Headache, backache, abdominal bloating, cramping, fatigue
and mood swings are just some of the symptoms associated with
premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Most women suffer some symptoms
of PMS during their childbearing years, but between 10-20%
experience severe or disabling symptoms.
Drugs,
vitamin supplements and psychotherapy have proven ineffective
or undesirable treatment options, with many patients reporting
unpleasant side effects and only minimal relief of symptoms.
Previous research has suggested the potential benefit of chiropractic
care (see "Chiropractic for PMS" in the August 1999
issue of To Your Health), and a recent study provides
further evidence of this association.
In a nine-month clinical trial involving 25 women with diagnosed
PMS, 16 patients received active chiropractic treatment (spinal
manipulation and soft-tissue therapy) 2-3 times in the week
before menses for at least three menstrual cycles. The remaining
nine patients received a placebo in the form of chiropractic
"adjustments," using an instrument set for minimum
force, such that patients did not effectively receive treatment.
The two groups eventually changed over, so that both groups
received treatment and placebo during the study period. In
both groups, results showed that PMS symptom scores decreased
after chiropractic manipulation, with a significant decrease
in scores for the active treatment phase compared to the nontreatment
(placebo) phase.
Schedule an appointment with your doctor of chiropractic
and find out more about the benefits of chiropractic care
and its potential role in relieving your PMS symptoms.
Reference:
Walsh MJ, Polus BI. A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical
trial on the efficacy of chiropractic therapy on premenstrual
syndrome. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics,
Nov/Dec 1999: Vol. 22, No. 9, pp582-85.
For more information on women's health, visit https://www.chiroweb.com/tyh/women.html
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