Helping Women with Endometriosis in Nanaimo
Endometriosis is a gynecological condition that affects 1 million women in Canada, according to EndoAct Canada. Women with this condition suffer from severe menstrual pain, pelvic pain and infertility. The condition is often not diagnosed until symptoms are pretty severe, and women have been taking a variety of painkillers to help manage the pain. Endometriosis has been understudied and under diagnosed until recently, probably for a variety of reasons, one being that it only affects women, transgender women and gender non-conforming people and that it is normal for women to experience menstrual pain, especially amongst the older generation of male doctors. It is, unfortunately, a life-long condition that women have to learn to manage and live with until menopause.
What is Endometriosis?
The uterus is composed of several layers: the endometrium (inner layer), the myometrium (the smooth muscle layer) and the perimetrium (thin, outer layer). Endometriosis occurs when cells from the endometrium, inside the uterus, migrate outside the organ and adhere to the uterus and surrounding organs such as the bladder, fallopian tubes, ovaries, the lining of the pelvic cavity, the small intestine, the rectum, the stomach and in some cases, the diaphragm. The buildup of abnormal tissue outside the uterus can lead to inflammation, scarring and painful cysts, according to John Hopkins Medicine. The medical community has been trying to pinpoint why these cells migrate outside their environment but still fails to find the exact cause.
How is it diagnosed?
The diagnosis of endometriosis is what makes it underdiagnosed. Ultrasounds, transvaginal ultrasounds and MRIs can be used to detect signs of endometriosis but not to fully diagnose it. A surgeon can complete the diagnosis with a laparoscopic procedure and a biopsy, which are both invasive procedures. Gynecologists and doctors can be reluctant to prescribe these procedures as surgery is costly and the backlogged health care system cannot always accommodate it, therefore not prioritizing menstrual pain as an emergency.
Osteopathy and endometriosis
I have been working as an osteopathic practitioner for over ten years and have seen too many women come into my office with a range of menstrual, hormonal and fertility problems. Endometriosis is a life-long ailment and cannot be cured by drugs. A surgeon can remove cysts caused by the outgrowth and remove patches of endometrial cells, which can significantly improve the symptoms. The role of osteopaths is to support the patient with various ailments they might suffer from. As mentioned, this condition contributes to inflammation on the outgrowth site and the entire system. As a result of inflammation, fascias and membranes of the abdomen can become adhered to themselves or their neighbours, further impacting the mobility of abdominal and pelvic organs, blood circulation, and the removal of toxins, thus contributing to the cycle of inflammation. The "endo" belly is a term commonly used to describe the abdomen of women with endometriosis. It often looks bloated, sometimes to an extreme, and women will look like they are a few months pregnant. Osteopathy is a great way to support women with endometriosis, and the following are a few ideas on how:
The release of the craniosacral system increases self-regulation of the nervous system and its nourishment. It is the baseline for having an effect of inflammation.
Vagus nerve normalization is the release of the vagus nerve along its course from the cranium down the neck through the thorax and diaphragm until it reaches the abdominal organs. The vagus nerve has a role in regulating the immune system and the inflammatory response in the body.
Visceral manipulation helps normalize the tension and the natural positioning of organs.
Myofascial and fascial unwinding can address problems with adhesions in the abdominal and pelvic cavities, both in the lining of the cavities and in the fascias enveloping each organ.
Pressure gradient normalization ensures that the amount of internal pressure in the abdominal cavity is matched and not more significant than the pressure in the other cavities (cranial, thoracic and pelvic)
Endometriosis: a multi-disciplinary approach
The complete management of endometriosis is a multi-disciplinary approach. Osteopathy can help support the body, as mentioned, but patients can seek further help from a naturopathic doctor to help with hormonal regulation and with a nutritionist to learn about which diet can help support the inflammation and their immune system. The management of endometriosis can seem daunting, and many women feel they need to receive the support they should get from the medical system. I always tell women that if they don't like the support and answers they receive from their doctor, they can always seek the advice of another doctor. There are a few doctors and gynecologists who have more training in the diagnosis of endometriosis. Finding these professionals can take a long time, but it is worth getting the proper diagnosis to start managing this condition.
If you have any questions about how I can help you with endometriosis using the modality of osteopathy, please email me at info@anouksanchezosteopathy.