The Effects of Gonstead Chiropractic Care on a Patient With Primary Amenorrhea: A Case Report and Review of Related Literature
Erin Gauthier, B.S. Bio Linda Mullin, D.C., C.A.C.C.P., F.I.C.P.A Bio
Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic ~ Volume 2010 ~ Issue 3 ~ Pages 116-121
Abstract
Objective: To describe the results of chiropractic care on a female with primary amenorrhea and review the related literature.
Clinical Features: A 25 year old female student with a history of primary amenorrhea presented to a chiropractic clinic for care under the Gonstead Chiropractic Technique. She revealed during her history that she had not reached menses by the age of 18 and only menstruated when on prescription birth control pills.
Interventions and Outcomes: Vertebral misalignments were found at the patient’s right occiput and the S2 sacral segment and specific, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts were performed at each area according to Gonstead protocol. After three adjustments, the patient reported her first menstrual period without the use of birth control. Natural progesterone cream was also used as a supplement to chiropractic care and may have been a contributing factor.
Conclusion: Chiropractic adjustments in this case appear to have been beneficial, but variables in the care plan (i.e. the progesterone cream) must be considered. Research on chiropractic and amenorrhea is lacking and the chiropractic profession is encouraged to conduct more research in this area.
Key Words: chiropractic, Gonstead, primary amenorrhea, subluxation, autonomic nervous system, infertility
