Menstrual cycles do not just cause discomfort, but may also cause back pain, lethargy, bloating, or severe cramps. The nerve bundles that control your endocrine (hormonal) and reproductive systems are protected by the spine. Because they work in conjunction with one another, problems such as spinal misalignments (or subluxations) may cause more severe menstrual symptoms during a cycle. Chiropractic adjustments can relieve symptoms of menstrual cycles, as well as regulate the frequency of menstrual cycles. Chiropractic care is also a natural, drug-free way to relieve bladder and bowel pain caused by PMS. Women who experience infertility issues may also benefit from regular chiropractic care as the reproductive system is so closely associated with the spine.
Chiropractic adjustments have been effective in treating issues such as amenorrhea (abnormal lack of a period during reproductive years), premenstrual syndrome, and dysmenorrhea (painful abdominal cramps during a period). While it is normal to not have a period during pregnancy or when breastfeeding, the lack of a menstrual cycle at any other time can be a sign of more significant health issues. Studies have shown that spinal health affects overall health. Lithia Springs chiropractic care is a solution for achieving optimal menstrual health.
Menstrual Health and Chiropractic Care
Many women suffer from different types of menstrual health issues. Primary amenorrhea occurs when a woman’s cycle does not start during puberty on its own. Often times, birth control or other medicines are used to achieve menses. Secondary amenorrhea occurs when women who have previously had regular menstrual cycles stop having a cycle. A visit to a Lithia Spring chiropractor can correct both primary amenorrhea and secondary amenorrhea. A 25-year-old woman experienced primary amenorrhea and tension headaches. At 18 years of age, her doctor prescribed progesterone to synthetically initiate a cycle. Due to side effects of medication, the woman decided to seek alternative care through a chiropractor. Following a complete spinal examination, chiropractors determined the problem to be her right occiput and S2 sacral segment. By her fourth visit, she reported a decrease in tension headaches and a menstrual cycle of two days without medication.
Chiropractic Care Benefits Overall Health
Instead of focusing on the specific area of pain, chiropractors seek to get to the root of the health issue, including menstrual health. The central nervous system, including the spine, is able to work more efficiently without nerve interference. Chiropractic adjustments remove nerve interference, thus promoting whole body health. In one case study, a 22-year-old female with amenorrhea hadn’t been able to have menses without birth control medication. She also had insulin-dependent diabetes as well as hip and knee pain. To treat her overall health, she received consistent chiropractic care to correct subluxations and remove nerve interference. Four months after receiving regular adjustments, she began having regular menstrual cycles. After 20 months, she became pregnant and later delivered a full term, healthy baby, showing that spinal health affects whole body health.
Sources
Adams, J.P. “Chiropractic and Nutritional Management and its Effect on the Fertility of a Diabetic Amenorrheal Patient: A Case Report.” Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, 2003 Oct: 1-2. https://livingvitallife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Chiropractic-and-Nutritional-Management-and-its-Effect-on-the-Fertility-of-a-Diabetic-Amenorrheal-Patient-2.pdf.
Gauthier, E., Mullin, L. “The Effects of Gonstead Chiropractic Care on a Patient with Primary Amenorrhea: A Case Report and Review of Related Literature.” Journal of Pediatric, Maternal, and Family Health, 2010 July: 116-121. https://livingvitallife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/The-Effects-of-Gonstead-Chiropractic-Care-on-a-Patient-with-Primary-Amenorrhea.pdf.