Millions of women struggle with infertility. While many cases are treatable through a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and IVF, the process can prove both frustrating and expensive.
However, some patients have noticed increased fertility after chiropractic visits, even if they were being treated for completely different issues. No clinical trial has replicated this, so scientists don’t know if there’s a clear link. However, some theorize that chiropractic care enhances the body's general nerve function, which in turn aids hormone regulation and organ function. Others have noticed an association between reproductive issues and pelvic dysfunction, which chiropractic often treats through realignment.
Let's take a look at some research and noteworthy cases.
Clinical Study: Pelvic Dysfunction and Infertility
Volejnikova J, Krupicka R. Manuelle Medizin, 1992.
This study used a rehabilitation program to treat women with infertility. Treatment primarily consisted of exercises, stretching, and manual therapy that targeted the patients' pelvic dysfunction and mobility issues.
34% of the treatment group conceived, while only 8% of the control group did. Later, members of the control group went on to receive the treatment: 27% of them also conceived.
This study did not use chiropractic specifically. However, it did use manual methods that share principles with chiropractic.
Literature Review: Chiropractic and Fertility Outcomes
Behrendt M. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, May 2, 2003.
The author reviewed 14 case reports, noting an association between chiropractic and successful fertility outcomes. Interestingly, women have experienced fertility benefits regardless of age and the specific type of chiropractic treatment.
He concluded that more formal studies, large-scale evaluation, and safety assessments are needed to study the association further.
Individual Case Reports
Every patient is different: Not everyone experiences the same results from the same treatment. However, it's worth sharing success stories from individual patients.
Case Report: Network Spinal Analysis (NSA) Care and IVF
Senzon SA. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, September 14, 2003.
A 34-year-old woman attempted IVF for the first time. Due to a poor ovarian response, the first cycle was cancelled. She then began Network Spinal Analysis (NSA) care, wherein the chiropractor uses light, precise touches along the spine. This technique is designed to enhance the nervous system, help the body to self-correct, and reduce stress.
The second IVF attempt was successful and the patient became pregnant. She continued the NSA care during her pregnancy.
Case Report: Colitis Treatment and Increased Fertility
Blum CR. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, August 31, 2003.
A 32-year-old woman went to the chiropractor for chronic colitis. Because she only intended to address the colitis, she did not tell her chiropractor that she had been infertile for seven years despite receiving conventional treatments.
The chiropractor treated her colitis with the Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT), which generally entails placing blocks under the pelvis. This approach aims to use the patient's weight to gently realign the spine and pelvis. She also received the Chiropractic Manipulative Reflex Technique (CMRT), wherein the chiropractor gently manipulates reflex points and performs gentle adjustments.
The patient's colitis resolved. Around the same time, she became pregnant.
Case Series: Torque Release Technique and Fertility
Anderson-Peacock E. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, July 19, 2003.
Two medically infertile women were considering artificial insemination. A chiropractor then treated them with the Torque Release Technique (TRT), which uses a handheld instrument to deliver gentle, precise adjustments. TRT aims to help the nerves and spine function properly.
Both women conceived during the chiropractic course. The author notes that while chiropractic is not an infertility treatment, TRT may have helped the body regulate itself better and achieve greater health overall.
Fertility Benefits with Elevate Chiropractic
Even if you're already on a conventional fertility treatment plan, chiropractic can be an excellent complement. It's a drug-free, holistic approach that helps your body reach its fullest potential.
Schedule your free consultation here.
