Many women experience menstrual cramping and PMS from time to time. While over-the-counter medications and other at-home therapies can provide relief, chiropractic care is another option for making that time of the month a bit more tolerable. If you have questions, this guide explains how a chiropractor can help you. 

Why Do Women Experience Cramping During Their Periods?

Also known as dysmenorrhea, menstrual cramps range from bothersome to severe in terms of pain and discomfort. They typically involve pain in the lower abdomen, which can sometimes be a dull ache or a sharp, shooting pain. Menstrual pain is usually worse before and at the beginning of your period and generally subsides over the next few days. 

During menstruation, the uterine lining is expelled via muscle contractions. These contractions are triggered by prostaglandins, which also cause inflammation. Cramping can also be caused by an underlying medical condition, such as endometriosis, so speak with your doctor if cramps are particularly severe or long-lasting. 

How Does Chiropractic Care Help?

As mentioned above, the same hormones integral in shedding uterine lining are also known to cause inflammation. Chiropractic care is known to reduce damaging inflammation throughout the body by putting the spine into proper alignment. As the seat of the nervous system, when your spine is out of alignment, you may experience the effects in many different areas. 

Chiropractic care is also known for its pain-relieving properties. Many women with menstrual cramping also experience back pain, and spinal adjustments lessen back pain and increase a person’s range of motion. Chiropractors can also recommend supplemental therapies, such as deep-tissue massage, to decrease menstrual cramping even further. 

Just because menstrual cramping is frequent doesn’t mean you have to suffer silently. Eastern Hills Chiropractic offers treatment for this and many other common pain disorders, including arthritis and acute sports injuries. They use a wide range of therapeutic techniques to provide personalized therapy to patients. They also offer massage therapy and nutrition counseling for a holistic healing approach. Visit the website before your appointment so that you know just what to expect. You can also call (513) 528-2200 today to schedule an appointment in their Cincinnati, OH, office.