Abstract
M.Tech. (Chiropractic)
Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine whether conventional treatment of mefenamic acid administration in conjunction with chiropractic manipulation of the thoracolumbar junction was more effective in treating primary dysmenorrhoea than conventional treatment alone.
Methods: Twenty female participants between the ages of 18 and 30 years old who met the inclusion criteria were chosen to participate in the study. The study took place over three consecutive menstrual cycles. Participants saw the University of Johannesburg nursing sister at the start of the first menstruation where they completed the Revised Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire and received 12 250mg mefenamic acid tablets to be taken three times a day for two days. Participants then returned to the nursing sister at the start of the second menstrual cycle and completed the Revised Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire again and received the same dose of mefenamic acid tablets. Participants then received two chiropractic manipulations per week for three weeks. At the start of the third menstrual cycle participants then completed the Revised Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire for the last time
Results: The subjective measure used included 22 pain descriptor questions with an 11 point numerical rating scale (0 being no pain experienced and 10 being the worst pain possible). Of these 22 questions, 13 showed p values < 0,05 and were statistically significant. 9 of these questions had p values > 0,05 and were of no statistical significance. Of the 13 statistically significant questions, 7 showed greater reductions in pain following mefenamic acid administration in conjunction with chiropractic manipulation than mefenamic acid adminitration alone. 6 of the questions showed mefenamic acid administration alone to be more successful at reducing pain associated with primary dysmenorrhoea.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that majority of the results recorded supported the claim that mefenamic acid administration in conjunction with chiropractic manipulation of the thoracolumbar junction was more effective at relieving these types of pain than mefenamic administration alone. This means that the research has provided an effective treatment protocol for the chiropractic profession.