Tuesday, 12 November 2013 23:11

Infertility and Chiropractic Featured

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Resolution of Infertility with Chiropractic Care

A case study published on October 31, 2013, in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health documented the case of a woman who was suffering from menstrual irregularities and infertility who was helped by chiropractic.

The authors of the study begin by noting that, "According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2002, there were 7.3 million American women between the ages of 15-44 who have impaired fecundity, equaling 11.8%."  The authors define infertility as, "...a state of impaired fertility, or sub-fertility, defined as an inability to conceive after at least one year of unprotected intercourse." They note that current research shows that approximately 40-60% of the time, infertility is attributed to the female, while 30-40% of the time it is attributed to the male with 10-20% of cases being unexplained.

In this case, a 31-year-old woman went to the chiropractor with complaints of upper back and neck tension, migraine, and tension headaches and tingling in her left arm. She had first noticed these problems after the birth of her first son. The woman was also suffering from menstrual pain, heavy bleeding, and cycles frequently lasting two weeks in duration. Her problems were so severe, and causing difficulty with daily activities due to heavy bleeding, that she was forced to stay home one to two days a month.  Additionally, she expressed concern because she and her husband had been infertile for a little over three years.

A chiropractic examination was performed that consisted of palpation of the spine, range of motion, thermal and sEMG scans, along with spinal x-rays. Postural abnormalities were noted, ranges of motion were impaired, and palpation showed areas of possible spinal problems. Additionally the sEMG and thermal scans showed problems relating to nerve system function. Between these findings and the spinal x-rays, it was determined that the woman had nerve system interference from multiple spinal subluxations.

Specific chiropractic adjustments were begun several times per week to correct the subluxations.  The results in this case were immediate as the woman reported that her menstrual cycle, which was on day six, stopped after the first adjustment. This had not happened since the birth of her first son more than three years earlier. She also noted that her mid back pain had slightly decreased. Additionally, by the third visit she stated that her headaches had lessened and were resolved from that point forward. After 26 days and eight adjustments, the woman reported that she had become pregnant.

In their discussion, the authors report on the growing medical industry surrounding infertility. They also point out that infertility treatment is very expensive. They note that chiropractic may present a viable alternative to the medical approach to infertility. "There is a growing body of evidence that links the management of vertebral subluxation to the restoration of proper function within a woman’s reproductive system and therefore enhancing the ability to conceive."

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Dr. Scott MacAdam

Dr. MacAdam is the owner and operator of Ladera Family & Sports Chiropractic. For over 20 years, he has been treating his patients with world-class care and service.

www.laderachiro.com