Thousands of people suffer from digestive problems which impact their everyday lives. For some, even simple, daily tasks can seem scary and impossible due to the discomfort and unease caused by many types of digestive conditions.
Some people use medication to treat problems with digestion, but it’s not uncommon for medication to be ineffective. This is because medication sometimes only masks the symptoms rather than treating the problem itself. In addition to the being potentially ineffective, many medications come with a long list of side effects. As a result, many people seek out other, safer ways to treat digestive issues.
Types of Digestive Disorders
There are several common digestive conditions that can affect day to day life. Almost everyone has experienced some degree of bloating, diarrhea, or constipation. In addition to these common digestion problems, there are also a variety of chronic digestive disorders such as:
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Lactose Intolerance
Almost everyone experiences acid reflux at one point or another. It happens when your stomach acid backs up into your esophagus. Most people who suffer from acid reflux describe it as a burning feeling in the middle of their chest. Sometimes this is related to what you eat, but if it occurs two or more times per week then you may suffer from GERD.
Bloating, diarrhea, and constipation are also common digestion issues. However, if you’re experiencing these symptoms three or more times each month you may suffer from IBS. People who have this digestive condition often feel trapped at home due to the discomfort and unease caused by IBS. Avoiding specific trigger foods such as dairy, caffeine, or artificial sweeteners may improve your condition.
People suffering from ulcerative colitis develop ulcers, or sores, in the colon’s lining. This can be a very painful condition and in extreme cases it may require surgery.
Upwards of 50 million Americans suffer with lactose intolerance. Those who suffer with this condition lack the proper enzyme needed to digest the primary sugar in milk. If someone who is lactose intolerant consumes milk or other dairy products they may experience bloating, cramping, gas, and diarrhea.
These are just a handful of common digestive issues plaguing Americans.
Can a chiropractor help with digestive problems?
It’s quite common to visit the chiropractor for back or neck pain. But many people don’t think to go for other conditions. The truth is, the spine is connected to every system in your body in one way or another. This means that a chiropractor may be able to help with some problems with digestion.
Spine alignment and digestion are closely connected. When your spine is out of alignment it places stress on your nerves. In some cases, it could result in a pinched nerve. When nerves are pinched or constricted they aren’t able to function as well. This means they aren’t capable of sending the proper signals throughout your body, including to your digestive system.
The nerves in the back, the thoracic and lumbar regions, all affect digestion. If this part of your back is out of alignment then it’s possible that the nerves aren’t functioning well. This can lead to new or worsening digestive problems. Thankfully, a chiropractor can help treat your digestive issues using spinal manipulation.
Using Chiropractic Care to Help Digestive Conditions
A chiropractor is able to gently manipulate your spine into the proper alignment. Once aligned, your spine, nervous system, and other affected areas of your body will improve function. If the misalignment was impacting your digestive system then you’ll start to notice an improvement rather quickly.
A study found in the International Surgery journal said that roughly two-thirds of participants experiencing chronic abdominal pain had a herniated thoracic disc. Of those, another two-thirds had been previously diagnosed with IBS. The study further illustrates the connection between the spine and the digestive system.
The professional staff at Epic Healthcare & Physical Medicine wants to help you feel your best. We work with a variety of individuals who suffer from many different kinds of ailments, including digestive issues. Spinal manipulation has been shown to improve or eliminate digestive conditions in a number of cases. It also helps release trapped gas from joints while improving blood circulation. As you can see, chiropractic care is about so much more than just back pain.
If you have any digestive concerns then make an appointment with the experts at Epic Healthcare & Physical Medicine. Our staff will assess your situation and help develop a treatment plan to ease your digestive comfort while meeting your needs. Your care is our number one priority.