Women’s Health
Our bodies are subject to everchanging stress throughout our lives. Below, we highlight some of the health concerns and considerations that are specific to women’s health and well-being and how chiropractic care can benefit symptomatic patients.
Hormonal Changes
The spinal cord is part of the central nervous system, which also includes the brain. As an extension of the brain, the spinal cord and relays the brain’s messages to the rest of the body via nerves. The spinal cord and spinal nerves are protected by vertebrae, which are the bones of the spine. These bones move as you change positions and can even become displaced. Displaced vertebrae decrease the integrity of the nerve signals that are traveling through the spinal canal and thus affect the brain’s ability to send neuronal messages. These signals include motor commands, sensory input, and hormone release, among many other functions.
Chiropractic care can benefit patients experiencing hormonal shifts and/or hormone imbalances. Firstly, realignment of the spinal vertebrae allows for high-integrity signals to pass within the body, many of which signal the release or production of hormones. Secondly, the action of chiropractic alignment alone has proven effective in restoring the body’s biomechanical landscape as it pertains to hormone production. A 2014 study comparing bloodwork before and after chiropractic manipulation demonstrated an increase in the hormones neurotensin and oxytocin following chiropractic adjustments [1]. This hormonal shift following chiropractic care also modulates pain and stiffness symptoms associated with hormone imbalance.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy causes unique changes to the body’s structure and function. This includes hormonal shifts, different micronutrient demands, and a shift in the body’s weight and center of gravity. As her baby grows, a woman’s center of gravity shifts forward due to the relative protrusion of her abdomen. This causes hyperlordosis of the spine which may cause low back pain including aching and stiffness as well as sciatica. Due to the rapid structural changes, a woman may experience mechanical interference and subsequent pain. This can oftentimes be corrected by a spinal adjustment to shift mechanical mishaps back into place. Several studies, including a 2014 study by Cynthia Peterson & colleagues, demonstrate that the majority of pregnant women with low back pain experience clinically-significant levels of pain relief with chiropractic adjustment [2].
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis disproportionately affects women, especially older women. With this in mind, it’s important to take actions to slow or prevent the progression of osteoporosis. Traditional chiropractic manipulation has been proven to remedy osteoporotic bone by stimulating osteoclast activity via targeting skeletal muscle [3].
Prevention of osteoporosis is the most effective and impactful factor in fostering bone health. Strength training and engaging in weight-bearing activities is a great way to stimulate healthy bone development. This doesn’t necessarily mean lifting extremely heavy weights. Harvard University sited that even walking can help promote bone growth as a weight-bearing exercise. [4] Additionally, regularly lifting light to moderately heavy weights puts stress on the bones which stimulates growth. Diet and nutrition can also influence bone health. Supplementation of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D are all important micronutrients in the development of healthy and strong bones. It’s also important to make sure that you are mindful of taking pharmaceuticals that demineralize bone as this can lead to degradation and weakness.
[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24450367/
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24690125/
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28755011/
[4] https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/strength-training-builds-more-than-muscles