Friday, January 30, 2009

Can Thyroiditis Cause Jaw Pain







About the Thyroid Gland








The thyroid is the largest gland in the neck and is located in the front of the throat. It is responsible for producing the thyroid hormone, which regulates cellular growth and activity. A healthy and properly functioning thyroid balances the body's metabolism and regulates how caloric intake is distributed throughout the body.


Thyroid Problems


There are a large variety of issues related to the thyroid gland, such as hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer, Pendred Syndrome and thyroiditis, among many others. Thyroiditis, in particular, is a concern because there are several different variations of this disease and just as many different recommended treatments.


Symptoms and Pain Associated With Thyroiditis


Thyroiditis and its many forms share the same symptoms with other diseases and problems, making it difficult to diagnose. Some of the symptoms include weight gain, fatigue, problems sleeping, depression, inability to concentrate, and aches and pains in various muscles and joints of the body. Pain in the jaw usually occurs in sufferers of this disease, due to the connection of jaw muscles to the muscles surrounding the swollen thyroid gland.

Tags: this disease, thyroid gland