Randomised trial, 1999
Does chiropractic spinal manipulation help PMS symptoms?
Yes, spinal manipulation and soft tissue therapy reduced PMS symptoms more than placebo. However, the placebo effect was strong, making it unclear how much benefit came from the treatment itself rather than expectation.
What they did
Randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial in 25 women with diagnosed PMS. 16 received spinal manipulation plus soft tissue therapy 2 to 3 times weekly in the week before their period for at least 3 cycles. 9 received placebo with a spring-loaded instrument. After 1 cycle washout, the groups switched treatments. Daily symptom ratings were compared to baseline.
What they found
Treatment scores decreased significantly compared to baseline (P=.00001) and compared to placebo (P=.006). In the 16 women who received real treatment first, scores decreased versus baseline (P=.0001) and versus placebo (P=.041). In the 9 women who received placebo first, scores decreased versus baseline (P=.01) but showed no difference versus placebo at the P=.05 level.
What it means for you
Chiropractic treatment appeared to help PMS symptoms. However, because the placebo group also improved significantly, a large portion of the benefit may come from expectation rather than the treatment itself. The study is small with only 25 women enrolled and only 16 completing the full treatment phase.
25
women enrolled
16
completed treatment
2-3
sessions per week
About the study
- Original title
- A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial on the efficacy of chiropractic therapy on premenstrual syndrome
- Authors
- Walsh MJ, Polus BI
- Journal
- Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics
- Year
- 1999
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 16
- What was tested
- Spinal manipulation plus soft tissue therapy 2 to 3 times weekly in the week before menses
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/s0161-4754(99)70018-7