Menstrual cramps (also known as dysmenorrhea) is a common concern for many women. It is often the cause of regular pelvic pain, low back discomfort, and a big impact to daily activities. While options like heat therapy, exercise, and medication are our usual go-to approach, some may discover that chiropractic care could be an additional way to manage symptoms.
Chiropractic care focuses on the spine and nervous system. Having an improved spinal alignment and joint mobility will help in enhancing how the nervous system regulates pain and muscle tension. For menstrual cramps specifically, chiropractic care targets the lumbar (lower back) and sacral (tailbone) regions, which are closely related to pelvic nerves and muscles.
Although research is still limited, a few studies and case reports (1)(2)(3) suggest that chiropractic spinal adjustments may help some people by:
- Reducing muscle tension in the lower back and pelvis
- Improving blood flow to surrounding tissues
- Better control of pain signals throughout the nervous system
- Enhancing overall mobility and reducing stress, which can indirectly help with severity of symptoms
Many report that chiropractic adjustments help ease lower back pain associated with their menstrual cycle, with some reporting fewer pain episodes and lower pain ratings.
Conclusion
Chiropractic care can offer relief for many people who menstruate, especially for those with accompanying low back or pelvic musculoskeletal tension. Many individuals who look for non-pharmacological / holistic approaches tend to favour chiropractic as a form of management. Even in more serious medical conditions such has endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease, chiropractic still serves as a form of complementary care to help individuals improve their quality of life.