Pain, Headaches, Sleep, and Anxiety Helped by Chiropractic

December 19, 2024

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The 2024 fourth-quarter issue of the Asian Pacific Chiropractic Journal published the results of a case study documenting the improvement, under chiropractic care, of a postpartum woman who was suffering with a variety of quality-of-life issues including spinal pain, migraine headaches, sleep problems, and anxiety.

The postpartum period is after a woman gives birth when her body is returning to a pre-pregnancy state. Postpartum usually lasts six to eight weeks after childbirth. Anxiety and depression are among a number of prevalent health issues during this timeframe.

In this case, a 27-year-old nurse presented herself to the chiropractor with her primary issues of low back, hip, and neck pain. The woman explained that the pain had been getting worse since she gave birth a few months earlier. She described her pain as constant and said it was made worse by house chores and working out at the gym.

Additionally, the woman also reported that she was experiencing headaches twice per week and migraine headaches about twice per month. She also stated that she was having mental focus and memory issues, as well as feeling anxiety and experiencing restless legs with calf cramps. She noted that she would wake up stiff in the morning.

A full chiropractic examination and spinal x-rays was performed and revealed that the woman had multiple vertebral subluxations. Based on these findings, specific forms of chiropractic care were started where the woman would be seen twice per week for the first twelve weeks.

The study documented that within a short period of time the woman showed positive results from her chiropractic care. The woman stated that she could focus better, had more energy, less anxiety and was able to handle stress better. She reported that she had a 50% reduction in the frequency of her headaches and was no longer getting any migraine headaches. She also experienced a 50% reduction in her hip pain and complete resolution of her neck pain.

In summing up this case and the woman’s positive response to chiropractic care, the authors of this study wrote, "The patient reported significant improvement outcomes across all measures, especially quality and quantity of sleep, focus, anxiety, and ability to handle stress. This was concomitant with a complete resolution of migraines and neck pain, and a significant reduction in headache and other musculoskeletal pain." They continued by suggesting, "Assisting new mothers in regaining adaptability postpartum may be a significant aspect of chiropractic care. An aspect of subluxation during this time may include poor sleep quality and quantity, which may impact other areas of life, including migraine, headache, energy, focus and mental health."