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Digestive Problems
Digestive problems can occur in men, women, and children, and they can cause minor to severe pain and discomfort. There are many types of digestive problems that chiropractic care can help ease and maintain, and these include Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis, constipation, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). When the small and large intestines are irritated, it can result in pain, abnormal bowel movements, uncomfortable gas, or a combination of some or all of the symptoms.
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For some people, dietary changes are necessary to correct the digestive problems, while others may need additional support in the form of chiropractic adjustments. This is likely based on what the underlying issues are. One study shows that reducing subluxations can have a positive and long-term result for those with Crohn’s disease and allergies. The study was completed with 17 patients, and after chiropractic care, 12 had stable remission of the Crohn’s disease and allergies, and 9 had alleviated effects. Because not everyone has the same digestive problems, it’s important that you get individualized treatments from a chiropractor for your particular digestive issues.
How Chiropractic Care Relieves Digestive Problems:
While there are quite a few treatments that can be used for constipation, such as biofeedback and laxatives, it’s been shown that 30-50% continue to have symptoms after these treatments. Due to the connection between your lumbar spine, the nerves it affects, and the digestive system being associated to those nerves, chiropractic is an excellent way to treat digestive problems.
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There are many studies that show the positive outcome that people can have with digestive problems when they visit a chiropractor for care. In one report, a six year old girl complained of neck pain and constipation, and she also had vertebral subluxations. The intervention used for the patient in this case study was high-velocity, low-amplitude adjustments at the specific areas of vertebral subluxation. After 13 visits, the issues of constipation, neck pain, and gastro-intestinal pain had been resolved.
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In another report, the diversified technique was administered to an 8-year old male that had experienced chronic constipation since birth. He saw a chiropractor three times a week for two months, where high-velocity, low-amplitude adjustments were used to correct vertebral subluxation. Additionally, dietary changes were made, such as a decrease in sugar and an increase in water. Proper biomechanical and neurological functions were restored, and the issue of chronic constipation was resolved.
Schedule a Consultation with a Chiropractor:
Constipation affects an estimated 1.7 million children in the US per year, and the health care costs can be in the thousands. Whether you suffer from IBS, colitis, constipation, or another digestive problem, rest assured that a chiropractor will work toward a more natural solution that can help you save money and find relief because they work to identify and correct the underlying issue rather than covering it up.
When the pain is only covered up, it can return and end up leading to bigger problems. The goal of chiropractic care is to resolve the issue and promote overall wellness so that digestive pain does not return. Your digestive health is an essential part of the quality of daily life, and a chiropractor can help you control and relieve the pain and discomfort you may be experiencing.
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If you have digestive problems, don't hesitate to reach out to Restoration Chiropractic, or come by our office to set an appointment for a physical assessment and individualized care.
Sources:
Takeda, Y., Arai, S., Touichi, H. “Long Term Remission and Alleviation of Symptoms of Allergy and Crohn’s Disease Patients Following Spinal Adjustment for Reduction of Vertebral Subluxations.” Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, 2002; 4(4): 129-141.
https://www.restorationowasso.com/_files/ugd/674e88_da2ff82c7cde40e794fcd2938314e1fb.pdf
Horkey, M. “Resolution of Chronic Constipation and Neck Pain Following Chiropractic Care in a 6-Year-Old Female.” Journal of Pediatric, Maternal, and Family Health, 2010 May: 51-55.
https://www.restorationowasso.com/_files/ugd/674e88_5b6efd9a94cd46bcafba6ca8df7945bb.pdf
Eulitt, H.K., Giannakakis, V. “Resolution of Chronic Constipation, Fecal Incontinence, and Abdominal Pain in an 8 Year Old Child Following Chiropractic Care: A Case Study & Selective Review of the Literature.” Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research, 2014 Jan: 1-7.
https://www.restorationowasso.com/_files/ugd/674e88_30b8eaf0c47a4a5f82d726a13590ec48.pdf
Kim, I., Hammond, K., Alcantara, J., Holt, K. “Immediate Resolution of Constipation in an Infant Following Chiropractic Care: A Case Report and Selective Review of the Literature.” Journal of Pediatric, Maternal, and Family Health, 2012 June: 61-65.
https://www.restorationowasso.com/_files/ugd/674e88_4157d55e347847a2addfd41520daf8c8.pdf​