Crimp On Cramps?

Women's issues image.

A lot of women experience them - those painful once-a-month cramps that leave them doubled over in pain and calling in sick to work. In fact, it is estimated that over 100 million employee work hours are lost each year in the US due to menstrual cramps (primary dysmenorrhea); that translates to a loss of more that one billion dollars annually to employers and affects businesses around the world.

Many chiropractors believe that women who experience painful menstrual cramps are likely to suffer from spinal problems, such as back pain, as well. They suggest a causal relationship between subluxations (nerve interferences) in the spine and lower back, and menstrual problems such as cramps. While more research is needed, this may explain why many women who see their chiropractor for their lower back pain report a subsequent lessening of their menstrual cramps.

Although standard over-the-counter drug treatments (analgesics) are effective in relieving the symptoms associated with menstrual cramps, side effects, such as stomach ulcers and abdominal pain, pose potential health hazards that are far worse than the pain of menstrual cramps.

Dr. Lori Asks some important questions of interest to Santa Barbara residents - Chiropractor Santa Barbara Dr. Lori Asks...

What's the difference between sick care and health care?
Sick care is largely about relieving or suppressing symptoms. Health care is about improving performance. While sick care is about how you feel, health care is about how you function. Sick care is what you do to treat an obvious problem, and health care is what you do to avoid the problem and advance your well-being.
What's the difference between a "good" drug and a "bad" drug?
As a chiropractor, I see the use of many drugs (legal or illegal) as merely symptom treating. Worse, virtually every drug produces unwanted effects. The effects of chiropractic are largely positive effects. If you're a Santa Barbara parent, consider carefully before giving your child a cough medication, cold remedy or pain reliever so this sort of question doesn't arise in the first place.