Mystery Menopausal Aches and Pains? A New Name For An Old Condition

Mystery Menopausal Aches and Pains? A New Name for An Old Condition - Oct 2026 Newsletter

By Debra Mills and Dr. Ting

What is Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause?

Musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause refers to a wide range of symptoms such as joint stiffness, aches and pains, fatigue among many which is attributable to falling estrogen levels.

Why Does Musculoskeletal Syndrome Happen?

There are estrogen receptors on every part of our body, but specifically on our joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles and bones. When estrogen levels start to decrease due to menopause, our muscle mass and bone density starts to decrease as we also start to experience more aches and pains. Estrogen supports the health of all of these tissues.

Chiropractic Care in Menopause

Regular chiropractic care can help ease stiffness and joint pain, even if it’s linked to lower estrogen levels. Menopause brings a decrease in estrogen levels, which can then increase tissue inflammation and promote cartilage breakdown.

Adjustments to the spine can affect the autonomic nervous system which works with the hormonal system. Since pain is a biological stress response, by reducing pain with spinal adjustments, we may be able to positively redirect the stress response of the body,

this may result in decreasing hot flash intensity, reduce headaches from neck tension or hormonal fluctuations, relax the neuromusculoskeletal system for sleep, and activate the nerves connected to the pelvic floor.

Menopause is a normal part of the aging process. Being told to just suffer through abnormal fatigue and pain, as well as mood swings, is not a solution. At best, that’s a dismissive approach. Find practitioners that will listen and validate your concerns, as well as work to find a solution to your symptoms as you go through this stage.