Chiropractic Treatment for Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a painful and chronic disorder in which the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside of the uterus. This abnormality can cause significant pain, particularly during a menstrual period. This disorder typically develops within several years of the onset of menstruation and ends permanently with menopause. An estimated 1 in 10 women around the world experience endometriosis.

Common Symptoms

The main symptom that women report with endometriosis is pelvic pain. Many women also experience dysmenorrhea (painful periods), and cramping and pelvic pain can begin days before a menstrual period, as well as continue for days after.  

Other symptoms include painful intercourse, bowel movements and urination, fatigue, bloating and nausea. Around one-third to one-half of women with endometriosis also experience infertility issues.

Causes of Endometriosis

While experts have yet to pinpoint an exact cause of endometriosis, there are several generally agreed upon explanations: retrograde menstruation, embryonic cell growth, surgical scar implantation, endometrial cells transport and immune system disorder.

Are you at risk? 

There are several factors that increase risk of endometriosis:

• Never giving birth
• Relatives with endometriosis
• History of pelvic infection
• Uterine abnormalities

Treatment Options

Most often, women suffering from endometriosis are treated with drugs or surgery, although doctors typically recommend conservative treatment before surgery.  The Endometriosis Foundation of America recommends several alternative and natural methods for treating this disorder:

• Diet & Nutrition
• Acupuncture
• Exercise
• Aromatherapy
• Osteopathy
• Chiropractic Treatment

Several studies show that chiropractic adjustments and care can effectively manage dysmenorrhea, and women report pain relief while under care.

Make an appointment to talk to a chiropractic doctor about chiropractic and endometriosis.

Read on to learn more:

Alternative Therapies for Endometriosis, Endometriosis Foundation of America, 2011

A narrative review of medical, chiropractic, and alternative health practices in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea (Abstract), Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 2005

The Effect of Spinal Manipulation on Pain and Prostaglandin Levels in Women with Primary Dysmenorrhea, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 1992