Rethinking Period Pain
Menstrual discomfort is often seen as a “normal” part of being a woman. However, the cramping, bloating, fatigue, and emotional shifts many experience each month are not just inevitable burdens—they can be signs of deeper structural or neurological imbalance. While medication can offer temporary relief, it rarely addresses the root cause. This is where the connection between chiropractic and menstrual pain relief becomes important.
At Chiropractic Healing Team in Woodland Hills, Dr. Douglas Gordon helps women manage period pain naturally through gentle, personalized chiropractic care. By focusing on spinal health, pelvic alignment, and nervous system regulation, chiropractic adjustments support the body in working with—rather than against—its hormonal rhythm.
Understanding the Source of Menstrual Pain
Menstrual cramps (medically known as dysmenorrhea) are caused by uterine contractions driven by prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that facilitate the shedding of the uterine lining. When prostaglandin levels are elevated or poorly regulated, the contractions become more intense and painful. At the same time, lower back pain during periods often results from tension and misalignment in the lumbar spine or sacroiliac joints.
Hormonal fluctuations, inflammation, and muscular tension can all compound these symptoms. For some women, misalignment in the spine or pelvis contributes to the severity of menstrual cramps, which can radiate into the abdomen, back, and legs. As a result, the role of pelvic alignment and nervous system balance becomes a critical part of pain management.
The Spine’s Role in Hormonal and Pelvic Function
To understand how chiropractic adjustment helps, it’s essential to look at how the spine impacts hormonal regulation. The central nervous system—comprised of the brain and spinal cord—controls every function in the body, including the reproductive system. Nerves exiting the lumbar spine and sacrum communicate with the uterus, ovaries, and related tissues. When the spine is misaligned, nerve interference can disrupt communication, worsen muscle tension, and lead to heightened pain perception.
Chiropractic for women takes these anatomical and neurological links into account. By correcting misalignments (also known as subluxations), chiropractic care improves the flow of nerve signals, supporting more efficient muscle function, hormone regulation, and even blood flow in the pelvic region.
How Chiropractic Care Helps with Menstrual Pain
1. Restoring Pelvic Alignment
Misalignments in the sacrum or pelvis can put pressure on the soft tissues and ligaments connected to the uterus. When the pelvic alignment is off, the uterus may be restricted in movement, increasing the intensity of contractions and cramping. Gentle adjustments help realign the pelvis, allowing the uterus to contract and relax with greater ease.
2. Relieving Lower Back and Nerve Tension
For women who experience lower back pain during periods, chiropractic adjustments in the lumbar and sacral spine reduce muscular and nerve tension. This not only eases direct back pain but also improves the function of nerves linked to the reproductive organs.
3. Supporting Hormonal Balance
A properly functioning nervous system supports balanced hormone production and response. Chiropractic care can help reduce stress on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which plays a role in reproductive hormone balance. This is particularly helpful for women with irregular periods, PMS, or mood swings related to their cycles.
4. Offering Drug-Free Period Relief
Unlike medications that only mask symptoms, chiropractic care addresses the root cause of dysfunction. Women seeking drug-free period relief appreciate that chiropractic adjustments work with the body’s natural processes rather than overriding them with chemicals.
Who Can Benefit from Chiropractic and Menstrual Pain Relief?
While every woman’s experience is different, chiropractic care can help if you experience:
- Moderate to severe menstrual cramps
- Lower abdominal or back pain before or during menstruation
- Bloating and digestive discomfort during your cycle
- Mood swings or fatigue
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Heavy or prolonged periods
Additionally, women managing conditions like endometriosis or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) may benefit from the supportive effects of chiropractic for women, though care is always customized to individual needs.
The Science Behind Chiropractic and Hormonal Regulation
Though more research is still emerging, existing studies show promising results regarding chiropractic’s role in menstrual health. A 1999 study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that spinal adjustments improved menstrual pain symptoms in women who had experienced persistent dysmenorrhea. Additionally, chiropractic’s effects on the nervous system, cortisol regulation, and circulation have been documented to support immune and endocrine function—key players in menstrual comfort.
Importantly, anecdotal reports and clinical experience continue to show significant relief among women who receive care during their cycles.
Chiropractic Care vs. Conventional Treatments
Traditional treatments for menstrual discomfort often include anti-inflammatory medications, hormonal contraceptives, or muscle relaxants. While these may provide temporary relief, they do not resolve the mechanical and neurological imbalances underlying many menstrual symptoms.
Chiropractic care is different. By focusing on pelvic alignment, spinal health, and nerve regulation, it offers a long-term, sustainable solution. And because it’s drug-free, it doesn’t carry the same risks of dependency or hormonal disruption associated with pharmaceuticals.
What to Expect During Chiropractic Care
At Chiropractic Healing Team, Dr. Douglas Gordon takes a comprehensive and compassionate approach to care. Your first visit includes a full consultation, postural analysis, and review of menstrual health history. Based on your individual needs, Dr. Gordon develops a care plan that may include:
- Spinal adjustments to improve pelvic and lumbar alignment
- Muscle release techniques for the lower back and hips
- Lifestyle guidance on posture, movement, and cycle tracking
- Collaborative care with OB-GYNs or pelvic floor therapists when necessary
The goal is to support your body’s natural ability to heal and function without unnecessary intervention.
Chiropractic and Emotional Wellness During the Menstrual Cycle
In addition to physical symptoms, many women experience emotional changes during their cycle, such as irritability, anxiety, or sadness. These symptoms are often related to hormonal fluctuations and nervous system imbalances. Chiropractic care promotes parasympathetic activation—the “rest and digest” state—which helps regulate mood and reduce stress.
Regular chiropractic visits can also help you become more in tune with your body’s natural rhythms, empowering you to make healthier choices that align with your hormonal needs.
Why Choose Dr. Douglas Gordon in Woodland Hills
As a trusted Woodland Hills chiropractor, Dr. Gordon has extensive experience supporting women’s health through safe, effective, and research-informed chiropractic care. His personalized treatment plans, welcoming environment, and commitment to holistic wellness make him a go-to resource for women seeking period pain relief without medication.
Patients describe their care with Dr. Gordon as transformative—often reporting not only physical relief but improved energy, better sleep, and increased emotional resilience throughout the month.
Take the First Step Toward a More Comfortable Cycle
You don’t have to suffer through painful periods. Chiropractic care offers a natural path to comfort, stability, and hormonal balance. Whether you’ve tried everything or are just beginning your search for relief, Chiropractic Healing Team in Woodland Hills is here to help.
Clinic Details:
Chiropractic Healing Team
Address: 20700 Ventura Blvd, Suite 130, Woodland Hills, CA
Phone: (818) 345-2660
Website: www.chiropractichealingteam.com