Throughout my career, I have witnessed many things. Some were totally unexpected. As a doctor of chiropractic I am accustomed to patients returning after the first, second or third visit reporting that they are feeling much better and having less pain. I also have come to expect related things like improved eyesight, balance, breathing, digestion, athletic performance, and many other things.
HOWEVER, early on in my career I began to receive other reports that, at first, were quite shocking – reports of improved SEXUAL FUNCTION. It started inconspicuously enough when thankful spouses began attending visits with partners who had begun chiropractic care. They each would smile and begin a conversation with me that went something like, “Doc, I don’t know what you did to my wife/husband, but please keep doing it!”
It seems that adjusting the lower back and hips achieves more results in some people than just symptom relief – UHHUUMM! I have also had women tell me on many occasions that menstrual cycles were less difficult, pelvic motion was better and they were able to conceive after years of being unsuccessful.
Let’s break it down into simple terms and logical explanations, shall we?
When discussing sexual function I think it’s appropriate to start with the PELVIC region, since this is where our sexual organs lie. The PELVIS is a bony structure made up of three bones, the ilium, ischium and pubis. The pelvic joints can get stuck, chiropractors call that a SUBLUXATION, causing lack of movement, inflammation, muscle spasms, bio-mechanical dysfunction and pain.
SACRAL subluxation is one of the most common causes of low back pain. The sacrum has an intricate network of nerves that branch off the spinal cord and innervates (controls) many muscles of the buttocks and legs, as well as the bladder and sexual organs. Sexual sensations are processed by the nerves of the sacral plexus.
We all know that when our partner says he or she has a “headache” it’s another way of saying, “not tonight.” But when it’s back pain they claim, they are probably not faking it. Low back pain can cause even the most passionate Casanovas to take a rain check. In addition, problems with the lower back can cause all kinds of maladies from SCIATICA, IMPOTENCE and SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION. If you don’t have lower back issues, consider yourself lucky. If you do, then you and I both know what might not be happening tonight!