How Chiropractic Care Can Relieve Your Menstrual Cramps

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During your monthly cycle, your body releases prostaglandins—hormones that cause the uterine lining to shed. However, some women tend to release too much prostaglandin, which can cause cramps and soreness in lower back muscles. While birth control and/or over-the-counter pain medications work for some women, they aren't for everyone. You may be surprised to learn that chiropractic care could help you find relief for this kind of low back pain.

Soft Tissue Therapy

Massage is arguably the most well-known form of soft tissue therapy; but, there are many other soft tissue therapies out there. Many chiropractors employee soft tissue therapies like mobilization or active release technique (ART).

When you are having cramps, your lower back muscles tense up. Tense muscles decrease range of motion and in severe cases can cause spasms or muscle guarding. During a therapy like ART, your chiropractor can pin down a segment of muscle fascia to restore its range of motion. As your back muscles are gently lengthened, they will relax, and your pain will decrease.

The Logan Technique

The Logan technique is great for back pain that is caused by your menstrual cycle. While every chiropractor may have a slightly different approach, the Logan technique has some basic steps:

  1. You will stand with your back facing the chiropractor, so he or she can check out your spine alignment.
  2. You will then lie face-down on an adjustment table.
  3. Your chiropractor will then use a very light pressure on your lower back and sacrum.
  4. Your chiropractor will hold this specific point until muscle tissues around the point relax.

The Logan technique is great if you are uncomfortable with therapies that need a great deal of pressure. The Logan technique is a very gentle and doesn't require deep tissue work.

Kinesio Taping Method

You may have heard of Kinesio taping for athletic injuries, but it can also be used for period pain. In fact, one study showed that taping is an effective way to alleviate menstrual pain because it provides additional support to your abdomen and back muscles. After your chiropractor adjusts any subluxations, he or she could teach you how to apply the Kinesio tape.

Although you may not think you can afford chiropractic work, it's a good idea to look at your health plan. Since low back pain is a common ailment for workers, many employers are usually happy to offer this preventative treatment at least once a month. For more information on these treatments, contact a chiropractor in your local area. 

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4 May 2018

Relief from Tension Headaches

Ever since childhood, I’ve been a driven person. Even as a young kid, I always strived to make good grades. With my schoolwork, I was never satisfied unless I made a perfect score. As an adult, I still tend to be a perfectionist. For instance, I won’t leave my home until every hair is in place on my head. In my career, I work diligently to please my many clients. Unfortunately, my perfectionist nature often causes me to become tense. Whenever I’m stressed about something, the muscles in my neck and shoulders become extremely tight. Sometimes, this issue leads to tension headaches. Thankfully, I know where to go when I begin experiencing muscle tightness. I visit my trusted chiropractor. On this blog, you will discover the methods a chiropractor uses to relieve tension headaches.