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Women face many health issues unique to
their bodies. Many of the following
conditions can be accompanied by lower back
pain, increased muscle aches and headaches.
Fluctuations of the hormones, estrogen and
progesterone can increase many
musculoskeletal symptoms. Care for these
issues are generally palliative – treating
and managing the condition.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
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Characterized by low back pain, cramps,
bloating, headaches, fatigue and mood
swings.
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Up to 20%
of women experience disabling symptoms.
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Specific
spinal manipulations/mobilizations,
exercise and nutritional support will
help to reduce symptoms.
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In a
clinical trial published in the Journal
of Manipulative and Physiological
Therapeutics, PMS symptom scores
improved after chiropractic manipulation.
Dysmenorrhea
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Characterized by painful menstrual
periods
The parasympathetic and sympathetic
nervous systems control the functions of
the female reproductive organs.
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Nerves for
these systems originate in the lower
thoracic spine (mid back), lumbar spine
(low back), and sacral (lowest portion
of spine.)
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Interference at these levels may cause
adverse problems elsewhere.
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Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDS)
and oral contraceptive pills (OCP) can
have failure rates up to 25% along with
a long lists of side effects.
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Some
patients prefer natural therapies to
relieve dysfunction.
Pregnancy
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50% of
pregnancies are complicated by lower
back pain.
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10% of
women have pain severe enough to limit
work and daily activities.
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Hormonal
changes relax ligaments that stabilize
the spine and pelvis.
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The most
common cause of pain is the dysfunction
of the sacroiliac joint (located in
lowest portion of the spine.)
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Abdominal
muscles, which are low back stabilizers
and weaken due to stretching during
pregnancy.
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Chiropractic treatment is a safe,
non-invasive alternative to medication
during pregnancy.
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91% of
patients studied in the Family Practice
Research Journal experienced relief
following their first chiropractic
treatment.
Menopause
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Hormone
levels affect all the body’s systems,
including the musculoskeletal system.
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Bone loss
prevention is vital in avoiding
compression fractures of the vertebrae.
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Prevention
is most effective when started in the
teens and 20’s, however it is never too
late to start.
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Hormone
Replacement Therapy (HRT) alone does not
completely prevent bone loss.
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The proper
type of calcium supplement is important
for the prevention of bone loss.
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Other
support can also be beneficial such as
quitting smoking and proper
weight-bearing exercise.
Treatment
Chiropractic treatment will help keep the
musculoskeletal system healthy so that you
may remain active at any age. Dr. Hancock is
an adjunct professor at Indiana University,
and specializes in women’s health care. Call
to set up a consultation and see if
chiropractic is an option for you. Our
doctors will take the opportunity answer
your questions, and to explain a treatment
plan that is right for you.
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