Chiropractic treatment considers a misaligned spine as the origin of illnesses and pains in the human body. The health sustaining energy flow of the body gets blocked when the spine is not aligned properly thus giving rise to several health issues or discomforts. Therefore, as Miller (2009) noted, chiropractic treatment concentrates the therapy of illnesses on the realignment of the spine for curing pains and other physical discomforts. Chiropractic treatment also considers mind as an integral part of the human being along with the human body. Regarding health issues in the women population like painful menstrual cramps or Dysmenorrhea that causes suffering to numerous women in the world Chiropractic treatment can provide considerable relief (Miller 2009).
Zimmer (2008) indicated that Dysmenorrhea is a medical condition in women which causes severe, sometimes intolerable uterine pain during menstrual period. Menstrual pain to a mild extent is common but Dysmenorrhea can be so severe that the regular activities get restricted and in most of the cases medication is needed. Uterine pains can vary in nature during menstruation ranging from sharp and shooting to dull and nauseating. Bloating is also common. Dysmenorrhea can be of two types. Primary, when there are no structural abnormalities, disease or disorder causing the pain and secondary when pain occurs due to any of those abnormalities (Zimmer 2008).
According to Lin (2006) treatment of Dysmenorrhea can be approached by chiropractic theory by using spine manipulation. The treatment of subluxation in the spine can reduce the symptoms during menstruation. The reason behind menstrual cramps has been shown in the chiropractic that the female sex organs like ovaries, uterus, cervix, vagina and the various glands are unable to get the necessary supply of nerve due to the mal alignment of the spine. This interference of the nervous system by the spine is called the vertebral subluxation complex and is dangerous for the health of women. Chiropractic corrects this complex, normalizes the sensory and motor impulses to the uterus and the lower back and has been able to provide considerable relief in this regard (Lin 2006).
However, Harel (2008) stated treatment of a patient of Dysmenorrhea can include either high force spinal manipulation technique or a low force maneuver used as a placebo technique. In both the cases the pain measurably goes down. A study reveals reduction of pain in the 88% of women receiving chiropractic treatment than their counterparts not receiving it. The need to intake analgesic medicines having harmful side effects goes down drastically (Harel 2008).
Woods (2008) mentions that for the treatment of painful menstrual cramps women can turn to chiropractic care. But there is a need to make some alterations in the lifestyle also. Reduced intake of salt sugar, tobacco, caffeine and alcohol can help in this regard. The need of proper diet and nutrition are also a very vital aspect in the remission of Dysmenorrhea. There are certain supplements also that can help in reducing the symptoms. Exercising regularly, like yoga and Tai – chi also proves fruitful in reducing cramps (Woods 2008).
Miller (2009) also indicated that the food those are rich in calcium like the dark green leafy vegetables, almonds and beans should be included in the diet. Tomatoes and bell peppers are rich in antioxidants and should be included in the diet. Lean meat, cold water fish, tofu, soy – milk and healthy cooking oil should be taken instead of red meat, fried food and food containing Trans fat. Enough water is necessary too. Among supplements omega – 3 fatty acids like fish oil, calcium citrate, vitamin D and E and magnesium supplements can prove fruitful (Miller 2009).
References
Harel, Z. (2008). Dysmenorrhea in Adolescents. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1135(1), 185-195.
Lin, Y. (2006). Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Pediatric Pain Management Service: A Survey. Pain Medicine, 6(6), 452-458.
Miller, K. (2009). Electrical stimulation cramp threshold frequency correlates well with the occurrence of skeletal muscle cramps. Muscle & Nerve, 39(3), 364-368.
Woods, N. (2008). Toward a construct of perimenstrual distress. Research in Nursing & Health, 5(3), 123-136.
Zimmer, N. (2008). Chiropractic Treatment in Treatment of Menstrual Cramps. Pain Medicine, 8(4), 572-588.