Endometriosis and Back Pain: Where Chiropractic May Fit

Endometriosis and related back pain

Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. It can cause pelvic pain, painful periods and fertility problems. Symptoms may persist after menopause, so it is inaccurate to say the condition always ends then.

Chiropractic adjustments are not an established treatment for endometriosis. A gynecologic clinician can evaluate symptoms and discuss pain treatment, hormonal medicines, surgery when appropriate and fertility-related care.

Common Symptoms

The main symptom that women report with endometriosis is pelvic pain. Many women also experience dysmenorrhea (painful periods), and cramping and pelvic pain can begin days before a menstrual periods, as well as continue for days after.

Other symptoms may include pain during sex, bowel movements or urination, fatigue, bloating and nausea. Some people have difficulty becoming pregnant. Symptom severity does not reliably show how extensive the condition is.

Causes of Endometriosis

The exact cause is not known. Several mechanisms are being studied, including retrograde menstruation and immune and genetic factors. None provides evidence that spinal misalignment causes endometriosis.

Are you at risk?

These factors are associated with a higher likelihood of endometriosis; they do not diagnose it or mean it is inevitable. Symptoms and medical evaluation matter more than a checklist.

• A mother, sister or daughter with endometriosis.

• Menstrual periods that began before age 11.

• Short menstrual cycles, less than 27 days.

• Heavy periods lasting more than seven days.

Treatment Options

Treatment is individualized according to symptoms, medical history and pregnancy goals. Pain medicines, hormonal treatment and surgery have different uses and tradeoffs. Supportive measures can help coping, but they should not replace gynecologic care.

• Pain medicines may help manage symptoms; ask about suitability and side effects.

• Hormonal treatments may reduce pain but need to fit medical history and pregnancy plans.

• Surgery may be considered for selected patients; symptoms can recur afterward.

• Fertility assessment and treatment may be appropriate when pregnancy is difficult.

• Physiotherapy and psychological approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy can form part of multidisciplinary pain care.

• Patient support groups can provide practical information and emotional support alongside medical care.

Where chiropractic may fit

A person with endometriosis may also have separate back or pelvic muscle pain. A clinician can assess that problem and consider exercise or other appropriate rehabilitation. Evidence does not establish that spinal manipulation treats endometriosis lesions, improves fertility or reliably relieves endometriosis pain.

Seek emergency assessment for sudden severe pelvic pain, fainting or heavy bleeding, especially if pregnancy is possible. Pelvic pain with fever needs prompt medical assessment. Persistent pelvic pain or painful periods that disrupt daily life warrant a gynecologic appointment.

For help evaluating a separately assessed back or muscle problem alongside your gynecologic care, contact Haywood Spine and Nerve Center in Waynesville at (828) 456-5700. Ask the clinic how to share medical information securely.

Further reading: WHO endometriosis information. NICHD: endometriosis risk factors.