The definition of premenstrual syndrome is a complex one. It involves many factors mainly hormonal ones, but also structural ones. In order to discuss the Chiropractic aspects of the premenstrual syndrome. I will start with my clinical chiropractic observations over the past twenty years of practice. There seems to be a correlation with the position of the sacrum, a bone at the base of the spine, and menstrual cramps. Because of the muscular cramping that occurs during the menses this bone tends to shift forward and get blocked or jammed in that position. (This is interesting because the common malposition for the sacrum is in a backward malposition). It also more commonly occurs on the right side, which makes sense anatomically. The adjustment is slightly more technically difficult than other maneuvers and when this is adjusted a few times at the onset of cramping or the sensations of the onset of the menses. The cramping and other PMS symptoms usually reduce as well as any accompanying back pain. When this is repeated for two or three months in a row in most cases the patient does very well for months or years with out any further intervention. The results are variable from person to person, but in my experience there is almost always improvement to some degree.

The entire subject of PMS is a difficult one and there are many modalities of treatment as well as sometimes-fanciful claims by all types of physicians. Obviously to make fanciful claims will not benefit anyone let alone the individual patient. Therefore this article is based on thousands of patient visits and observations as well as the observations of many other chiropractors, researchers and professors. As mentioned above regarding the hormonal considerations that will have to be left to the researchers to work out. In the mean time there is sufficient evidence to date that will help many suffering women.