Chiropractic and Dysmenorrhea (Menstrual Pain)

Definition

Dysmenorrhea is menstrual pain that coincides with ovular cycles and is concentrated in the lower back and abdomen, sometimes radiating into the thighs. Associated symptoms include cramps, heavy blood loss, breast swelling, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, headache, mood swings and fatigue.

Causes

The potential causes of dysmennhorea are numerous. Listed below are some of the most common:

	Endocrine and hormonal imbalances
	Liver or colon toxicity
	Disturbance of calcium metabolism
	Lack of B vitamins, zinc, or magnesium
	Digestive disturbances
	IUD
	Visceroptosis (sinking of the internal, abdominal organs below their natural position)
	Food allergies / poor diet
	Pelvic / sacral misalignment
	Lumbar vertebrae misalignment

Chiropractic / Applied Kinesiology Approach to Dysmenorrhea

Most women who have mild to moderate pain at the time of menstruation consider it normal. Menstrual pain even in a mild form is not normal. It signifies that something is wrong.

Chiropractors have been aware that dysmenorrhea is often related to structural imbalances in the body since they began correcting spinal and pelvic misalignments in the 19th century.

Osseous misalignments of the lumbo-sacral region are commonly found when there is back pain during menstrual cycles. Left uncorrected, they may impair normal feedback from the nerves of the uterus and ovaries.

With the use of precise manipulation and other forms of manual therapy, Dr. Morrison restores proper alignment to the pelvis and lumbosacral region, which thereby enhances nerve function.

Many women who sought Chiropractic for low back pain or other reasons unrelated to menstrual pain are often astonished to find that they are no longer experiencing pain or other symptoms during their period.