Chiropractic and Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) affects a large number of women and can include symptoms such as cramping, mood changes, fatigue, bloating, and irritability. While PMS is often managed with medications or lifestyle changes, some women seek natural, non-drug options for relief. Chiropractic care offers a holistic approach by focusing on the health of the spine and nervous system, which may influence hormonal regulation, pain perception, and overall body function.

Emerging research and case studies suggest that chiropractic adjustments—especially those targeting areas of spinal dysfunction—may help reduce PMS symptoms in some individuals. Below is a collection of research studies and clinical reports that explore the potential benefits of chiropractic care for women experiencing PMS.

Chiropractic Care May Reduce PMS Symptoms: A Case Series Study

This case series explored how chiropractic care could influence symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in women. Participants experienced common PMS symptoms such as bloating, mood swings, irritability, and discomfort prior to menstruation. Each subject received chiropractic care focused on spinal adjustments. The study found that many of the women reported noticeable improvements in their PMS symptoms during the course of care. Although individual responses varied, the findings suggested that chiropractic care might offer a safe, conservative approach to managing monthly discomfort without medication.
Source: Walsh MJ, Chandaraj S, Pulos BI. Chiropractic Journal of Australia. 1994;24:122–126.

Chiropractic Shown Effective for PMS in Controlled Trial

This randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of chiropractic spinal care in women suffering from premenstrual syndrome. A total of 25 women participated; 16 received chiropractic adjustments and 9 received a placebo intervention. Over the study period, women in the chiropractic group showed significantly better symptom improvement compared to the placebo group. More than half of the participants receiving chiropractic care reported meaningful relief from symptoms such as mood swings, tension, bloating, and fatigue. The results support the potential value of chiropractic therapy as part of a care plan for PMS.
Source: Walsh MJ, Polus BI. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 1999;22(9):582–585.

Spinal Problems More Common in Women with PMS

This study investigated whether spinal dysfunction was more frequent in women diagnosed with premenstrual syndrome compared to those without PMS. A total of 54 women with PMS were examined and compared to a control group with no PMS symptoms. The assessments, conducted in chiropractic teaching clinics, found the PMS group had significantly more spinal tenderness in the neck, mid-back, and low back. They also scored higher on the Neck Disability Index and showed greater muscle weakness during low back testing. These findings suggest that women experiencing PMS may also have underlying spinal dysfunctions, potentially contributing to their symptoms.
Source: Walsh M, Polus B. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 1999;22(4).

Chiropractic May Offer Holistic Support for PMS Symptoms

This clinical update discussed how chiropractors can approach premenstrual syndrome from a whole-person perspective. The author reviewed current research and clinical insights, highlighting that spinal care, lifestyle recommendations, and stress management could help reduce the physical and emotional symptoms of PMS. Rather than focusing solely on symptom suppression, the chiropractic model emphasized nervous system function and spinal health to support hormonal balance and improve overall well-being. The paper concluded that chiropractic care may offer a safe and effective option for many women struggling with PMS.
Source: Walsh MJ. Chiropractic Journal of Australia. 1993;23(2):48–53.

Four-Month Chiropractic Trial Shows Symptom Relief in PMS Sufferers

This clinical study followed 11 women who had experienced persistent PMS symptoms for at least four months. Participants received 5–7 chiropractic spinal adjustments per month over the course of four menstrual cycles. Each woman completed detailed symptom questionnaires at the beginning and end of care. The study evaluated changes in areas such as irritability, mood swings, tension, coordination, cognitive function, appetite, sexual drive, physical symptoms, and social impact. The women reported improvements in all ten symptom categories, with the greatest changes in sexual drive (70.7% improvement), social impairment (64.5%), and mood swings (60.8%). Overall, there was an average 44.2% improvement in symptoms.
Source: Wittler NA. Chiropractic: The Journal of Chiropractic Research and Clinical Investigation. 1992;8:22–29.

PMS Cramping and Low Back Pain Improve After Specific Spinal Adjustment

This case study detailed the care of a 28-year-old woman with chronic PMS and low back pain. Her monthly symptoms included cramping lasting 24 hours, depression, bloating, irritability, and compulsive eating behaviors around her menstrual cycle. Chiropractic evaluation identified spinal misalignment at the L1 vertebral level. Following specific adjustments to this area, her PMS-related cramping was reduced from 24 hours to just 30 minutes, and her low back pain also significantly decreased. This case highlights how targeted spinal care may play a role in managing both structural and hormonal symptoms linked to the menstrual cycle.
Source: Hubbs EC. Research Forum. 1986; Summer:100–102.