MENSTRUAL CRAMPS AND PMS
chiropractic and menstrual cramps / pms
The female sex organs all need a healthy nerve supply from the spinal cord to function properly. So, is Chiropractic able to help me with PMS?
Yes! Many women suffering from a wide variety of pain including: PMS, bladder, bowel cramps, and sexual dysfunctions including infertility, have all discovered the natural benefits of chiropractic. The spine protects the nervous system which controls the reproductive system and endocrine system (hormones), which are vital for optimal function. If there is subluxation (nerve interference) affecting the relationship between the spine and nervous system, this impacts the function of the organs. Chiropractors remove nerve interference which restores the optimal function of the reproductive system.
Thompson, P.R., Fisher, B.L., Carpenter, P.A. et al. Effectiveness of spinal manipulative therapy in a treatment of primary dysmenorrheal: A pilot study. JMPT, 1979, 2,pp. 140-145
Liebel, N.A. & Butler, L.M. A chiropractic approach to the treatment of dysmenorrheal. JMPT 1990, 13 pp 101-106.
Stude, D.E. The management of symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome. JMPT, 1991, 14, pp. 209-216
Premenstrual Syndrome and Chiropractic
A positive report was published in the November/ December 1999 issue of Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics concerning the effect of chiropractic on the symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome.
The study was completed on 25 women. Estimates of the prevalence of this condition vary depending on criteria. This study estimated between 10% and 20% of reproductive aged women have severe symptoms associated with this condition. The study included chiropractic adjustments for a ten-day period prior to the beginning of the subject’s cycle.
The women were asked to monitor their symptoms and rate them with a score using “0” = none to “3” = severe. The results showed a reduction in symptoms between 42% and 32% for the group who received chiropractic care for only a short time. The researchers concluded, “results support the hypothesis that the symptoms associated with PMS can be reduced by chiropractic.”
The efficacy of chiropractic therapy on premenstrual syndrome: a case series study. Walsh, MJ, Chandaraj S, Pulos BI Chiropractic Journal of Australia 24:122-6.
This study demonstrated significant improvement of symptoms in women suffering from premenstrual syndrome. A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trail on the efficacy of chiropractic therapy on premenstrual syndrome was utilized.
Walsh MJ, Polus BI Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 1999; 22 (9):582-585.
This is a study of 25 subjects suffering from PMS. Sixteen of the patients received chiropractic care and nine received placebo treatment.
A little over half of the women in the study reported “significant improvement” in symptom levels after chiropractic care.
The frequency of positive common spinal clinical examination findings in a sample of premenstrual syndrome sufferers. Walsh, M, Polus B. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics Vol. 22, number 4, May 1999.
This is a study of 54 subjects with diagnosed premenstrual syndrome (PMS) who were compared with non-PMS controls carried out at RMIT teaching clinics in Australia.
The PMS group showed a higher incidence of spinal dysfunction compared to the control group. The PMS group was found to have more cervical, thoracic, and low back tenderness. Additionally, they scored higher in Neck Disability Index, low back testing weakness, and low back orthopedic testing.
Premenstrual syndrome; a clinical update for the chiropractor. Walsh MJ. Chiropractic Journal of Australia. June 1993; 23(2); 48-53.
From the paper:
A holistic chiropractic management regime offers the possibility of a safe, effective method of reducing many of the symptoms of PMS.
Chiropractic approach to premenstrual syndrome. Wittler NA. Chiropractic: The Journal of Chiropractic Research and Clinical Investigation. 1992; (8) 22-29.
Eleven women with histories of PMS symptoms that occurred regularly for more than 4 months were given chiropractic spinal adjustments. The care continued through four menstrual cycles and consisted of 5-7 spinal adjustments per month.
The subjects were given questionnaires at the beginning and end of care. They evaluated changes in irritability and mood swings, tension, ineffectiveness, lack of motor coordination, mental/ cognitive functioning, eating habits, variations in sexual drive and activity, overall physical symptoms, and social impairment.
The subjects reported improvement in all ten categories with the greatest improvement of symptoms relating to variations in sexual drive (70.7%), social impairment (64.5%), and mood swings (60.8%). The overall average improvement in all symptom categories was 44.2%.
The management of symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome. Stude DE. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 1991; 14:209-216.
Management of a single case of PMS revealed alleviation of low back pain, abdominal bloating, beast tenderness, and cardiac palpitations. “Patient did report pursuing other medial treatment alternatives in the past, without subjective improvement.”
Vertebral subluxation and premenstrual tension syndrome: a case study. Hubbs EC. Research Forum. 1986; Summer:100-102.
This is the case of a 28 year-old female with chronic history of low back pain and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome consisting of intermittent cramping for 24 hours prior to and during early menstrual flow, depression,bloating, agitation, and nervous eating.
After chiropractic spinal adjustments to L1 her premenstrual ramping went from 24 hours to 30 minutes. In addition, her low back pain ceased.