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Can Thyroid Variations Cause Consistent Back Pain, Migraine And Gastritis Problem ?
Question: My 16 year-old daughter has had significant back pain (originally upper, currently lower-back) subsequent to two patella-alignment surgeries (due to chondromalasia) 1-1/2 years ago. Concurrently, she also has had on-going migraine issues (treated by a neurologist with amitriptylene and atenolol) and occasional gastritis. She is in physical therapy for her back issues, and has significant muscular weakness, according to the PT. She had a TSH level of 3.17 on her last blood panel, and a higher than normal sed rate (31, 33) on two blood panels in the last 12 months. Could there be an underlying thyroid condition that is being missed and contributing to all of her symptoms? Should we see an endocrinologist who specialized in children and teens?
Hi
Thanks for the query
The previous report clearly mentions that her TSH levels are within the normal range and repetition of the same is not required if it is done within the past 6 months. And, the hormones do not vary in such a short duration. During puberty there will be variations in the thyroid hormone levels due to spurt in the growth and as a result, most of the females do suffer from hypothyroidism (reduced free thyroid hormones in the blood) which is indicated by high TSH level.
The Sedimentation rates are elevated during acute inflammation or infection. And, the elevated Sedimentation levels mentioned by you do not appear to be of a serious condition.
The weakness and the upper back pain could be because of migraine which can be misleading sometimes. And also, there could be low calcium levels in the body which is again related to the musculo-skeletal changes during and after puberty causing the weakness of muscles.
I would suggest you to consult a good physician as well as an orthopedician to rule out the causes for the generalized weakness and backache.
Hope I have answered your query, any more doubts you are welcome.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar
Thanks for the query
The previous report clearly mentions that her TSH levels are within the normal range and repetition of the same is not required if it is done within the past 6 months. And, the hormones do not vary in such a short duration. During puberty there will be variations in the thyroid hormone levels due to spurt in the growth and as a result, most of the females do suffer from hypothyroidism (reduced free thyroid hormones in the blood) which is indicated by high TSH level.
The Sedimentation rates are elevated during acute inflammation or infection. And, the elevated Sedimentation levels mentioned by you do not appear to be of a serious condition.
The weakness and the upper back pain could be because of migraine which can be misleading sometimes. And also, there could be low calcium levels in the body which is again related to the musculo-skeletal changes during and after puberty causing the weakness of muscles.
I would suggest you to consult a good physician as well as an orthopedician to rule out the causes for the generalized weakness and backache.
Hope I have answered your query, any more doubts you are welcome.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty
Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist
Practicing since :2001
Answered : 2542 Questions
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