four years ago, and I haven't had any trouble since, so I think they have enormous value in physical health care. Even homeopathy has its uses and far from 'total quackery', which I think is a bit harsh.
Hi Greygoose, I also have hip and knee issues and was wondering actually HOW your chiro realigned yours - directly working knees and hips or, indirectly via spinal alignment? I've received mainly physical therapy exercises and stretching that haven't fully resolved the issue, some ultrasound and electrical stimulation. 1 ortho and 3 chiropractors later!
I really couldn't tell you how he did it. I was lying on my stomach, and didn't see anything. I couldn't actually feel him touching me, either, funnily enough. I don't know how to describe it. But, I didn't have to do anything, no exercises, no contorted positions - like with the physiotherapist I'd seen previously - that was torture! No, it was just calm and gentle and relaxing. But, I was very tired for the few days following my visit. I'd do it again if I needed to.
I have been seeing a chiropractor for over 25 years. I have a mild scoliosis that has caused a misaligned pelvis, uneven leg length and now degenerative disc disease. The only solution the NHS came up with was long term us of painkilling drugs. I was crippled with pain. Since seeing the chiropractor regularly, I only have occasional pain in my back and hardly think about it. I thoroughly recommend them!
Clare, please watch John Bergman, a chiropractor, on you tube if you still have an open mind. Many chiropractors are also functional doctors and the combination of the nervous system and functional system enhance both.
I've been using homeopathic remedies for years and they can work wonders. Using Bach Flower Remedies as well, and they originated from England. Simply because some methods are not recognized by traditional medicine, doesn't mean they don't have value - IMHO.
Yes it does seem that a head trauma can cause problems with the pituitary and/or hypothalamus, which would likely affect hormones produced by them.
I haven't heard of damage to the head or jaw causing an autoimmune condition though. But as was said hashimotos isn't the only cause of hypothyroidism.
However, another name for hashimotos is autoimmune thyroiditis. So by definition it is an autoimmune disease, diagnosed by high antibodies.
Are you certain you have hashis? Or maybe you misunderstood the chiropractor? If his daughter was cured by jaw manipulation she must have had some other form of hypothyroidism, perhaps a temporary condition such as an infection. My mother had that, although I suspect she was slightly hypo most of her life afterwards
Yes I’ve suffered terribly when first diagnosed 4 years ago. My thyroid was badly inflamed which stopped 18 months ago.
As I was so sick my body is experiencing knock on effects so now dealing with other issues. So I know it’s genetic. She probably had teeth removed too when young. Most did in the 70’s & 80’s so obviously it can’t be the only cause.
Although I do wonder what caused his daughters underactive thyroid, which could be why it corrected itself? I’m not sure if my thyroid functions at all now as it’s suppressed.
A friend, whose father was a back surgeon, told her that 90% of his work was correcting damage caused by chiropractors. As a therapist trained in Body Realignment, Scar and Bone Work, I would not recommend chiropractic treatment; there are other ‘softer’ treatments that use the body to correct itself rather than impose forces on it. Without looking at the causes of trauma just forcing a bone through soft tissue will not stop it from getting out of line again, in fact it will wear a path through the tissue making it more likely that the bone displaces again.
There are fors and against most treatments but I’m sure if done correctly it could be beneficial especially if someone has tried other softer treatments.
There’s horror stories about all treatments if you look for them. Most are limited to what is available. NHS can only supply me with painkillers like many others. That’s not treating the cause only the symptoms. Also many have had great success with chiropractic medicine
There are many other treatments, physiotherapy being one; Fascial Release, Orthobionomy; Positional Release; Rolfing; Bowen; Emmett; Body Realignment. There are probably more. I trained in body Realignment and this was a protocol of several of the foregoing. Further, Scar Work is very important if one has scars; I’m pleased to say that this is now being taught in some hospitals by my colleagues.
My training was that there is no separation of mind and body, it is all one. According to The Molecules of Memory by Dr Candice Pert, the body remembers. I have found in my treatments that suppressed trauma can be released by treating a site of injury and once this is released the trauma site heals. Scars, if not integrated, play a significant role in misaligning the body. An injury to one part will affect every other part. One should always have the whole body treated not just the perceived injury.
I am not touting for work as I have as much as I want. Generally only 6 sessions are required, although I often find that my clients are pain-free after only one 2-hour session. However, “if you always do what you always did, you’ll always get what you always got”.
It is now considered in the medical scientific community that when the body is under general anaesthetic it still feels pain, only the pathways to the brain are blocked from recognising it as pain. Therefore the pain is a trauma which is very real to the surgery site and is remembered.
Before I knew better I went to a chiropractor for a bad back (too much heavy farm work). My pelvis tilted and the chiropractor would whack it back into line at every session; I know now that this was the wrong thing to do. I have a large abdominal scar and without having this integrated the pelvis would always return to its out-of-line position. (Correcting this all-too-common misalignment takes 5 minutes of the simplest stretch.)
There are things one can do oneself:
Never sit cross-legged (except in a lotus position as this is balanced)
Do not carry a bag on one shoulder but across the body (changing sides) or use a rucksack
Get in and out of a car by placing ones behind on the seat first and swivelling both legs in/out together
Do TMJ releases (I have previously explained this in depth)
Penny wish I lived near you I’m sure you soon would have me sorted! The mind and body is an amazing thing and my consultants are great in that the mind dies remember trauma so I’m a strong believer in meditation to calm and help the body to relax.
McTimoney chiropractic work is done through gentle strokes rather than the usual crunching. Having said that, I have practically crawled in to a Chiropractors and been able to run out. Acupuncture combined with chiropractics has been the best cure for my back ( I have 2 slipped discs and a fragmented disc).
This is really interesting! First off I had such an injury to my jaw and later throat too (wild days of martial arts!) and did suspect a link. It may be more a trigger though. Mechanical triggers abound in illness. Still, environmental issues play a part as does stress, genetics etc, so it seems a tad facile to solely concentrate on a perceived trigger. Age is also a factor. Still, this is my type of thinking and I am gonna follow this. It seems if there is a rule, it is getting back into balance, emotionally and physically.
Yes that’s what we discussed. Trauma and stress are key factors for most.
I’m very open minded and have a few potential triggers which would explain my poor health now. I’m willing to see where it goes and as there is only a handful of functional dentists in the U.K. I’m lucky one is on my doorstep who would be willing to do a case study separate to my chiropractor for them to both see if they can help me together
Hi MissFG, l find that really interesting because l was in perfect health, full of energy and had never been on meds or in hospital until Jan 2006 when l donated a kidney to my brother. The op went well and lm so glad l did it but l was horrifically ill after the op, vomiting, nauseous, vertigo, couldn’t hold down meds or tolerate pain killers. The op was a success and my remaining kidney function is good but l’ve never recovered, it’s baffled me for years. It was a bombshell when l was seeing a naturopath for my Hashimotos and chronic adrenal exhaustion and she asked when l was first ill. She said the adrenal gland sits on top,of the kidneys and after my op it was very likely trauma from this could have affected my thyroid and adrenal health. It’s a massive taboo for me because l have no regrets about the donation for my brother but l know for a fact l’ve just been chronically ill ever since that time but it’s terrifying to talk to anyone about it because most people do recover perfectly well after organ donation and l would never want to discourage someone else from being a donor if they could. l still don’t know how careful surgeons are not to damage the attached adrenal gland during kidney surgery. Anyway, what your chiropractor said does make sense to me that the jaw could have a connection because so much of our body works well in synergy with other body parts, hormones or organs. I hope you can get to the bottom of it, Holly x
I think that’s an amazing kind loving thing you’ve done for your brother. I do think the mind subconsciously remembers trauma and everything is connected so can have a knock on affect throughout the body.
So I do think anything like this could be a contributory factor. There is a very definite link between our mind and body and also down our spine with all elements of our physical makeup.
My hips are out of line due to compensating for my upper body and jaw hence why I’m in pain. Although I also have muscle damage from myosotis. The nhs has limited funds so can only try to treat the symptoms not the cause.
My daughter is going too as she was hit my a car 3 years ago and had several bad injuries. He showed us his the impact of the car on one side had affected her spine and one leg is longer than the other. Her body is still protecting her injured arm and pelvis - as the mind doesn’t forget the trauma. He’s confident he can correct this which I’m sure will help her long term recovery.
We are so complex there’s no right or wrong answers it’s just finding what works for you x
Well l really hope your chiropractor can help your daughter and you. I agree nhs does it’s best but can only medicate symptoms, and they don’t have enough resources to address causes. I saw a naturopath who did a full blood check and told me l actually had Hashimotos but before that, for two years my doctor had been prescribing me separate tablets for..nausea and vomiting, migraines, depression, menopause symptoms and vertigo! ..all the meds made me feel more ill so finding out it was all thyroid related was such a relief. Hopefully you’re seeing someone well qualified as you do have to be very careful you check out who you’re seeing as in the case of someone manipulating your body very forcefully, as chiropractors do, as they could potentially do more damage if they get things wrong. Good luck, l really do hope you can get yours and your daughters health back on track. I know l would have gone mad with despair if l hadn’t seen the naturopath and also all the knowledge, kindness and excellent advice on here is such a blessing to help you decide what’s best for you. It will be good to hear how you get on. Kind regards, Holly x
No sadly, he’s not doing well and lost kidney but then he doesn’t look after himself so that’s a long story. Stay positive, sounds like you’re on right track. I watch a lot of youtube videos from Dr Eric Berg, he’s also a chiropractor in America but he gives lots of sound nutritional/health advice as he was once in chronic ill health himself, you might find him interesting as l think he has videos where he discusses head injuries and body connections to health x
Really? I had chronically infected tonsils and adenoids as a child. It was impossible for me to breathe through my nose. When I was 8, my parents had a surgeon remove both tonsils and adenoids. The doctor commented that it was "the pussiest mess" he had ever seen. These days I believe they would work on curing the infection before attempting to operate. When I woke up, I was shocked to find out that all four of my incisors had been removed. The doctors told me that they were afraid that they might knock them loose during the surgery and I might aspirate them. (I had not lost any of my baby teeth up till then.)
Speaking of TMJ, did you all know that a dentist can create TMJ by failing to restore your normal bite after inserting a crown? I was in incredible pain after a dentist installed two new crowns over 6-month and 12-month molars. Turns out he left them too high. He wanted to treat my TMJ for a mere $10,000. (This was 30 years ago, so that would be much higher today.) I stumbled upon information about teeth being misaligned causing TMJ, so I went to an endodontist. He ground down the crowns and like magic, my pain went away.
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