Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain – An NYC Chiropractor’s Insight
March is endometriosis awareness month and we wanted to educate our patients a bit on this important condition.
WHAT: According to the Mayo clinic Endometriosis is the development of uterine-lining tissue outside the uterus. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, heavy periods, and infertility. Endo is a derivative from the word endometrium. This is the tissue that lines the uterine wall. When this tissue grows outside of the uterus pain can ensue. Treatment options include pain relievers, hormones, and surgery.
WHO: It is known to affect more than 11% of women between the ages of 15 and 44.
Pain can manifest in multiple ways including:
- excessive menstrual pain
- pain the low back and hip region
- Pain with intercourse
- pain with bowel movement
HOW: The issue at hand is this endometrial tissue becomes inflamed and bleeds once a month with a women’s menstrual cycle. Because this tissue is outside of the uterus the body has difficulty removing the blood and cells associated with normal menstruation. This leads to pain and excessive scar tissue formation in areas of the pelvis were vital organ function is necessary. Think about a scar on your skin from a cut and how this tissue is different from the rest of your skin. Now imagine that tissue dense, and thick in nature unable to stretch and move normally inside of your pelvis, wrapped around vital organs. This spider web of dense fibers leads to immense discomfort and dysfunction for the person afflicted.
Treatment for Endometriosis in Midtown NYC:
Medication: If you are not trying to become pregnant birth control or an IUD device has been shown to help. In both cases stopping or reducing bleeding is the result which in turn reduces the pain associated.
Surgery: Used if someone is in severe pain and is having trouble getting pregnant. Based on the information I have read this type of procedure has had limited success. Surgical incisions can actually cause more harm if care is not taken and the patient will usually have to resume hormonal medication after the procedure.
Complementary or Alternative / Integrative Therapies for Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain in New York
Patients have reported relief with modalities such as acupuncture, chiropractic, nutritional supplements, herbs, and specific pelvic floor physical therapy. At the Center for Spine Care and Mobility, we offer an integrated approach which combines all the above with the mindset of allowing the body to heal itself naturally. Our expert trained physical therapists can perform a specific examination and work collectively in order to give you the best chance of combating this painful condition.
The Center for Spine Care and Mobility was started in 2000 and has developed into an integrated/multi-disciplinary health care facility. At our New York City office, we offer services consisting of chiropractic, physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, and medical services. We are trained in/ have certifications in the following: Active Release Technique, Graston Technique (IASTM), Kinesio taping, Titleist Performance Institute (TPI), Gravity Fit, Dorsavi, MCGill Method, as well as cupping. We also have a department that specializes in pelvic floor issues with a natural focus on rehabilitation with physical therapy, massage, chiropractic, and acupuncture.
