June 2008

Conception and chiropractic

by Cindy Rondberg

As we all know, there are many chiropractors and chiropractic assistants married to each other. And, as we also know, there are many children born from this union -- thus, the "chiropractic family" is born. However, this isn't the topic of this month's column.

Instead, I'd like to discuss the more unfortunate couples whose hopes and dreams of starting a family are crushed when they begin to realize they may not be able to conceive.

Often couples have endured many tests that are available for men and women to first determine if they have any medical problems which would prevent conception. Then they may search out clinics for fertility drugs, shots and other procedures such as IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) which is often expensive and time consuming. While there are many support groups for infertility, miscarriage and stillbirths, couples often walk away feeling alone, depleted and as if they still have found no answers.

There are many factors that can prevent conception from taking place. It can be difficult because not only does the environment in the female body have to be just right, but there is a very short time frame each month when the female egg is ready to be fertilized. The thing that is so amazing to me is how many CAs and doctors I have talked to who have known someone, or have witnessed their patients conceive after being under chiropractic care.

So, why is chiropractic the last thing that is ever recommended or suggested to the couples who find themselves in this depressing situation? Is it that so many specialists -- especially in the medical community -- are completely unaware of the tremendous success rate of conception after chiropractic?

It was 1976, and a young girl named Robyn came to our office and revealed she was very disappointed because she had been married for five years, and desperately wanted children. She hadn't been on birth control for years and didn't understand why she couldn't get pregnant. She explained that her medical doctor had told her there wasn't anything wrong with her or her husband, and that she should just continue trying. She was suspicious because she had been a late developer as an adolescent and when she got her period (which wasn't ever regular), it was short and very light.

Her MD had put her on birth control pills as a teenager to regulate her periods, which seemed to work for several years. But, after reading about the dangerous side effects of staying on the pills for an extended period of time, she finally stopped using them. Many years later she was married and faced with the fact that she and her husband might never have children.

Robyn had never tried anything natural before, so most of what the doctor of chiropractic talked to her about -- including chiropractic -- was foreign to her. Yet, she was a good sport and said she was willing to try anything!

First he took x-rays and started adjusting her three times a week. He then suggested she go on a week's fast of just fresh juices and vegetable broth. Robyn didn't think she could do it but returned a week later and said she felt great and wanted to go a little longer! After 10 days she began eating fresh foods and changed her diet dramatically. She mostly ate raw nuts and seeds, fresh salads, fruits, grains and legumes. She began to talk about all the new recipes she found from natural cookbooks with such enthusiasm, it seemed to be her new passion.

Within three months she announced that she was pregnant! Everyone in our office was so excited for her, but not really surprised. She was a wonderful mother, and ended up having two more children in the next few years. We had the pleasure of watching her three girls grow up and also become chiropractic patients along with her husband!

Robyn wasn't the only patient I remember with this type of dramatic and similar experience.

Our last new patient of the day came in one summer evening. Her name was Carol. As I took her case history, she explained to me and the doctor that she hadn't had her period in seven years and she wanted desperately to have children. The doctor explained what chiropractic was, and continued with her exam, x-rays and finally an adjustment. She left that evening feeling somewhat hopeful, and wondered if maybe chiropractic could help her.

Not more than five minutes later, just as we were getting ready to close the office, she walked back in with tears in her eyes. We were both concerned and asked her what was wrong. We all sat down in the reception area and waited until she was able to control her crying. I could tell her tears were tears of joy, but couldn't imagine what might have happened within the last five minutes.

Carol explained that when she got into her car she realized she had started her period! We all looked at each other in shock. It had been seven years, yet after just one adjustment her period returned instantly. Could this be possible? We didn't have any answers but we knew that it had happened! She went on to tell us it was her birthday, and how excited and grateful she was that she had come to our office. She thanked us and told us it was the best birthday present anyone could have ever given her!

Does chiropractic play a role in fertility? Have you witnessed a few of these amazing stories in your office? Please share them with me because I know there are thousands out there, and together we can spread the word! Send your testimonials, or miracle stories to: Cindy Rondberg, PO Box 3826, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067.

(Cindy Rondberg worked in the chiropractic field for more than two decades, serving as a chiropractic assistant in St. Louis and Phoenix. Author of the popular "CA Advisor Training Manual," she has written numerous articles on chiropractic office management and CA functions. Her proven expertise in patient education, administration and training, and motivating chiropractic staff members helped build efficient practices for many DCs.)