Constipation is a bit of a taboo topic, as most people aren’t comfortable discussing their bodily functions or bowel movements. However, it is an extremely common problem that is currently affecting over 63 million Americans. Over 1 million hospitalizations are due to constipation each year, and over 5 million people are taking some sort of prescription medication to help with their constipation.
While babies, pregnant women, and the elderly are the most common victims of constipation, people in all age groups, of every race, and in every socioeconomic position deal with this chronic digestive issue. Minor constipation may result in stomach pain, back discomfort, or bloating, but severe constipation can be extremely serious, resulting in vomiting, rectal prolapse, anal fissures, hemorrhoids, and hospitalization. A variety of things have been cited as the cause of constipation, including a poor diet that’s low in fiber, GI problems (like IBS or celiac disease), frequent use of laxatives, and certain medications.
There are a number of traditional “solutions” for constipation, including medication, laxatives, changes in diet, increased exercise, and even surgery. But for most people, constipation can be relieved quickly and easily and with a more long-term and permanent solution than any medication can offer.
How Can Chiropractic Help Relieve Constipation?
Your intestines are connected to your central nervous system via nerves that run through your lowest thoracic vertebra (T12) and highest lumbar vertebra (L1). Your brain sends messages through these nerves to let your body know how and when to process and expel waste. If there is any sort of nerve interference, such as a spinal misalignment, these messages cannot properly reach your intestines. This is when digestive issues occur, such as IBS, diverticulitis, and you guessed it—constipation.
If you’re suffering from constipation, it’s incredibly likely that you have a subluxation, or spinal misalignment, in your lower thoracic or upper lumbar spine. Lithia Springs chiropractor Dr. Ron Bolar can determine if that is the case, and if it is, he can provide you with excellent chiropractic care to improve your digestive health. With gentle and specific chiropractic adjustments, Dr. Ron will remove any nerve interference in your spine, allowing your body to work properly and effectively. For babies, kids, adults, and seniors, chiropractic care is a great way to relieve the discomfort of constipation and bring true health and function back into your body.
A Lithia Springs Chiropractor Can Help You!
Over the years, multiple case studies have been done to explore the effects of chiropractic on those suffering from constipation. One review of case studies includes those of several young children who were dealing with this common issue. The majority of the kids saw immediate improvement following their first adjustment, and they all saw long-term improvement and relief after multiple adjustments. Another study looked at infants younger than 2 who were having irregular bowel movements accompanied by pain, straining, and bleeding. After receiving chiropractic care, all of the infants had regular bowel movements every 1-2 days with no pain, straining, or bleeding.
If you or someone you love is suffering from constipation, trust that relief is available. For those living in Lithia Springs or nearby, Vital Life Chiropractic is here to help. Dr. Ron and his team are available for a consultation and to help you improve your digestive and overall health, so give them a call today!
Sources
Angus, K., Asgharifar, S., & Gleberzon, B. “What Effect Does Chiropractic Treatment Have on Gastrointestinal (GI) Disorders: A Narrative Review of the Literature.” The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, 2015, June; 59(2): 122-133. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4486990/.
Meyer, D. & Alcantara, J. “Successful Resolution of Chronic Constipation in Pediatric Patients with Adjustments to Sites of Vertebral Subluxation.” International Chiropractic Pediatric Association. Clinical Chiropractic, 2008. http://icpa4kids.org/Chiropractic-Research/successful-resolution-of-chronic-constipation-in-pediatric-patients-with-adjustments-to-sites-of-vertebral-subluxation.html.