Managing Elevated TSH and Chronic Back Pain in an Active Elderly - #49952
My father is 68 years old and remains very active. He has a Vata-dominant body constitution (prakruti) according to Ayurveda and maintains a regular morning walking routine. Despite his high energy levels—he rarely sits still and consistently engages in physical household tasks—he has been experiencing persistent back pain for several days. Today, I had a comprehensive full-body lab test conducted. The key findings are: Nutritional Markers: Vitamin B12: 231 pg/mL (low–borderline) Calcium: 8.5 mg/dL (slightly low) Vitamin D: 39 ng/mL (within acceptable range but suboptimal for bone health) Inflammatory & Metabolic Markers: ESR: 16 mm/hr (mildly elevated) Fasting Glucose: 152 mg/dL (elevated) HbA1c: 6.1% (indicative of prediabetes) Thyroid Function: TSH: 5.56 µIU/mL (elevated) T3: Normal T4: Normal (Suggestive of subclinical hypothyroidism) I have three specific questions: Can elevated TSH be managed or normalized through Ayurvedic interventions? Is there a possible connection between elevated TSH and chronic back pain? What holistic approaches—integrating Ayurveda with conventional care—might support his overall condition?
How long has your father been experiencing back pain?:
- 1-4 weeksDoes he have any other symptoms accompanying the back pain?:
- No other symptomsWhat is his typical diet like?:
- Balanced and nutritious

Doctors' responses
-thyroid level (TSH) is mildly elevated, but since T3 and T4 are normal, it is a mild or early change and does not necessarily require medication right now. We will monitor it. Your back pain is more likely due to muscle strain, age-related changes, and possible Vata imbalance, not directly because of thyroid. Your vitamin B12 is low-borderline, calcium is slightly low, and blood sugar is elevated. These need attention because they can affect energy, nerves, and long-term health. Plan: Start B12 supplementation Improve blood sugar control with diet and regular exercise Do daily gentle stretching and oil massage for back pain Repeat thyroid test in 2–3 months - Aushadhi Kanchanar Guggulu – 2 tabs twice daily after food Ashwagandha Churna – 3 gm at bedtime with warm milk Trayodashang Guggulu – 2 tabs twice daily after food (for back pain) Triphala Churna – 3 gm at bedtime with warm water - External • Daily Abhyanga with Mahanarayana Taila (local back) • Mild Swedana (fomentation) after massage - Pathya • Warm, freshly cooked food • Avoid dry, cold, raw foods • Reduce refined sugar and excess carbohydrates • Add methi seeds (soaked) in morning -Follow-up Review after 4 weeks Repeat TSH & glucose after 8–12 weeks

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