Study Finds: Chiropractic can help with Digestion

Do you suffer from digestive problems such as GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease), or IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)?  Have you tried medications and not received much relief?  Have you tried chiropractic?  If not, you may be missing out on a therapy that could provide some potential relief.  A study posted in the January 2005 edition of JMPT (Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics) titled Self-Reported Nonmusculoskeletal Responses to Chiropractic Intervention: A Multinational Survey by: Leboeuf-Yde et al; suggests that chiropractic may be beneficial to you.  In the study, a survey was given to 5,607 patients in seven different countries and they were asked to self-report any non-musculoskeletal conditions that improved during their chiropractic treatment.  The study found that 26% of these patients reported an improvement in digestion despite only a small number of those patients stating that they were seeking treatment from their chiropractor for digestive issues.  So, how does it work?

First, we need to understand how digestion works.  Our stomach, small intestine, and large intestine are largely considered to be our primary digestive organs.  These organs are under the control of what many in anatomy call the "Gut Brain."  This is an intricate network of nerves that provide communication between these organs and our brain.  These nerves come from a specialized part of our nervous system called the autonomic nervous system (aka the "automatic" nervous system).  This system is in charge of providing our bodies with digestion when there is food in the body and turning off these organs when food is not present.  Can you guess where these nerves originate from?  If you guessed the spine, you are correct!

So where does chiropractic come into play here?  It all has to do with the chiropractic subluxation theory.  With this theory, it is stated that when two adjoining vertebrae lose their proper motion, it not only stresses out the joint as well as the ligaments and muscles that attach to the joint, but it also interferes with the ability of the nerves that exit out these joints, to conduct their signal properly.  This inability of the nerves to properly conduct their signal is thought to lead to problems with the organs they attach to.  Thus, it is thought that by adjusting the joints and removing this interference, you will cause the organs to function better and limit problems in the organs.  It is pretty simple.

If you or someone you know has digestive issues they might want to consider chiropractic to help manage their problems.  Have them contact their local chiropractor and see what they can do for you!

Disclaimer:  The above information is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be used as medical advise.  Always, see your physician to be properly diagnosed before trying any course of treatment.