Fertility and the chiropractic adjustment is a hotly debated subject. So much so that I initially felt a bit tentative about writing about the subject but then I thought that you deserved the opportunity to make up your own mind.
Firstly let me state that I’m not claiming that a chiropractic adjustment can cure infertility. In fact a chiropractic adjustment doesn’t cure anything: the aim of a chiropractic adjustment is to enable your nervous system (compromising your brain and spinal cord and the nerves that branch off and reach every inch of your body) to function properly. As your reproductive organs are controlled by your nervous system, as is everything else is in your body, it is not unthinkable that a better functioning nervous system will aid fertility.
It was after hearing anecdotal evidence about women who have had problems conceiving who then went on to get pregnant following chiropractic care (for other problems) that a US chiropractor, Dr Madeline Behrendt, decided to conduct some research.
Published in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research (JVSR), the twelve studies suggested improved fertility following chiropractic care. Dr Behrendt noted that, although not conclusive,
the results of the research should stimulate consideration of structure as a factor in infertility and increase awareness of the role of the nervous system in fertility.
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 a number of medical infertility treatments but still could not conceive. After two months of chiropractic care, with attention on adjustments in the lumbar region, her periods started and after regular cycles for four months, she became pregnant. In fact in clinical practice I have actually experienced this same amazing experience, when serving one of my clients
It must be said that this was a very small study and one can only hope that further research is done in this very intriguing area.
Another US chiropractor interested in fertility is Dr Frank Painter who suggests that chiropractic adjustments could be improving the function the nerves that control the movement of the muscles (peristaltic motion) that push the egg along the tubes leading to the uterus.
Dr Painter says, in theory, if this peristaltic motion is so disturbed that it backs up and delivers uterine tissue into the abdominal cavity or onto the ovaries, it can result in endometriosis. He cites at least five studies where women who were close to being surgical candidates because of endometriosis ultimately found relief in chiropractic care.
If you are concerned about fertility, normally measured by not conceiving following a year of trying, then you should talk to your GP. My personal opinion it that, with most fertility treatments being expensive and invasive, there’s no reason why a woman shouldn’t try to get her body working properly before (or as well as) trying medical intervention.
Lifestyle changes to boost fertility
If you are thinking of starting a family, here are some simple steps you can take to increase your chances of conception and a healthy pregnancy:
1) Food: a balanced nutritious diet will improve your wellbeing and help give a healthy body that is able to nourish a baby. All women trying for a baby should take a supplement of 400mcg of folic acid a day to help prevent birth defects such as spina bifida. Research carried out on the whole food nutritional company I use “Juice Plus” showed the following: Women who had added Juice Plus+® to their regimen had significantly fewer Caesarean deliveries (47% versus 66%), no premature deliveries before 37 weeks (compared to 35 women or 20% of the comparison group), and no diagnosed incidents of preeclampsia (versus 38 cases or 21% of the comparison group). The Juice Plus+® babies fared better as well. They weighed about a half-pound more at birth on average (7 pounds, 11 ounces versus 7 pounds, 3 ounces). None of the Juice Plus+® babies had to be admitted to neonatal intensive care (compared to 17 or almost 10% of the comparison group babies). Similarly, none of the Juice Plus+® babies studied were diagnosed with respiratory distress syndrome (versus 13 or 8% of the non-Juice Plus+® babies). Dr. Odom who carried out the research offers a simple explanation: “Healthier moms have healthier babies.”
2) Weight:Being overweight or very underweight can affect your periods and decrease your chances conception.
3) Alcohol: Avoid alcohol completely if you are trying to conceive and definitely cut it out once you are pregnant. To drink during pregnancy risk not only foetal alcohol syndrome, but a myriad of other infections due to a depressed immune system!
4) Smoking: Just don’t. Seek help in quitting if you are a smoker as smoking is linked to infertility, problems with the development of the foetus and early menopause.
5) Exercise: Regular moderate exercise (such as brisk walking) for at least 30 minutes a day will help to keep you fit for conception and help to control your weight. Exercise also reduces stress and boosts levels of endorphins.
6) Stress: stress can affect your menstrual cycle so learn techniques to manage and reduce the stress in your life.
7) Drugs: certain prescription drugs can reduce the chance of conception. If you’re taking regular medication, talk to your doctor. You (and your partner) should obviously avoid all illegal drugs.