MENSTRUAL CRAMPS & CHIROPRACTIC

It's Women’s Month here in South Africa, and at Hughes Chiropractic, we would like to celebrate all women, our incredible female patients, their families and friends and of course the amazing queens that keep Hughes Chiropractic running!

So aligning with this month’s theme we decided to focus this blog on something that so many women suffer from on a monthly basis.

Primary dysmenorrhea, or menstrual cramps are a very common gynecological disorder affecting more than half of women during childbearing age. Most women will experience symptoms including lower abdominal pain that can radiate to both thighs and/or to the low back, as well as some other symptoms like tiredness, headache and nausea.

Primary dysmenorrhea is the most common reason for absenteeism from work or school, thus interfering with quality of daily life.

Menstrual cramps occur when the uterus contracts to expel its lining. Prostaglandins, a fatty acid substance, influences the contractions of the muscles lining many of the internal organs (including the uterus). Higher levels of prostaglandins are associated with more severe menstrual cramps. While women experience different levels of pain, finding relief can be difficult for all. Menstrual pain is so often accepted as certainty, which is why so many look to over-the-counter and prescription medications to alleviate pain.

But, did you know there is an alternative?

Chiropractic treatment, as well as massage and acupuncture therapy can be a complementary and holistic approach to menstrual pain care. Chiropractic treatment can fix asymmetries in the spine, relieve pinched nerves, and ultimately create a balanced internal environment in the body for it to thrive and stave off menstrual pain.

Spinal manipulative techniques for menstrual pain has been previously studied and proven to have positive benefits on pain perception and menstrual cramps, as well as affecting blood levels of some hormones which help reduce pain.

Chiropractors specialize in the use of spinal manipulation therapy and are trained in many different techniques of lumbo-pelvic manipulation. For those struggling with Primary Dysmenorrhea, including a chiropractor as a member in your healthcare “team” makes perfect sense!

Women experience menstrual pain to often to not want to manage it better, so if you feel like you are dreading that time of the month why not see your local chiropractor.

We wish all you ladies a Happy Women’s day!

Cheers,

Team Hughes Chiropractic

(Blog post is written from a combination of my experiences and the various research I have read over time).