For some women the menstrual cycle can also be a very painful time – both physically and emotionally.  When a woman feels physical pain and cramping during her menstrual cycle, dysmenorrhea is generally the diagnosis.  When a woman feels a combination of physical and emotional symptoms prior to the onset of menses, then she has pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) is commonly the diagnosis. Approximately  90% of women cope with some form of dysmenorrhea, and another 75% – 85% of women experience various degrees of PMS during their lifetime. Common symptoms are moderate to severe lower abdominal cramping coupled with lower back pain either before or during menstruation. 

Fortunately women who have had to cope with PMS, bladder pain, bowel cramps; sexual dysfunctions, including infertility, have learned of the natural benefits of craniosacral therapy. The spine protects the nerve system that controls the reproductive system and endocrine system (hormones), which is vital for optimal function. If there is nerve interference or what is called a “subluxation”  affecting the relationship between the spine and nerve system, this can impact on the function of the organs. Through various treatments Craniosacral Therapists remove the nerve interference which in-turn restores the optimal function to a woman’s reproductive system. 

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects women most noticeably in their late 20’s to early 40’s, and 10-20% of women report severe or even disabling pain characterized by sharp pain along with headaches, nausea, lower back pain and digestive complications. PMS is thought to be a side effect from hormonal changes that occur right before and during the monthly menstrual cycle and can be made worse by stress, decreased serotonin levels in the brain, and subluxations (vertebra out of place that is pinching a nerve) in the lower back. Hence a widely-used technique in treating menstrual cramps by trained chiropractors is craniosacral therapy. 

This is the preferred technique for rendering care because it also treats and improves rhythm restrictions (fluid flow through the body) which usually also interferes with your nervous system. Also spinal misalignment and the interference it produces causes a massive reduction in your immune system. By performing hands-on therapy on the body, a trained craniosacral therapist reduce the intensity of pain you are experiencing. The treatments are most effective given either the day before and the 1st day of menstruation, or day 1 and day 2 of menstruation and include a gentle, painless spine treatment. Treatment is non-invasive and may include the tailbone and lower back.  

Well timed scheduling  has helped many women reduce and in some cases eliminate the intensity of the painful symptoms experienced. This treatment is natural, involves no medications, and thus provides the most natural remedy for painful menstrual cycles.  

It’s important to note the lower back is the outlet for the nerves that control the lower abdomen tissue, such as the uterus. A subluxation can cause interference in the functioning of a nerve, causing a misinterpretation of signals which in turn causes abnormal functioning of certain body parts (and pain). Several studies have shown that chiropractic care can help decrease and lighten many of the symptoms of PMS without harmful and annoying side effects of some prescription drugs.

In closing, as hormones are thrown out of balance, the role of “Stress” in contributing to the pains of Dysmenorrhea and pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) should not be underestimated.  Stress is the body’s response to everyday life. It is the end result when someone reacts to a situation. The body increases stamina, and heightens alertness, strength, and focus. While this sounds good for a short period of time, constant “heightened” senses can really wear out the body. If you don’t take time to relax (or de-stress), and let these “heightened’ senses actually relax and return to normal levels, you may be running out of juice early in the day, and that’s not good because that can cause more stress creating a vicious cycle.  These days we’re bombarded with information from the internet, news, and being constantly in touch with everyone. Our nervous systems are struggling to recover and stay calm and this is where craniosacral therapy comes in, by helping you get back to parasympathetic mode.  It is a light hands-on therapeutic touch where the practitioner will locate pressure points and locations in the body where the person may have energy blockages. By utilizing craniosacral therapy in the areas where muscles are tense, stress hormones are released and a patient will experience much relief in their stress related symptoms.  Every woman is different. Reach me if you would like to have a more personalized conversation on your treatment possibilities.