Endometriosis and Chiropractic Care
Alternative approaches are becoming increasingly popular treatment options for women with endometriosis. The majority of these therapies in fact target areas that are external to the reproductive system in order to treat the causes of endometriosis and to minimize common endometriosis symptoms. One such alternative endometriosis treatment is chiropractic care. But how exactly does chiropractic care work and how can it help women who have endometriosis?
What is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic treatment involves the manipulation of the joints, muscles and the spinal column.
Because the spinal column houses the body’s nerves, manipulation of the spinal cord can help to restore nerve imbalances, which can lead to a variety of health problems in both the organs as well as nerve supply.
What Are the Benefits of Chiropractic Treatment for Endometriosis?
There is a strong relationship between the location of the spinal cord and the location of the reproductive organs. As such, chiropractic care helps to minimize distortions in areas of the body where the reproductive organs are located.
This is because chiropractic treatment helps to restore normal peristaltic motion, which is responsible for the processes of the reproductive system. Peristaltic motion (muscular function that is regulated by the autonomous nervous system) is linked in particular to the normal functioning of the uterus, as it enables the egg to travel down the fallopian tube. However, if there is a lack of adequate peristaltic motion present, a fertilised egg will not be delivered to the uterus.
For those with endometriosis, peristaltic motion is so irregular, that it becomes blocked and instead sends uterine tissue to the abdominal cavity as well as the uterus.
Five studies have shown that chiropractic care has benefits for women with endometriosis by helping to minimize their symptoms and by helping them to get pregnant.
A recent study published in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research (JVSR), a peer reviewed journal, found that infertile women who underwent chiropractic care were able to successfully conceive. The women ranged in age from 22 to 65; while the older women did not get pregnant, those who were still menstruating found that life-long irregularities in their cycle were reduced.
Chiropractic care is also beneficial for patients with endometriosis, as lower back pain can aggravate the symptoms associated with this condition.
In addition, self-care options such as breathing exercises, yoga and stretching, as well as a healthy endometriosis diet, are complimentary to chiropractic treatment.
What Are Some Common Chiropractic Treatment Types?
Chiropractic treatments include massaging of the lower back muscles, gentle stretching as well as joint mobilisation.
The treatment that you receive will depend on the nature and severity of your symptoms as well as your overall health. Your condition will also determine the length of treatment that is best suited to your needs.
Where Can I Get Chiropractic Treatment?
Chiropractic services are provided at accredited centres that specialise in this form of treatment.
As a referral from your health care provider is required for chiropractic treatment, you should consult with your doctor about which type of treatment is best for you and which centres provide such services.
What is the Cost of Chiropractic Care?
On average, an initial appointment ranges in cost from £75 to £100. An initial chiropractic appointment will include a physical exam as well as x-rays. Subsequent appointments generally cost on average between £25 and £50.
What About Chiropractic Insurance?
Generally, chiropractic care is covered by health care insurance policies.
You should consult with your insurance provider regarding their policies for chiropractic treatment coverage before beginning any treatment.
