PMS
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a real disorder characterized by a puzzling rush of emotional, physical and mental distresses. It is one of the major challenges in women’s health today; so much so, that it can change a woman’s life and affect all those around her including co-workers, friends, family and significant others. The complaints related with PMS are many and include back pain, pelvic pain, headaches, edema, mood swings and cravings for certain foods. The condition of PMS lasts anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks and is definitely trying and can be debilitating.
At Northfield Chiropractic, we recognize that medications can bring relief however the concern for our patients is the numerous side effects that can result. Our approach is a gentle and a natural alternative to the allopathic approach. The first thing our doctors address is the structural causes of PMS. Secondly, a chiropractic treatment plan accompanied by prescribing a nutritional protocol is recommended for our patients.
The Structural Causes of PMS
This is the relationship between chiropractic care and PMS: nerves exit the low back and are responsible for regulating the tissues in the lower abdomen. As a result, pressure and irritation from PMS are alleviated through the spinal adjustment
The more scientific relationship between chiropractic care and PMS is as follows:
Age, number of pregnancies carried to term, trauma, hysterectomies, and abdominal surgeries all contribute to weaken the pelvic (lower abdomen) support muscles in women. When a woman’s pelvic stability and strength are impaired this can alter the spine affecting not only the skeleton, but the muscles, nerves, and the vascular system. After these events, women are not properly rehabilitated to full strength. All of these factors exacerbate the physical distresses of PMS most noticeably back pain, pelvic pain and headaches. At Northfield Chiropractic we understand the balance of posture, pelvic strength (for which an exercise routine is prescribed) and the relief from PMS complaints and complications that definitely benefit from regular chiropractic adjustments. In fact, a study by the Foundation of Chiropractic Education and Research found that women who received several chiropractic adjustments on the lower spine and lumbar areas reported significant reductions of symptoms in two of the four subgroups of PMS: PMS-C (main symptom: cravings) and PMS-H (main symptom: hyperhydration which is bloating, swelling and weight gain). All though there is no formal clinical research, the other two subgroups of PMS, PMS-A (main symptom: anxiety) and PMS-D (main symptom: depression) are also relieved of discomfort and pain by chiropractic care as observed in Northfield Chiropractic patients.
The value of chiropractic care—which is truly a science of natural healing—is appreciated and understood by women who suffer from PMS. Alleviating the structural causes of PMS is the first part of a holistic approach; part two is examining the patient’s diet, creating a nutritional supplementation protocol and check hormone levels through saliva testing.
In order to treat PMS effectively with a nutritional protocol our doctors at
PMS-A (Anxiety): nervous tension; mood swings; irritability; anxiety; insomnia. PMS-A is characterized by elevated by blood estrogen and low progesterone levels. Women who have this form of PMS consume excessive dairy products and refined sugars.
PMS-C (Craving): headache; craving for sweets; increased appetite; heart pounding; dizziness or fainting; fatigue. PMS-C is characterized by an increased carbohydrate tolerance and low magnesium levels.
PMS-D (Depression): depression forgetfulness; crying; confusion. Progesterone levels may be higher than normal during the midluteal phase (the last two weeks of the menstrual cycle). Interestingly, some women may have normal progesterone and estrogen with high lead levels and chronic lead intoxication. This particular subgroup can escalate into premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). The criterion for this disorder is set forth by the DSM-IV. Chiropractic care is an excellent, holistic approach to PMDD. However, PMDD is psychological condition that cannot be diagnosed by a chiropractor. It is important to add other health professionals to your team of experts to address PMDD effectively.
PMS-H (Hyperhydration): weight gain; swelling of extremities; breast tenderness; abdominal bloating. PMS-H is associated with water and salt retention.
Once the subgroup of PMS is determined, patients are coached on the basic rules to correct their diet. For example, PMS-A subgroups are encouraged to decrease processed foods, sugar, and dairy. PMS-A and PMS-C subgroups are encouraged to take a magnesium supplement. Salt seriously aggravates PMS-C and should be avoided. PMS-A, PMS-C, and PMS-H subgroups all benefit from a daily B-6. Vitamins A and E can reduce symptoms in all PMS-A, PMS-D and PMS-C subgroups. All four subgroups benefit from increasing Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, flaxseed and walnut oil. For a complete nutritional protocol work-up each individual should consult with one of our doctors to determine a sound nutritional plan. In the meantime, limiting salt, sugar, caffeine and alcohol and processed foods is highly recommended. Regular chiropractic adjustments complemented by a good diet and proper nutrition are the true course in healing PMS.
We also encourage each of our patients to “think their best thoughts.” This advice is important to everyone but especially true for women who suffer from PMS. Carefully guard your thoughts. Focus your attention on what you want to expand in your life. Remember, you choose what you think about! Your thoughts have an immediate impact on your emotional health and your physical health. Unfortunately, not only do negative thoughts have an impact on your health (including not being able to hold your spinal adjustments) but also negative thoughts hurt those you care about the most. We recommend the following strategies as a matter of your good emotional, physical and mental health:
ü Let go of anger, even if it is justified.
ü Think of what you have, not what you lack.
ü Say please, say thank you, say your welcome…say you are sorry.
ü Forgive all perceived wrongs and hurts.
ü Perform a simple, loving act.
You’ll feel better, we promise.
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