Am I the only one with neck n shoulder pain? - Thyroid UK

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Am I the only one with neck n shoulder pain?

Easylover profile image
55 Replies

I have neck pain and shoulder pain and the crunching sound has gotten worse in the last 9 months or so. I don't know what to do? The popping sound in my neck is the most concerning...I swear it has to due with thyroid but I can't prove it. I keep fighting back and started doing Miranda Esmond White videos. I don't know its such a struggle. It hurts to stand n sit straight. I recently was dropped by a bad supplier for NDT by the grace of God . Many thanks to the members who have helped me find a new avenue. I appreciate it, all of you!Please tell me what to do or what you do if you're experiencing the same. Thank you!

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Easylover profile image
Easylover
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55 Replies
Regenallotment profile image
Regenallotment

yes I do, mostly on the right, I have old injuries whiplash and sports so can’t say 100% it’s related but inflammation in tendons seems to be a common thread for me. I’ve been listening to US podcasts about strength and sports and apparently the inject stem cells and peptides into tendons and have miraculous results, not sure that’s available in the UK for me.

but im also starting to think it may be related to swollen lymph nodes not draining but haven’t yet found a protocol to help. 🌱

Easylover profile image
Easylover in reply to Regenallotment

Thank you.

Elston profile image
Elston in reply to Regenallotment

Hello all ..I have terrible neck and shoulder pain too and mine is an old whiplash accident.I only have to lift a heavy bag or turn in a way that it triggers my muscle to go into a spasm..terrible pain.

I have had my thyroid removed ..

And when your cortisol (a stress hormone is at its lowest ) you may experience pain in your weakest parts of your body .

I have addisons disease so iv learned alot over the last 5yrs.

Tendinitis in one shoulder gives me more trouble than the rest of my problems I also have 3 collapsed discs in my neck area which also happened at the whiplash ..

I usually have to use heat bag and take codine for pain.

Regenallotment profile image
Regenallotment in reply to Elston

Just tagging Easylover as your post reply came to me. Amazing how much we all have in common isn’t it. Great work learning so much about Addison’s it’s brilliant to hear people with in depth knowledge and experience 🌱

Fruitandnutcase profile image
Fruitandnutcase

Have you had your neck and shoulders scanned or even seen a physical therapist for one to one advice on what could be causing the scrunching sound and who could guide you towards gentle exercises you can do to help with your pain?

Easylover profile image
Easylover in reply to Fruitandnutcase

Not yet. Thank you though. I appreciate it.

Coulby profile image
Coulby in reply to Easylover

Please ask for a bone density scan x

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMe

I went to see an osteopath about something else and the first thing she said was "Not one joint in your neck is aligned" restacked my neck and no more awful cracks and clunks

Easylover profile image
Easylover in reply to TiggerMe

Wow! what is an osteopath?

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMe in reply to Easylover

The lady I see is like a human body scanner 😆 you don't realise how crooked you are until they straighten you out and suddenly things you haven't done for years are possible, my next is almost owl like 😅 and I walk less like a duck!

She realigns things neck, ribs and hips etc

osteopathic.org/what-is-ost...

Easylover profile image
Easylover in reply to TiggerMe

How good ☺

Buddy195 profile image
Buddy195Administrator

I’m seeing a chiropractor for similar and am doing daily neck strengthening exercises. In my case, it could be related to teeth clenching at night…. and am currently trialling a gum shield to see if this helps.

Easylover profile image
Easylover in reply to Buddy195

Thanks 🌸

Coulby profile image
Coulby in reply to Easylover

I do the teeth grinding day and night..but mine is related to my anxiety 🙃

DippyDame profile image
DippyDame

Yes! But I also have an old whiplash injuries ( RTAs) which is likely related

I had a steroid injection in my left shoulder several years ago which was succesful for a long time....might be worth investigating.

I've seen an osteopath a chiropractor, had craniosacral therapy and had neck traction....and other treatments over the last 50+ years. On Thursday I have an appointment with a physiotherapist....it's all out there!

I use heat pads and sometimes an ice pack and use ibuprofen gel for extra help.

Do you have recent labs for FT4 and FT3 in case you need to adjust your thyroid replacement dose?

Is the NDT providing adequate T3.....we aim to have both Frees roughly approaching 75% through the reference range

I suspect my (cellular) T3 level has reduced....I need high dose T3-only to function so may need to start addressing that.

I'm aged 79 so I guess that also has an impact!!

Good luck ...hope you find relief soon.

Easylover profile image
Easylover in reply to DippyDame

Thank you so much for your reply. It really helps!!!

mrskiki profile image
mrskiki

I often get loud click in my neck (happened in car once and partner thought a stone had hit the windscreen) and then my neck is ok for a few weeks, then it seizes up again. also get crunchy noises in my knees / shoulders, I’m trying to do strengthening exercises though been meaning to consult a physio, it just drops down the list of ailments and I don’t get round to it. I do have slightly odd joints, fingers that bend back etc.

Fruitandnutcase profile image
Fruitandnutcase in reply to mrskiki

That sounds impressive. Sometimes in Pilates when we get going there are so many loud clicks it’s a bit like being in a firing range🤣

mrskiki profile image
mrskiki in reply to Fruitandnutcase

You think these noises are sort of internal then you see the look of horror on his face 😱

Easylover profile image
Easylover in reply to mrskiki

You are so funny! Thank you!

Easylover profile image
Easylover

I just think you guys are the greatest!

Sat2 profile image
Sat2

I had a muscular injury to my right shoulder around 12 years ago, but it never really gave me any problems after the initial period of recovery until October 23, when my I had mild Covid and my thyroid levels went haywire and I felt really very ill and my shoulder started being really painful with reduced movement. I managed to convince my GP to increase my levothyroxine from 75mcg to 87.5mcg. I started physio in January 24 but although this helped it was still a problem, I spoke with the physio about a connection of aches and pains and thyroid, but they didn’t have a clue. I finished physio I had inproved but not cured. My levo was increased again to 100mcg in March. Around June I realised I wasn’t suffering with my shoulder anymore and other general aches and pains seemed to have disappeared as well. Low thyroid levels or coincidence, not really sure, but I tend to think low thyroid levels do play a part in exacerbating aches and pains.

Easylover profile image
Easylover in reply to Sat2

I do too! I think low thyroid levels has something to do with everything we experience. Thank you for verifying this! I appreciate it.

Stevodat profile image
Stevodat

Hi Easylover,Had similar problem due to Hashimotos and raised my Vitamin D3 levels with doctors approval with supplementation up to 250 nmo/L.

Most people are under 50.

Eventually all pains disappeared and now painfree for almost 12 mths.

Ensure you also take Vitamin K2 to control potential high Calcium in blood . Works perfectly & never felt better.

S.

Easylover profile image
Easylover in reply to Stevodat

Ok I will do that K2. Yes, I had looked that up for my brother but never ordered for myself. Thank you very much!

Tea7light profile image
Tea7light

Hello,

I had a horrible fall down a flight of stairs, landed on my head! Amazingly nothing broken just a very sore head, neck some back pain and toothache!

It was very slow yoga exercises that helped rectify things, plus lots of regular walking. I was in my 40s then. Now and then I got cricks and cracks, sleeping wasn’t easy, but the walking helped a great deal!

Wonderful how we all find our ways through these pains in life. I’m amazed how the body can gently over time repair itself.

Easylover profile image
Easylover in reply to Tea7light

Yes, me too. God is good to make up rejuvenate.

Bertwills profile image
Bertwills

I’ve read that the moisture retention that hypothyroidism causes the tendons every where to swell & that they then rub & don’t move smoothly through joints as they should. I’ve got shoulder, upper back & neck pains too. Lots of crunching sometimes

. The worst I had was in my right wrist with the thumb tendon, De Quervain’s syndrome. After 18 months I managed to see a specialist physio who gave me exercises . I couldn’t believe the quick relief I got. Bloody GP didn’t recognise it & did steroid injections. V painful ironically. The cracking noise is caused by the tendon. It should be a well recognised problem by doctors but seems to be frequently unrecognised. Maybe you can find a physio who specialises in necks & shoulders?

Easylover profile image
Easylover in reply to Bertwills

Yes. I will try to do that. I live in the middle of nowhere and getting the help I need is a hassle these days. I need to try harder...it makes sense about the hypothyroidism and tendons. Thank you for your input. It matters. Thx

Bertwills profile image
Bertwills in reply to Easylover

You could check out physio type exercises on Pinterest or You Tube. There are many. Go gently as you haven’t been assessed by a pro but I was amazed how quickly my pain, which had make me scream out loud when I moved my hand sometimes, worked & has never returned. Really simple movements that you do regularly throughout the day that become automatic.. it might work.🤞😊

Nomad12 profile image
Nomad12

That was my main symptom when diagnosed - shoulder/neck pain and weakness in hips/legs. Ended up with 2 frozen shoulders. Starting on thyroid hormones did eventually help the symptoms. Maybe check your thyroid levels to see if you are on the correct dose. I am now also trying a gluten free diet (and low sugar) as I still have knee and shoulder pain, have read it can be caused by inflammation. Though I did do a genetic test and it showed I could be sensitive to gluten. Previously I had no issues with any of my joints, just shows how that thyroid gland effects every part of our bodies 🤨

Easylover profile image
Easylover in reply to Nomad12

I know. I was wishing I never had the disease. I've thought about diet. It is so hard to change. I do it for a while then fall back.

Nomad12 profile image
Nomad12 in reply to Easylover

I am the same, I have tried gluten free before but gave up after a week. This time am really going to try and keep at it to see if it makes a difference but so miss bread 😪

Easylover profile image
Easylover in reply to Nomad12

Yes, but you could make your own gluten free. I've been wanting to do that myself. Ever

Easylover profile image
Easylover in reply to Nomad12

Everything takes so much effort if you're not feeling like ...I used to! Gosh, I was wondering if the milk made a huge difference as well?

Nomad12 profile image
Nomad12 in reply to Easylover

I wonder about dairy too but decided to do gluten first 🍕

Brightness14 profile image
Brightness14

It could be just low FT3 that causes me all sorts of pain. A good chiropractor should be able to help you too.

What are your blood test results and FT3?

Easylover profile image
Easylover in reply to Brightness14

I haven't been tested in a Looong time. You're probably right.

Meno56 profile image
Meno56

I know for me, Estrogen replacement (HRT) has made the biggest difference to my aches and pains. I recognise that when I was going thru menopause 6-7 yrs ago, I’d wake up and walk like an old lady downstairs. I’m definitely post menopausal now but recently had frozen shoulder in my left shoulder & I play a lot of tennis but am right handed, so couldn’t understand why it should happen on my less dominant left side. I also had a glute strain and plantar fasciitis in my foot, neither of which I’ve ever had before.

At my annual blood test for my thyroid meds, I had my Estrogen levels checked and found low; I wasn’t absorbing the cheap patch (Evorel) I’d been originally prescribed. A slightly more expensive patch later (Estrodot same dose) and a month later, my frozen shoulder was soooo much better and glute and foot issues completely gone. My physio couldn’t believe it and I’ve been evangelical about it since!

I don’t know your age, but it might be worth a try?

FYI I’ve been on Levo for 25 yrs since the birth of my first child, and more recently with some added Liothyronine (self sourced)

Easylover profile image
Easylover in reply to Meno56

That is awesome that these things have been resolved. I've never been on estrogen. I am 64 yrs old. I don't know what to do anymore. Thank you for your post.

Meno56 profile image
Meno56 in reply to Easylover

Everything I read about HRT suggests that it's never too late to start it!

Easylover profile image
Easylover in reply to Meno56

Thank you for your reply! I'm going to look into it.

secrets22 profile image
secrets22

Yes i suffer terrible shoulder pain and find it difficult to sleep, but i should add that i broke my shoulder 2 years ago and its never recovered, and i refused any surgery as it's rarely successful so i put up with it.

Easylover profile image
Easylover in reply to secrets22

Oh, how hard. Do you soak it or put like a wet towel in the microwave then place on your shoulder. That might help.

Tiggerdumbo profile image
Tiggerdumbo

I have excruciating pain in neck and shoulders..I have an hour massage every 3 weeks for an hour. It eased it for a while but by the time my next appointment is due I am in pain again. It makes sleeping hard as the pain wakes me up in the night. I have had physio but didn't help 😔

Easylover profile image
Easylover in reply to Tiggerdumbo

Oh, yeah. I'm so sorry you're dealing with that. I need a massage!

MissMonty profile image
MissMonty

I had a terrible crunching sound in my neck, and shooting pains down my neck, both resolved when I started with NDT and HRT. I spoke to sports medicine Dr about it before my hashimotos diagnosis and was told that there was nothing that could be done. Now completely gone so mine was 100% linked to hormones. I hope this helps.

Easylover profile image
Easylover in reply to MissMonty

Thank-you. It does help.

Batty1 profile image
Batty1

I just found out my right shoulder pain is 2 tears in my rotator cuff and I have a tumor on my cervical spine… I go in for MRI on this shoulder and come out with 2 things that might need surgery .

Easylover profile image
Easylover in reply to Batty1

Scary. I'm so sorry.

ICE187 profile image
ICE187

I do, but after playing around with supplements and diets, I have figured out what triggers my neck and shoulder pains. High FODMAP's especially garlic and onions. I swear those 2 foods haven't even reached my stomach yet before the pain kicks in. It often affects my knees and 1 toe as well. As long as i'm free from high FODMAP's, I don't have those pains.

Nomad12 profile image
Nomad12 in reply to ICE187

That is so interesting you said that, I also have the problem in just one toe (it sort of cramps and goes numb) and my knees. Will have to start a food diary to try and figure out the triggers.

Easylover profile image
Easylover

That is so interesting! I must watch n see if that happens to me. Thank you.

wellness1 profile image
wellness1

I'm sorry to hear about your shoulder and neck pain, Easylover. From the comments you're obviously in good company. I've had some related experience myself. I'm fascinated to read the comments about pain being relieved by optimal thyroid hormones, HRT and vitamin D. But I really think you should have it medically investigated to rule out a physiological problem. There's a well-established connection between shoulder and neck/cervical spine issues and you can learn more by searching both terms. A physiotherapist with relevant experience might be able to give you helpful exercises. It's very helpful to keep active, but if your fitness videos are aggravating pain it might be better to get a diagnosis and advice on appropriate exercise. In the meantime, getting your thyroid hormones and vitamins optimised can't help but help. Persistent pain can be quite fatiguing so take care of yourself.

With all the comments about crunching and popping, here's a link about crepitus, the medical term, not the Roman god of flatulence or the horror film.

spirehealthcare.com/symptom...

I hope you and others in pain find answers and relief soon.

Easylover profile image
Easylover in reply to wellness1

Thank you n for the chuckle. ☺

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