Survey study, 2020
Does manipulating the lower back joints help with menstrual cramps and PMS?
In this small study, yes. Women who received lower back joint mobilization showed improvements in both menstrual cramps and PMS symptoms.
What they did
24 women with menstrual cramps received lumbosacral joint mobilization (gentle manipulation of lower back joints). Treatment was given 21 days into the menstrual cycle and lasted 20 seconds total, performed in three sets. Pain and PMS symptom scores were measured before and after treatment.
What they found
Both menstrual cramps and PMS symptoms showed a clear improvement after lower back joint mobilization. A correlation was found between lower back joint angle and how severe the cramps and PMS were.
What it means for you
Manipulating lower back joints may reduce menstrual pain and PMS symptoms, possibly by improving pelvic alignment. This was a very small study with only 24 women and no control group, so more research is needed to confirm the findings.
24
women
21
days into menstrual cycle when treatment given
20
seconds duration of treatment
About the study
- Original title
- The Effects of Lumbosacral Joint Mobilization on Dysmenorrhea, Premenstrual Syndrom
- Authors
- Hyeyun Lee, Yangjin Lee, S.Y. Kim
- Journal
- Archives of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy
- Year
- 2020
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 24
- What was tested
- Lumbosacral joint mobilization (gentle manipulation of lower back joints)
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.24332/aospt.2020.16.2.02
Topics
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