Underactive thyroid sharp stabbing pain in the neck

[MrTHG]

Hi everyone. I've just started to suffer from feeling anxious and anxiety issues. I tend to get sharp stabbing pains in my neck once a day for a few mins. Done my blood test and docs say I might need to lower my dose after been stable for 4 years. Anyone else suffered pain in the neck almost feels like getting a pin stabbed in my neck. I used to get this pain when I missed taking my meds a few days in a row.

[jimh111]

I used to get it when playing badminton. I developed an exercise where I slowly turn my head to the left and then too the right as far as it will go (not quite as far as in the Exorcist!). I do this three times with my head low, middle and high and twice more low and high. This has stopped the problem. I assume my neck gets stiff and somehow misaligns when I turn.

Try it, see if it works.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

First thing is, do you have any actual blood test results? if not will need to get hold of copies.

You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.

Never agree to dose reduction based on just TSH

The best way to get access to current and historic blood test results is to register for online access to your medical record and blood test results

UK GP practices are supposed to offer everyone online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need "enhanced access" to see blood results.

Link re access

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

In reality many GP surgeries do not have blood test results online yet

Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up.

Important to see exactly what has been tested and equally important what hasn’t been tested yet

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Do you always get same brand levothyroxine at each prescription

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking

Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose change or brand change in levothyroxine

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3

plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once

Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least once year minimum

Low vitamin levels more common as we get older

Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s or Ord’s thyroiditis) usually diagnosed by high thyroid antibodies

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally before 9am

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)

Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins

List of private testing options and money off codes

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Medichecks Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes antibodies, cortisol and vitamins

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

[MrTHG in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks for the info. I have used the same levothyroxine for past 4 years. I had my b12 and vit d checked they were good levels. Need to get other vitamin checked. Just had blood test this morning at 8am so will see results on Monday. Never had t3 checked my gp won't test it. Might look into these private ones. Any info on taking meat out of my diet or at least chicken to help my condition. Seen Jordon Peterson and his daughter talk about how it helps autoimmune issues and how they recovered from other illnesses?

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to MrTHG]

Many thyroid patients struggle to maintain good iron and ferritin

More likely low if not eating red meat

GOOD iron and ferritin levels are essential

[Jenni22]

Hi yes I had stabbing pains in my neck and when I felt where the pain was I found a lump which turned out to be a thyroid nodule, had I not had the pain I probably wouldn’t have known I had a problem so for me it was a bit of a blessing. I had an ultrasound, it showed I had multiple nodules. Two of which (one on each side) were larger around 16/18mm, they said they both looked fine. I also had my bloods taken as it’s the first I knew of having a thyroid problem and I was told my T4 levels were on the high side but TSH and T3 fine, I also felt anxious and my heart seemed a little faster than normal at the time. I stopped taking my regular multivitamin which contained iodine and limited foods with iodine as I was eating a lot of fish, yoghurt etc and the stabbing pain disappeared and my levels went back to normal so for me iodine was my problem, so if your medications raises similar it could well be the cause.

[MrTHG in reply to Jenni22]

I have had multivitamins with iodine for past 4 years with no problem. I wasn't aware iodine can cause issues with thyroid. Is this a general ruling?

[Jenni22 in reply to MrTHG]

I believe iodine can increase your T4 levels and mine were on the high side, still just inside the normal range but giving me symptoms. I was told not to change my diet but to discontinue my multivitamin containing iodine so I got some without and my levels went back to normal and the pain went from my neck, I still have the nodules which so far don’t cause me a problem and I believe many people have them without even knowing.

I’ve added a screenshot with some info about Iodine and the thyroid which explains a little, it’s from this link thyroid.org/iodine-deficiency/

Iodine and thyroid issues

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to MrTHG]

Iodine is not recommended for anyone on levothyroxine

Levothyroxine contains all the iodine you need

Multivitamins never recommended on here, because they usually contain iodine, cheap poorly absorbed ingredients and contain too little of what we do actually need….usually vitamin D and vitamin B complex with folate (not folic acid)

[Jenni22 in reply to SlowDragon]

Also Magnesium is incredibly important for thyroid and when taking vitamin D, as Vitamin D depletes Magnesium and low Magnesium can cause many concerns, including thyroid problems.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Jenni22]

Yes….magnesium too

[MrTHG in reply to Jenni22]

When I first started taking vitamin D I never took any magnesium with it. Omg the side effects were on another level. Was getting out of body experiences. Took few weeks of research before I realized I needed to supplement with magnesium and calcium.

[Jenni22 in reply to MrTHG]

Sorry to hear that. It’s a shame more information isn’t given from GP’s etc about taking vitamin D but so glad you found out after researching.