Women's Series #2

Those Painful Monthly Cramps

A warm, soothing hot bath can relax away those pains.

                                                   

It’s that time of the month again and you’re in agony. What causes you to suffer from these dreadful cramps every month? Believe it or not, more than 90% of all women have menstrual cramps at some point in their lives and a little more than 50% experience menstrual cramps every month for one or two days either right before or at the onset of their period.

Although menstrual cramps occur more often during the teenage years, some women experience them well into their twenties and beyond. One in ten women experience pain so bad, they’re unable to go about their daily routine for several days each month.

What causes painful menstrual cramps and what can be done to alleviate the pain?

Cramps are caused by contractions of the uterus. Like all other muscles in the body, the uterus contracts on a regular basis and then relaxes. Right around the time of your period, these contractions become stronger and this is what produces the pain and discomfort.

The following natural remedies may help relieve the pain and discomfort of menstrual cramps:

* Regular exercise, such as walking
* Adding additional calcium and zinc to your diet
* The use of certain herbal remedies that have anti-spasmodic properties, including Viburnum prunifolium, Scutellaria spp. and Cimicifuga raemosa

* Soaking in a warm bath that has been prepared with aromatherapy oils (have you tried lavender?) 

* Warm compresses or a heating pad, which can be applied to the lower abdomen to ease the pain 

* Relaxing and putting your feet up to alleviate stress
* Good, old fashioned chiropractic adjustments

We’re aware that many women who suffer from menstrual cramps also experience frequent back pain. Is there a connection? Both may be related to vertebral subluxation complex in the lower spine that affects the nerves that serve the female anatomy. It’s been our experience that many women report a decrease in the frequency and severity of their menstrual cramps when they receive regular chiropractic adjustments.

Have you given it a try?

Women's Series

Pamper Yourself Healthy!



Remember, you’re a human being, not a human doing! Slow down. Pamper yourself. You deserve it.

You’re a woman who may be wearing way too many hats – wife, mother, coach, taxi driver, chef, laundress, shopper, maid, employee, employer, handywoman, nurse…the list could go on and on with the number of roles you play and jobs you have to do each and every day.

So…when do you make time for you?

It’s important that you find the time to pamper yourself. Women are generally so used to giving of themselves to their families and others that they seldom take time to give to themselves in little ways that make a difference. “Pamper myself? Why I just don’t have the time,” you might say.

Make the time – it’s healthy and you deserve it.

Here are some ways to treat yourself to some of the “little” things that lift your spirit and keep you healthy:

• Take a nice half-hour bubble bath – and lock the bathroom door!
• Treat yourself to a manicure or pedicure…or both!
• Get a relaxing half-hour massage – or better yet – go for an hour!
• Sit in a comfortable chair and put your feet up for a half hour – maybe even take a little catnap!
• Try out a new hairstyle or some strategically placed highlights!
• Go to the local coffee shop with a book and sip a latte or some Chai tea while reading the romance novel you’ve been dying to start!
• Light some candles, put on some soft music, get yourself a cup of chamomile tea and sit in semi darkness. Now…relax your body, mind and spirit!
• Get a babysitter and go out on a date with your husband or significant other – pampering both of you!

It’s important for your health and well-being to take care of yourself in the same way you care for others. And with that said – keep to your regular chiropractic adjustment schedule. Stress has a way of doing some real damage to you physically, mentally and emotionally and chiropractic adjustments keep you on an even keel!

PHOTO CONTEST

Just how photogenic are you?

You need to take the most interesting picture of you and/or your family members wearing our T-Shirt in the most interesting situation.

The Winner gets a $25 gift certificate to the store of their choice.

Deadline for receiving the picture (by e-mail only) is  September 1, 2011.  Dr. Ross (the official photographer for the clinic) will be the judge.

Winner is chosen on September 14, 2011.

E-mail your picture(s) to  Doc@DocRoss.com