Chiropractic and Menstrual Disorders

For some of us, this scene is just part of the bi-weekly routine. Like clockwork, we are forced to stay indoors due to cramps, bloating, headaches and fatigue. We have come to accept pain as part of normal protocol during our periods. Some women even plan their cycles, claiming they can’t do things in a certain week because it’s “that time of the month.” But come on ladies… periods shouldn’t be SO debilitating! After all, menstruation is not a disease, but we are conditioned to believe that our periods are associated with these symptoms. Women have become immune to what’s really going on inside their bodies and it’s time to change that. 

What women need to know is that a healthy cycle starts with a healthy body. And when we have a fully functional nervous system, menstruation should be nothing more than a slight annoyance. According to the NWHIC (National Women’s Health Information Center), about 30-40% of women experience some type of impairment in daily activity before the start of their period, while 75% of women who menstruate experience some type of symptoms premenstrual. syndrome. Symptoms may include bloating, headache, fatigue, breast tenderness, constipation, nausea, irritability, mood swings and cramps. These symptoms can occur before, during, or even after a period.

Conventional methods of treatment include prescription contraceptives and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (also known as NSAIDs) in an effort to relieve menstrual discomfort. These drugs provide temporary relief, but their long-term use can have dire consequences. Long-term use of NSAIDs can cause gastrointestinal problems such as bleeding, ulceration or perforation of the stomach and intestines, which can be fatal. Not to mention the risk of serious side effects posed by oral contraceptives which can lead to blood clots, heart attacks and immune system suppression, just to name a few.

So what can chiropractic do for you? 

Chiropractic is a holistic, natural, non-surgical, non-drug approach to relieving pain and restoring health. A chiropractor makes sure your body is functioning to its fullest potential by aligning your spine. Like any other organ, the female sex organs need nerve supply from the spine. So when the spine is structurally out of position from a fall, poor posture, or past accidents, it can cause a neurochemical imbalance through irritation of the sympathetic nervous system. Thus, correcting segments of the spine not only relieves pain, but also allows the body to function properly, both internally and externally. 

An aligned spine maintains maximum range of motion, proper biomechanics, healthy circulation, and muscle relaxation for a stress-free nervous system. Having a stress-free nervous system means that the female reproductive system doesn’t have to work as hard because it has returned to a state of homeostasis. This means less pain overall, regardless of the time of the month. Chiropractors look at the overall health of the body (not just the area where the symptom is felt) and take a proactive approach to wellness so they can advise you on nutrition and provide exercise education, two important factors in pain management menstrual. 

Chiropractic Approach for Painful Menses: A Natural and Holistic Approach

We know that inflammation equals pain, so it’s important to stay away from pro-inflammatory foods like gluten, sugar, dairy, and anything processed. Instead, look for foods rich in omega-3s like salmon, walnuts and flaxseeds; Not only do they help fight inflammation, but they’re also good for your brain and skin. Another thing worth mentioning is the power of physical activity. Contrary to the tendency to be sedentary when you’re on your period, you really need to move! Movement creates healthy blood flow and stimulates endorphins so you can naturally feel better. 

Having your period shouldn’t be disabling. Besides fitting in, these are just a few things you can do to have an optimal menstrual cycle. Then visit your chiropractor and see what he can do for you. Women with painful periods often experience other episodes of pain that are not necessarily related to their periods, but to the general functioning of their body. Chiropractic doesn’t “cure” anything, but since the central nervous system plays an essential role in terms of regulating and healing the body, an adjustment brings the body back to a state of homeostasis which is why many people with various types of conditions experience relief. 

Make An Appointment 

Just like in elementary science, we learned that homeostasis is the ideal state that all living organisms strive to achieve. Chiropractic can help you get there so you can have a healthier, happier life and a healthier, happier time too.

References:

1. Raheem SA, Alshehri MA, Alruwaithi MA. Chiropractic as a non-pharmacological approach for menstrual disorders: a narrative review. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2021 May-Jun;13(3):333-339. doi: 10.4103/jpbs.JPBS_875_20. PMID: 34306089; PMCID: PMC8285266.
2. Moustafa IM, Diab AA. The effectiveness of chiropractic manipulation in the treatment of menstrual problems: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2019 Feb;34:245-257. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.12.006. Epub 2018 Dec 9. PMID: 30712729. 
3. Bryner P, Staahl C, Dehlin O, Persson L. Effectiveness of chiropractic/manual medicine for menstrual disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2006 Nov-Dec;29(9):737-47. doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2006.09.007. PMID: 17142143.