Is there anything that your chiropractor can do to assist you in your quest to have a child? According to the Center for Disease Control, there is an estimated 6 million infertile women in the United States alone. Reportedly there are 9 million women who seek fertility assistance. At our practice at Total Health Systems, I see this problem with patients on an alarmingly increased basis. The question is, can chiropractic adjustments be one of those natural avenues that you can use to increase and enhance your chances of conception?
Chiropractic Research on Fertility
A series of research papers published in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research suggests that chiropractic adjustments, performed by chiropractors to address nerve interference caused by spinal distortions, could offer hope to many of these women. The 12 studies in the series found that chiropractic care had positive results regardless of the woman’s age, number of years infertile, previous medical intervention or health history including miscarriages, blocked fallopian tubes, amenorrhea, colitis, or trauma.
The first in the series, “Insult, Interference and Infertility: An Overview of Chiropractic Research,” reviewed 14 retrospective articles on the possible effect of spinal problems on fertility. All of the women in these studies were found to have vertebral subluxations – misalignments of the spine – and/or related problems of the spine that interfere with how the nerves work. These problems can be corrected by chiropractors with adjustments to the affected area of the spine.
Stress, Total Body Health Offer Clues
The stress histories of these infertile women included – but were not limited to – previous motor vehicle accidents, childhood falls, blocked fallopian tubes, scoliosis, and work stress that affected both mind and body. This is a key component, as increased stress can cause various reactions to the body internally. Importantly, but not limited to, increased muscle pain and tension which can lead to spinal misalignments. All of the women became pregnant after their subluxations were detected and corrected.
Among the cases cited in the first JVSR study was that of a 32-year-old infertile woman who had not menstruated for 12 years. The woman had undergone many medical infertility treatments, but still could not conceive. After two months of chiropractic care, with attention on adjustments in the lumbar region, her menses started and after regular cycles for four months, she became pregnant.
In explaining how chiropractic adjustments could affect fertility, Madeline Behrendt, D.C., associate editor of JVSR and lead researcher of this project said, “Essential to all processes of life is the nervous system, which perceives the environment and coordinates the cellular community’s biological response to the impinging environmental stimuli. It is reasonable to consider that a system that is properly functioning to its potential may resist destructive forces more successfully and with less damage.
Dr. Behrendt indicated that, even though not conclusive, “the results of this study should raise awareness of how the central and peripheral nervous system combined with structural inconsistencies can affect women experiencing infertility.”
My Experience at Total Health Systems
Personally as a practitioner, I have had numerous female patients who have suffered with infertility. I am happy to say that most have been able to conceive. By adjusting the spine and reducing and/or eliminating any type of nerve interference, the body is able to function at its highest potential (both internally and externally). While there is still more research to be done to determine exactly how chiropractic adjustments affect fertility, adjustments that improve one’s overall well-being are a good start.
The Bottom Line
Dealing with infertility is stressful to say the least. At bare minimum, with adjustments, a patient is able to function better from both a pain and physical standpoint. This in turn can have a positive effect when dealing with the mental stresses of this condition. Reduced bodily stress is one way that chiropractors may be able to help those who have been unable to conceive.
At Total Health Systems, we are dedicated to giving the best possible care to patients for all conditions. We have medical doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, nutritionists, and massage therapists on staff to assist on meeting most patients’ needs. Look to Total Health Systems to obtain optimal health and wellness-guaranteed.
