Infertility impacts millions of women and can be discouraging for couples actively trying to conceive. There are a variety of treatments that attempt to increase fertility through drugs, surgery, and other therapeutic methods. Chiropractic care is not a fertility treatment; however, many women have experienced a resolution of infertility and gone on to conceive and bear healthy children after chiropractic care.

Perhaps the reason chiropractic has been so effective in promoting fertility is that it is not an attempt to artificially control the environment of the body. It is rather a method for allowing the body to control itself better and create the optimal natural conditions for a healthy conception and pregnancy. Chiropractors correct vertebral subluxations which are misalignments of the spine that stress the nerve system. Since the nerve system literally controls the whole body, a subluxation can produce a variety of dysfunctions in your body that are not always evident by pain. So the emphasis of chiropractic is how you function, not how your back feels.

I have taken the time to reference some chiropractic research documents that talk about infertility response to care. The quotes are details about the case, the care, and the results observed. 

Yours in health,

Dr. Renfrow

• Colman LA, Jaques CM. Resolution of infertility following chiropractic care for vertebral subluxation: A case study and review of the literature [case report; review]. J Pediatr Matern & Fam Health - Chiropr. 2017 Winter;2017(1):8-15.

"A 24-year-old patient presented for chiropractic care with a chief complaint of back pain and a 3.5-year history of infertility with infrequent progesterone induced menstrual cycles. Physical examination findings included postural abnormalities, paraspinal muscular tenderness, myospasm and vertebral subluxations."

"The patient was managed for vertebral subluxations through specific chiropractic care with the use of Diversified and Webster techniques. Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) and therapeutic exercises were also applied during the course of care. The patient noted that on the ninth visit that she had her first normal menstrual cycle since the start of chiropractic care and that by the twelfth visit she was pregnant."

• Stenberg J, Hilpisch J. Female infertility and upper cervical chiropractic care: A case series [case report]. J Upper Cervical Chiropr Res. 2016 Summer;2016(3):Online access only p 31-43.

"Two female patients, ages 28 and 37, presented with a history of infertility and evidence of upper cervical subluxation. Both patients reported a significant history of motor vehicle accidents with cervical trauma, and were experiencing symptoms related to neuroendocrine dysfunction at the time of the initial examination."

"The patients both initiated upper cervical chiropractic care and received high-velocity, low-amplitude adjustments according to the Blair Upper Cervical technique protocol. Both patients were able to conceive and deliver with no additional support while under care. Patient number one experienced a resolution of menstrual cycle irregularity and subsequent pregnancy while under chiropractic care, and patient number two was able to conceive without the use of assisted reproductive treatments for the first time. Additional improvements in quality of life were noted for both patients as well."

• Metzger DK. Resolution of infertility in a patient with polycystic ovarian syndrome, hypothyroidism, and ulcerative colitis following subluxation-based chiropractic care: A case report and selective review of the literature [case report; review]. J Pediatr Matern & Fam Health - Chiropr. 2016 Summermer;2016(3):Online access only p 68-74.

"A 30-year-old female presented with a chief complaint of neck pain and ulcerative colitis. She had a history of three motor vehicle accidents (MVA's), once during her childhood, once while in high school and then again in 2006 to which she attributed her neck pain. During the history, it was revealed that she was also diagnosed with hypothyroidism in 2004 and with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in 2005. She underwent two years of conventional fertility treatments consisting of Metformin, Spironolactone and Clomid without success. In 2008 she was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis that she managed with medications."

"Paraspinal thermography, static and motion palpation, and leg checks were utilized to locate and monitor nervous system dysfunction and vertebral subluxation. The patient was adjusted with Diversified chiropractic technique over an eight-month time period. The patient monitored her own ovulation after five months of care and discovered that she was ovulating again for the first time in eight years. The patient was able to successfully get pregnant after eight months of care on the reportedly first unprotected attempt at conception."

• Lombardi P, Revels K. Resolution of infertility following subluxation based chiropractic care: A case study [case report]. Ann Vert Sublux Res. 2015 Spring;2015(2):Online access only p 99-107.

"Twenty seven year old female sought chiropractic care for infertility, low back pain, headaches, neck pain, mid-back pain, sinus problems, sore throat, and dizziness. Upon examination, it was revealed that she was under medical care for infertility since being diagnosed five months prior to seeking chiropractic care."

"Chiropractic care included: mirror image adjusting, Thompson drops and Diversified adjustments with cervical extension compression traction. After two and a half months of regular chiropractic care, the patient conceived."

• Borkhuis S, Crowell M. Resolution of infertility in a 31-year-old female undergoing chiropractic care for the reduction of vertebral subluxation: A case report [case report]. J Pediatr Matern & Fam Health - Chiropr. 2013 Fall;2013(4):Online access only p 78-83.

"A 31-year-old female presented to the office with a chief complaint of upper back and neck tension as well as tension and migraine headaches. Her history revealed that she had a 3-year history of infertility, menstrual pain, heavy bleeding and cycles frequently lasting two weeks in duration."

"A full chiropractic evaluation including radiography, thermography, surface electromyography and heart rate variability was utilized to evaluate vertebral subluxation. Specific Diversified adjustments were applied to manage subluxations. The results of five months of care are provided. Following one adjustment the patient reported normal menstruation and following eight adjustments the patient reported she had conceived."

• Schwanz JW, Schwanz JT. Female infertility and subluxation-based Gonstead chiropractic care: A case study and selective review of the literature [case report; review]. J Pediatr Matern & Fam Health - Chiropr. 2012 Fall;2012(4):Online access only p 85-94.

"A 29-year-old female schoolteacher with an 8-year history of infertility presented to a chiropractic clinic for care. She revealed during the history that her menstrual cycle typically lasted 40-60 days, on average."

"Vertebral subluxation was found at S4 sacral segment, and specific, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts were delivered according to Gonstead protocol. After 4 weeks of care, she reported being pregnant."

• Wolcott E, Hughes M. Healthy pregnancy following chiropractic care in ovarian cancer patient after 2 years of infertility: A case report [case report]. J Pediatr Matern & Fam Health - Chiropr. 2012 Winter;2012(1):12-15.

"A 28 year old woman with a two year history of infertility following ovarian cancer and subsequent laparoscopy. Patient presented to office seeking improvements to overall health in order to increase chances of fertility. Patient had previously sought conventional medical treatments for infertility including Clomid and Perganol - both proved to be unsuccessful. At the time of physical exam patient had a chief complaint of low back pain and infertility."

"Initial examination including orthopedic, neurologic, radiologic, and chiropractic analysis all performed to determine patient's need for chiropractic care. At each visit motion and static palpation, visual observation, and shunt stabilization test were performed to detect vertebral subluxation. Treatment plan and examination protocols consisted of full-spine chiropractic adjustments."

• Stone-McCoy P, Abbott G. Resolution of infertility, healthy pregnancy and delivery in a patient previously diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome [PCOS]: A case report and selective review of literature [case report]. J Pediatr Matern & Fam Health - Chiropr. 2012 Winter;2012(1):Online access only p 26-30.

"A 29 year old female presented to the office following a recent diagnosis of PCOS. The diagnosis was made by her medical doctor following a 6 month time period of being unable to conceive. The patient had no other pain or symptomatic complaints at the time of initial presentation."

"Surface electromyography, rolling thermography, and heart rate variability were utilized to localize and quantify nervous system dysfunction and subluxation. Chiropractic adjustments were delivered using Diversified technique. The details of 4 months of care are provided. The patient was able to conceive and deliver a healthy child during the course of care."

• Cohn A, Minnich J. Successful conception following reduction of vertebral subluxation in a 31 year old woman: A case report and selective review of the literature [case report; review]. J Pediatr Matern & Fam Health - Chiropr. 2011 Spring;2011(2):Online access only p 66-72.

"A 31-year-old woman presented to the office with the intent of improving overall health. Her health history included headaches, digestive complaints and SI joint pain with bending. She also had been unable to conceive after nine months of attempting to do so."

"An initial examination of the nervous system included thermography and sEMG studies and showed poor function of the autonomic and motor nervous systems. The woman was recommended a course of care consisting of regular chiropractic visits using diversified style adjustments. After thirteen weeks of chiropractic care the patient reported two pregnancies - the first after five weeks of care, which was nonviable and the second at thirteen weeks of care, which was a successful conception. The second pregnancy was carried to term with no complications."

• Goodsell L, Shtulman I. Resolution of secondary amenorrhea following reduction of vertebral subluxations: A case report. J Pediatr Matern & Fam Health - Chiropr. 2011 Spring;2011(2):Online access only p 59-65.

"A 21-year-old female presented to a chiropractic office with a 5 year history of back pain and amenorrhea following sacral trauma. Physical exam revealed indicators of vertebral subluxation including motion and static palpation abnormalities, postural alterations, as well as paraspinal thermography and surface electromyography asymmetries."

" Vertebral subluxations were found at C1, T1, T11, and L4. Adjustments were delivered using specific, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, using Motion Palpation technique. Twelve weeks into care the patient reported having her first normal menstrual cycle in 5 years. At 16 weeks of care she reported having normal, regular menstrual cycles for the first time in her life."

• Gauthier E, Mullin L. The effects of Gonstead chiropractic care on a patient with primary amenorrhea: a case report and review of related literature [case report; review]. J Pediatr Matern & Fam Health - Chiropr. 2010 Summer;2010(3):Online access only p 116-121.

"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."

"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."

• Alcantara Joel, Stern G, Oman RE. Female infertility, subluxation & chiropractic care: A case series and selective review of the literature [case report; review]. J Pediatr Matern & Fam Health - Chiropr. 2009 Spring;2009(2):Online access 10 p.

"Three females presenting with a chief complaint of infertility and vertebral subluxation."

"Chiropractic care included diversified spinal adjusting, dietary modification and nutritional supplements. All three women conceived following the introduction of chiropractic management."

• Bula SM. Infertility and chiropractic: a review of the literature. J Clin Chiropr Pediatr. 2008 Mar;9(1):567-571.

"Infertility impacts six million women between the ages of 15 and 54 and is becoming an increasing concern for our society. This paper examines ten papers published in the literature related to infertility issues to assess the role of chiropractic adjustments in facilitating successful pregnancies."

"This review includes case studies of eleven female patients, ranging in age from 22 to 42, with a mean ago of 32. Their pregnancy histories included: one natural childbirth, two miscarriages, two failed in-vitro fertilizations, and three failed artificial inseminations. After receiving chiropractic care, there were eleven successful pregnancies. Chief concerns that these women presented to the chiropractic offices included: low back pain (one), infertility (eight), dysmenorrhea (two), ulcerative colitis (two), ankle pain (one), and neck pain (one)."

"Chiropractic adjustment techniques used to correct vertebral subluxation included: Torque Release Technique™ (four), Sacro Occipital Technique (two), diversified (one), Directional Non-Force Technique (one), and Network Spinal Analysis (one). The women became pregnant between a period of one to 20 months after receiving chiropractic care."

• Sims L, Lee J. Resolution of infertility in a female undergoing subluxation based chiropractic care: Case report & review of literature [case report; review]. J Vert Sublux Res. 2007 ;AUG(6):Online access only pp. 1-6.

"A 23 year old female presented for chiropractic care to improve her overall health, in the hope that she may ultimately be able to have a child. At the time of the physical exam there was a six week history of numbness and tingling in her left foot, and within a month the temporary bouts of numbness included both of her legs and feet. The patient was referred to a neurologist for consultation."

"Examination protocols of Diversified Technique were utilized to detect and adjust vertebral subluxations for the first 2 ½ months of care and Toggle/Webster Technique protocols were used exclusively thereafter. Visits included thermography as an instrumentation procedure. The patient had her first natural menstrual cycle 3 ½ months into care and discovered she was pregnant 4 ½ months after initiation of chiropractic care. Ultrasound confirmed the pregnancy shortly after."

• Kaminski TM. Female infertility and chiropractic wellness care: a case study on the autonomic nervous system response while under subluxation based chiropractic care and subsequent fertility [case report]. J Vert Sublux Res. 2003 ;NOV(2):Online access only 10 p.

"A 31 year old woman presented to have her nervous system evaluated after her husband's encouragement. They were under medical treatment for infertility as they had been attempting to become pregnant for over 12 months, and the woman had been taking Clomiphine Citrate (clomid) for 3 months. Her previous child, three years old, had been conceived naturally."

"The initial chiropractic examination revealed increased aberrant autonomic and motor nervous system function detected on the thermography scans and sEMG scans, respectively. For the first three months (21 visits) of care the practice member received Diversified chiropractic adjustments followed by four months (12 visits) of Torque Release adjustments. At each visit prior to structural diversified adjustments, motion and static palpation, visual observation, Deerfield leg check and cervical syndrome test were performed to detected vertebral subluxations. The Torque Release Technique (TRT) utilizes the Intergrator™, a torque and recoil release adjusting instrument and three phases comprised the evaluation. After one month of care the practice member chose to stop taking the clomid. By the third month of care she reported having normal menses for two months and drug-free ovulation by month four. Nine months after chiropractic wellness care, the practice member conceived and proceeded to experience a successful full term pregnancy."

• Lyons DD. Response to Gonstead chiropractic care in a 27 year old athletic female with a 5 year history of infertility [case report]. J Vert Sublux Res. 2003 ;NOV(9):Online access only 3 p.

"Evidence of vertebral subluxation, including dysautonomia and dysponesis, were detected at multiple levels, and chiropractic care was applied using the Gonstead System. The details of 1 month of care are described."

"One month after the application of chiropractic care, marked reduction in dysautonomia and dysponesis is demonstrated, and while previously infertile for 5 years this woman conceived and sustained a successful pregnancy. Further research is suggested examining the application of chiropractic care and associated restoration of function, including reproductive function."

• Ressel O. A commentary on infertility. J Vert Sublux Res. 2003 ;DEC(24):Online access only 2 p.

"A 65-year young female presented with agonizing low back pain and severe lumbar degeneration. After four weeks of care she began spotting and was diagnosed as having a normal menstrual cycle. Her past history indicated a severe fall at 13 years of age and complete cessation of her menses at 18. She was diagnosed as infertile."

• Bedell L. Successful pregnancy following diagnosis of infertility and miscarriage: A chiropractic case report. J Vert Sublux Res. 2003 ;DEC(2):Online access only 7 p.

"A 27 year old female presented for chiropactic care to improve her overall health, in the hope that she may ultimately be able to have a child. In the previous year she had suffered 2 miscarriages, and had been anovulatory for 9 months. She was under medical treatment for infertility and ulcerative colitis, and followed a restrictive diet. Prior to attempting to become pregnant, she had been on the birth control pill for 7 years."

"Examination protocols of Torque Release Technique™ (TRT) were utilized to detect vertebral subluxations. Adjustments were applied with the Integrator instrument; the initial visit schedule was twice weekly for 30 days, and then one visit per week for an additional 30 days. Other therapies used included: craniosacral therapy, relaxation exercises, stretching and audio tapes. After 60 days of care, a normal ovulatory cycle occurred, and she became pregnant after her second normal cycle."