The Coopersburg Chiropractor to see - Chiropractor Coopersburg

Oh that Awful PMS

You’re cranky, tired, achy and irritable. You feel bloated and you cry easily. You crave salt and chocolate and you say things you really don’t mean. The scale tips upward and your mood shifts are even making you feel like you’re crazy! Ah yes, it’s your favorite time of the month – PMS, premenstrual syndrome, is raging once again and your family has headed for the hills. What makes you feel this way?

What can you do to alleviate the symptoms of PMS?

No one really knows what causes PMS, but it is thought to be largely hormonal and may occur due to elevated estrogen levels, decreased progesterone levels, and the hormonal interaction with other brain chemicals. It generally occurs two to 14 days before the first day of your menstrual cycle, and symptoms tend to subside once menstruation begins.

Classic PMS symptoms fall into two categories:

  • Physical, such as bloating, weight gain, headache, backache, fatigue, breast tenderness or swelling, increased appetite/cravings

  • Emotional – such as irritability, depression, mood swings, panic attacks, bouts of crying, tension, hostility

There are many non-drug alternatives that reduce the severity of or even relieve PMS symptoms, including:

  • Dietary changes, including increasing your intake of leafy green vegetables, fish with omega-3 oils (tuna, salmon, shellfish), grains, soy products, lean proteins

  • Exercise, because it releases chemicals in the brain called endorphins which are natural mood elevators that help reduce bloating and weight gain

  • Frequent hydrating, by drinking plenty of water you actually reduce swelling/bloating

  • Stress reduction techniques, such as prayer and mediation, yoga, deep breathing, or spending time doing a favorite hobby or activity

  • Chiropractic care, shown to be effective in relieving many PMS symptoms in several studies when receiving two to three adjustments during the weeks leading up to the onset of the menstrual cycle.

If you’re plagued with the symptoms of PMS (or know someone who is), call our office and arrange to come in and speak with Dr. Laurie Reinhart. Hear our success stories in caring for patients with PMS.

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Dr. Laurie Asks some important questions of interest to Coopersburg residents - Chiropractor Coopersburg Dr. Laurie Asks...

How long does it take to form a bone spur?
Many who begin chiropractic care think their problem happened "last week when you bent over funny." But pictures of the spine tell a different story. Chiropractors know it can take your body years to deposit the calcium necessary to form a bone spur. It's your body's response to stress due to gravity or joint malfunction. And chiropractic care can help.
What's your plan to deal with drug-resistant 'super germs'?
Chiropractors have always been concerned with the indiscriminate use of antibiotics, accelerating the mutation of microbes that make "wonder" drugs increasingly ineffective. My strategy? Do everything possible to bolster my immune system through proper diet, rest, exercise, clean air, pure water and an optimally functioning nervous system with regular chiropractic care.