As a mother of three boys, making my health a priority can be a struggle. My family’s health often comes first or work takes precedence. But as a chiropractor, I remind myself that I need to make sure I’m feeling healthy so I can take care of my family and lead by example for my patients.

That's why I’m shining a light on Women’s Health Week (2-6 September) this month. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving women’s health by helping them manage their own health and wellbeing.

My favourite part of my job is being able to support women and encourage them to make their health a priority. So this week, I thought I would share some of the reasons women come to see us at Canning Healthcare and how we help them manage their health.

Lower Back Pain During Pregnancy

About 50-80% of women experience lower back pain during pregnancy. The extra weight carried at the front of the body puts pressure on the spine, and the centre of gravity is altered because of the imbalance. Pregnancy hormones can also cause joint laxity, especially in the pelvis - all contributing to spinal pressure. Many women just suffer through lower back pain during pregnancy but chiropractic treatment - spinal manipulation, soft tissue therapy and exercise therapy - helps to “reduce pain and increase function” by increasing strength and reducing pressure on the central nervous system.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition that affects the joints including bone, cartilage, ligaments and muscles. The condition is four times more common in women than in men, and the chances increase as you age. Inflammation around the joint, damage to joint cartilage and deterioration of ligaments are all elements of OA, causing pain and stiffness. Depending on the severity, OA can decrease movement making normal daily activities difficult. According to the Arthritis Foundation, “if you have back or neck pain due to osteoarthritis, chiropractic is one of the safest therapies you can use.” Through manipulation and movement, chiropractic care helps to restore mobility in OA patients.

Hip Bursitis

Hip bursitis is another condition that affects women more than men. Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa. Bursa are sacs of fluid that act as cushions to reduce friction between joints and tissues.There are two main hip bursas. One is the greater trochanter (bony part of hip), the other iliopsoas (groin). Trochanteric bursitis is the most common. It can be very painful, often described as intense or achy pain felt at the top of the hip, radiating towards the thighs. Chiropractors can help to increase mobility in hip conditions that affect movement such as bursitis by manipulating the joint and providing exercises to improve hip function.

Increase Pelvic Floor Strength

Pelvic floor strength isn't something you would consider being of concern to chiropractors but studies have shown that spinal manipulation helps to relax the pelvic floor muscles and can be beneficial for pregnant women during vaginal delivery. For non-pregnant women, pelvic floor strength is known to reduce the severity of incontinence. Incontinence occurs through the weakening of the “urethral muscular support system and the sphincteric muscular network of the pelvic floor muscles.” Weakening can occur for many reasons including pregnancy, age, menopause and overactive bladder syndrome. Chiropractic care strengthens the pelvic floor, reducing the severity of incontinence.

Stress

Stress is by no means only a problem for women. Life is stressful for everyone at times. We experience stress from having too much on our plate, or going through emotional challenges. But what about our physical health? There’s been many studies around the connection between the nervous system, spine and mental health. Chiropractors see the mind and body as being connected. And if your body isn't functioning properly or you’re experiencing pain, your mind will be put under stress. The benefit of chiropractic care is the holistic viewpoint that health and wellbeing are related. One always affects the other. If we are able to lessen your physical stress, your emotional stress will lessen too.

Women’s Health Week

To support Women's Health Week, Canning Healthcare are offering new female patients initial chiropractic consultations for the special price of $50. Already a customer? Refer one of your gal pals for an initial consultation at the special price of $50 and you will also receive a complimentary adjustment!

Book Here

Chiropractic Care for Women's Health Week