Chiropractic Benefits for Menstrual Health—Scientific Evidence

Most women experience cramps and premenstrual symptoms (PMS) at some point in their lives. Bloating, breast tenderness, and mood swings are annoying at best and debilitating at worst. Many rely on over-the-counter painkillers or accept the symptoms as a normal part of life. 

However, some patients have found relief for their menstrual symptoms through chiropractic treatment. While much of the evidence is anecdotal, researchers have also conducted formal studies into chiropractic treatment for menstrual symptoms.

Let's take a look at some of the research and noteworthy cases.  

Formal Studies 

Some researchers theorize that nervous system activity affects reproductive and endocrine organs. If true, this could make chiropractic treatment a good option for treating menstrual symptoms. That specific mechanism has not been proved, but formal studies have explored the associations between menstrual symptoms, the spine, and chiropractic treatment. 

Observational Study: Spinal Dysfunction and PMS 

Walsh M, Polus B, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 1999

Researchers studied 54 PMS patients and 30 control group patients. They observed that PMS patients were more likely to have spinal dysfunction and spinal tenderness. 

This suggests an association between spine issues and PMS. Accordingly, the researchers went on to conduct clinical trials for chiropractic treatment for PMS. 

Clinical Trial: Chiropractic Adjustments for PMS Patients 

Walsh M, Polus B, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 1999

This clinical trial involved 45 participants: 16 PMS patients received chiropractic adjustments and 9 were in the placebo group. (20 dropped out before completing the trial.) 

Slightly more than half of the chiropractic group who completed the trial self-reported significant improvement. Because the placebo group also experienced improvement and so many participants dropped out, however, further research is needed. 

Case Series: Spinal Adjustments for PMS

Wittler NA, The Journal of Chiropractic Research and Clinical Investigation, 1992

This study followed 11 women with PMS. (The study had no control group.) They received 5-7 chiropractic adjustments a month for four months. On average, patients self-reported that the severity of their symptoms decreased by 44%. In most cases, treatment had the greatest effect on mood swings, social impairment, and sexual drive changes. 

Case Study: Spinal Adjustments for Uterine Cramps

Liebel N, Butler L, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 1990

This case study followed one patient suffering from uterine cramps. For four months she received no chiropractic treatment. During the three months of spinal adjustments and soft tissue therapy, both the frequency and intensity of her pain decreased. 

Individual Case Reports 

Every patient is different: Not everyone experiences the same results from the same treatment. However, it's worth sharing success stories from individual PMS patients. 

Chiropractic Care versus Medical Treatments 

Stude D, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 1991 

A patient had previously tried medical treatments for her PMS to no effect. After receiving chiropractic adjustments, she reported a reduction in bloating, breast tenderness, and general discomfort.

Spinal Adjustments for Uterine Cramps and PMS 

Hubbs EC, Research Forum, 1986 

A 28-year-old woman with PMS received spinal adjustments to the first lumbar vertebra. Her cramping reduced from 24 hours to 30 minutes, and her other symptoms improved. 

Spinal Adjustments and PMS 

Walsh MJ, Chandaraj S, Pulos BI, Chiropractic Journal of Australia Case Series, 1994

In this case series, patients who received spinal adjustments self-reported significant improvement in their PMS symptoms. 

Menstrual Relief with Elevate Chiropractic

If you're tired of taking over-the-counter meds or powering through PMS and cramping, then chiropractic care may be a good fit for you. We don't just treat symptoms – we treat the entire body and improve overall quality of life. Let's discuss your concerns and make a treatment plan together. 

Schedule your free consultation today!