Chiropractic, Women's Health, and PMS

Premenstrual Syndrome, or PMS, is often associated with a wide variety of symptoms that present in a female 5-12 days prior to her menstrual cycle. These symptoms can be physical and/or emotional in nature, and often improve once menstruation begins. In severe cases, PMS can be classified as Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). These chronic symptoms disable the woman from accomplishing everyday tasks. It is estimated that over 80% of all women have experienced PMS or PMDD symptoms in their life.

PMS often includes many different physical and emotional symptoms. Below are examples of the many complaints and symptoms associated with PMS.

Physical symptoms include: fatigue, insomnia, changes in libido, acne, hives, cramps, bloating, weight gain, headaches, breast tenderness, swelling in the hands and feet, flu-like symptoms (sore throat, sinus problems, and mild fever), heart palpitation, nausea, dizziness, and fainting.

Emotional symptoms include: mood swings, irritability, depression, anxiety, confusion, forgetfulness, emotional eating, food cravings (salt, sweet, spices, alcohol, etc), anger, short tempered, frustrated, "emotional rollercoaster," and loss of sex drive.

According to the American Chiropractic Association, chiropractic is "a health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health." The word chiropractic comes from the Greek words "chiro" meaning "hand" and "praktikós" meaning "concerned with, or done by." Most chiropractic procedures consist of manual therapy, whether from exercises, ultrasound, adjustments (manipulation), massage, etc. Chiropractic doctors have many specialties, and techniques that offer a wide variety of applications to these therapies. Based on the patient's preference, patient's needs, doctor's preference, philosophy, and schooling depends on which therapies will be used.

Doctors of Chiropractic have been trained in the examination, diagnosis and treatment of their patients. In most states, chiropractors are considered primary care physicians, are able to accept insurance, can send for diagnostic tests and recommend nutritional/herbal supplementation. In a few areas, chiropractors can perform minor surgery, prescribe medications, deliver babies, and have hospital privileges.

This is actually a very tough question to answer because it depends largely on two things: 1.) State laws where the chiropractor is located, and 2.) The chiropractor's personal philosophy. In most states, chiropractors are able to treat any neuromusculoskeletal condition (neuro = nerve, musculo = muscle, skeletal = bone) in any part of the body, although some states are more restrictive than others. Many chiropractors also have extensive knowledge in nutrition, pediatrics, physiotherapeutic modalities, exercise rehabilitation, and neurology. Chiropractic philosophy is the second major factor in determining what chiropractors treat. Originally, chiropractic adjustments were given to reduce the pressure on a nerve from a bone being out of place (an example often used is a water hose with someone crimping it, not allowing water to flow through properly). Throughout the years of chiropractic, not everyone has agreed with this principle and now some chiropractors only focus on the biomechanics of posture and restricted motion, disregarding a potential effect on the nerve being "pressed." Due to controversial philosophy, some chiropractors only see patients with neck pain, back pain, and headaches while others believe they can create a positive change in the body no matter the condition as long as they can remove or reduce the interference from the nerve being affected.

It is well understood that nerves come out between the vertebrae of the human spine, and then branch off to perform various functions. Different branches of these nerves will communicate with different areas of the body. The nerves that come out of the lower portions of the back (lumbar and sacral nerves) form a web of connections known as the lumbosacral plexus.

Chiropractors evaluate the biomechanics and neurological status of the lumbar and sacral area through many of the following techniques: static palpation, motion palpation, orthopedic tests, muscle strength tests, leg length differences, deep tendon reflexes, sensation testing, patient history, etc. Some chiropractors will also request an x-ray (or other advanced imaging such as CT scans, MRIs, etc.) of the affected area to rule out underline pathological causes to the positive findings they encounter.

After the examination, if the patient's symptoms are within the scope of practice of the doctor, the doctor of chiropractic will begin therapeutic procedures to reduce the symptoms of the area, and attempt to normalize the biomechanical and neurological integrity of the affected joints and nerves. This often includes gentle chiropractic adjustments (manipulation) to the restricted spinal vertebrae, and can include ice/heat packs, ultrasound, massage, electrical stimulation, low level light (laser) therapy and traction. As the patient improves, most doctors will begin to transition the patients into active rehabilitation to support the area, in order to ensure strength and stability to the area. Nutritional supplementation, diet modification, and additional exercises are usually discussed as well as the patient is progressing through the treatment plan.

Research from the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (May 1999) indicates that women with PMS symptoms experience significantly more muscle tenderness in the low back, muscle weakness, and positive orthopedic findings of the low back. The report concluded, "A relatively high incidence of spinal dysfunction exists in PMS sufferers compared with a comparable group of non-PMS sufferers. This is suggestive that spinal dysfunction could be a causative factor in PMS and that chiropractic manipulative therapy may offer an alternative therapeutic approach for PMS sufferers." Patients and chiropractors often report a decline in PMS symptoms including back pain, bloating, cramping, and loss of energy.

Further studies are needed to further correlate the association between chiropractic as an alternative treatment to be used with women experiencing PMS. Even with the lack of peer reviewed research, many women and doctors attribute the reduction of their PMS symptoms to the assistance their chiropractor provided.  Have further questions and PMS and chiropractic?  Contact Dr. Chase Hayden to schedule a time to discuss your concerns with him by clicking HERE.

Chronic Fatigue, Thyroid Imbalance, and Teflon?

When was the last time that you were able to wake up and get going with out your morning cup of coffee?  The last time you didn't crave that nap after lunch?  Were able to finish work, go grocery shopping, take the kids to soccer practice, clean the house, and finish up those other errands without wondering why you are always so tired?

Chronic fatigue is the second most common reason that people visit their doctors, with some reports claiming that 80% of all patients report fatigue as one of their primary symptoms.  These patients often seek the assistance of caffeine containing stimulants such as coffee, soda, and energy drinks to get them through the day.  Day after day, night after night, they are unable to keep up with the stressful demands of their hectic schedules.  Does this sound like you or someone you know?

The thyroid is a small hormone gland located in the front of the neck below the "Adam's Apple."  This gland plays a vital role in hormone function through out the entire body.  The thyroid works hand in hand with the other hormone secreting glands in the body such as the adrenals, pituitary, and ovaries/testes to activate and deactivate specific functions.  One of the primary functions of the thyroid gland is to regulate metabolism.

Symptoms of thyroid dysfunction often include fatigue, weight problems, excess sweating, weakness, always hot/cold, thinning hair, weak and brittle nails, muscle and joint pain, women's hormone complains (PMS, infertility, menopausal symptoms, etc), bowel problems, cholesterol imbalance, depression, and more.  Women are more likely to have a thyroid imbalance and some researchers estimate that over 59 million Americans have a thyroid problem and do not even know it.

West Virginia University recently studied 69,000 people in West Virginia and Ohio and reported that a chemical commonly found in Teflon, food wrappers, and dozens of other products (including tap water) known as Perflurooctanoic Acid, PFOA, or C8 may harm the immune system, liver and thyroid and cause higher cholesterol in children.  Key points from the WVU C8 Health Project include: 
 

• In animal studies, PFOA exposure has previously been linked with death of immune cells and weakening of the body’s ability to protect itself from infection. The WVU study indicates higher levels of PFOA in people correlate with lower levels of a protein that helps the body fight bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
• Higher PFOA levels in West Virginia and Ohio residents are associated with higher levels of two enzymes that can indicate liver damage, and with lower levels of a liver protein that is an important part of the body’s defense against infection.
• Elevated PFOA levels in children are associated with high cholesterol levels, predisposing children to future weight problems and accompanying risk of heart disease. In animal studies, early exposure to PFOA results in obesity later in life. Click here for more.
• Thyroid function was clearly affected in PFOA-exposed people, with the effect strongest at moderate levels of exposure, rather than the highest exposures.

Through the use of blood tests, saliva tests, a complete patient history, and physical exam we are able to identify if the thyroid is contributing to the fatigue that you or your loved ones are experiencing.  After we have identified the problem, we help our patients to find the solution they need to correct the imbalance.  From nutritional supplementation, diet modification, chiropractic adjustments, quantum neurology rehabilitation, or removing the chemical pollutants, we pick from a variety of tools to help our patients to find relief from their symptoms.  If you have any questions about the symptoms you are experiencing, or would like to contact Dr. Chase Hayden to schedule an appointment, please click HERE.