Having served the Wheat Ridge community for years, I’ve met so many women who quietly suffer through PMS like it’s something they’re just supposed to “handle. According to the University of Iowa at least 85 of 100 menstruating individuals have experienced at least one symptom of PMS during their monthly cycle.
Another 3% to 8% deal with something even more intense—PMDD, a severe form of PMS that can be truly disabling.
To manage symptoms, many women are reaching for birth control pills such as Progestin and while it might be effective it can also change your cycle and shift hormone patterns in ways that aren’t always predictable or sustainable.
That’s why it’s good to look for safer alternatives and chiropractic care might just be that according to studies.
What is PMS (Understanding the Root Cause)
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) refers to a group of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms that show up during the second half of a woman’s menstrual cycle, usually 7 to 10 days before bleeding begins. These symptoms tend to fade once menstruation starts, they often manifest as:
- Abdominal cramping
- Low back pain
- Breast tenderness
- Mood swings or irritability
- Fatigue or brain fog
- Bloating and digestive issues
- Headaches or migraines
- Sleep disturbances
While most people think PMS is just “hormonal,” it’s more complicated than that. During the menstrual cycle, the hormones estrogen and progesterone naturally rise and fall.
In a healthy system, these shifts happen smoothly. But when the nervous system is overstimulated or if there’s poor communication between the brain and reproductive organs those fluctuations can feel more extreme.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help With PMS Symptoms
What many don’t realize is that certain PMS symptoms are tied directly to how your spine and nervous system are functioning. Here’s how it all ties together:
Cramping
Strong or prolonged cramping may be linked to poor nerve communication and blood flow in the lower pelvis. Adjusting the lower lumbar spine helps reduce pressure on nerves connected to the uterus. When the muscle tension is severe, we sometimes use shockwave therapy to help relax the soft tissues in the area.
Low Back Pain
Hormonal shifts can make the lower spine more sensitive, especially near the sacrum. A precise adjustment in that region often brings quick relief. For women dealing with sharp or radiating pain around their cycle, spinal decompression can take pressure off irritated nerves.
Headaches and Fatigue
Changes in hormone levels, paired with tightness in the neck and shoulders, can bring on headaches or brain fog. Chiropractic adjustments to the upper cervical spine (neck) can help restore normal nerve flow, which often improves clarity and energy. We’ve seen fatigue lift after correcting long-standing tension in the neck.
Mood Swings
Emotional shifts during PMS are influenced by how well the nervous system is regulating stress. When there’s pressure along the upper spine, it can throw off chemical signals and affect how you process stress or feel balanced.
What the Research Says About Chiropractic Care and PMS
A clinical trial looked at 54 women with PMS and 30 without to see if there was a link between PMS symptoms and spinal health. Both groups were similar in age 35.7 years for the PMS group and 34.4 years for the non-PMS group. T
They had nearly identical cycle lengths, and the PMS group actually had fewer women on birth control 11.1% compared to 27.2%. What stood out were the spinal exam results.
Women with PMS showed much higher rates at 5.4 out of 12 of spinal tenderness, muscle weakness, and orthopedic test failures especially in the neck, mid-back, and low back. PMS may not be just a hormonal issue.
There’s clear evidence that spinal dysfunction plays a role and that’s where exactly chiropractic care excels in making a real difference.
Final Thoughts
If PMS has been running your month, let’s change that. Call (720) 573-4910 or Book Your First Visit for just $97. You’ll get a complete evaluation and a plan built around you.
Dr. Al Simeone is personal, honest, and has a proven track record for getting real results. Let’s get you back to feeling in control—naturally.
FAQs About PMS
Can chiropractic care help even if I’m already on birth control?
Yes. Chiropractic care doesn’t interfere with medication. Instead, it supports the body’s ability to regulate itself—often making symptoms easier to manage.
Is it safe to get adjusted during my menstrual cycle?
Yes, chiropractic care is safe and gentle at any point in your cycle. In fact, many women find that regular adjustments throughout the month help keep their symptoms more manageable before their period even starts.
How quickly will I feel relief from PMS symptoms with chiropractic care?
Some women feel noticeable relief within the first few visits, especially if spinal misalignments are contributing to their symptoms.