Stomach ache, acid reflux, gas, and other symptoms of gastric distress can be linked to spinal issues and misalignment. The spinal cord sends nerve signals to all parts of the body, specifically those affecting digestion functions. The lumbar spine/lower back includes the sacrum which is vital in terms of nerve function.
Various spinal cord issues could cause problems with the rest of the body. These include:
- Disc compression
- Herniated discs
- Strained ligaments
Misalignments/problems in the lower back can result in gastric symptoms like:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Gas
- Bladder malfunction
This is because this area of the spine includes sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves that are connected to the digestive system. Any problem with these systems can result in miscommunicated signals to the rest of the body. The wide-range effects that compressed nerves can have on the body, as well as, how the spine is affected by the obstruction of these nerves can be detrimental.
Chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate and release the gastric distress are able to correlate their spine’s role in gut health. This along with an education on the central nervous system. A chiropractic approach can help as a long-term solution to gastric distress.
The Nerves
Every organ in the body functions by sending and receiving electrical impulses, transmitted through the nerves. These impulses direct the function of organs. If blocked or the signals are improperly/partially sent/received, various health issues can begin to present. For the gut, proper nerve signal transmission at full capacity is crucial. The stomach needs to be able to properly digest food while absorbing nutrients and preparing for waste removal. This is where gastric distress conditions begin like:
- Irritable bowel syndrome - IBS
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease - GERD
- Abdominal pain syndrome - APS
Nerve conditions worsen with time if the health and function of the affected nerves are not restored. This could mean severe chronic symptoms and the possibility of permanent nerve damage.
Nerve Blockage
Messed up nerve signals are usually pinched, blocked, or displaced. Most nerve bundles exit through the spine and are usually where a chiropractic exam will start. Through palpitation of the spine along with diagnostic imaging, a chiropractor can track down exactly where the nerve blockage/s are taking place.
The lower back and upper back are common areas to examine. This is because a majority of abdominal organ nerves branch out from these spinal segments. If spinal subluxations are present, more than likely they are affecting the function of these organs. Chiropractic will adjust the spine and reset/realign the spine to its proper form, allowing for proper blood circulation. Compressed nerves can also cause inflammation that could require more complex treatment.
Listening to the Body
If the gut is presenting with aches, and bloating after every meal, it could be indicating that something is wrong or off. Individuals cannot feel blocked nerve signals, but the gut can. Listen to it when it is alerting an issue or problem. We want to educate our patients on gut and spinal health. Chronic gastric distress can be corrected with chiropractic.
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References
Spiegel, Brennan M R et al. “Understanding gastrointestinal distress: a framework for clinical practice.” The American journal of gastroenterology vol. 106,3 (2011): 380-5. doi:10.1038/ajg.2010.383
Kehl, Amy S et al. “Relationship between the gut and the spine: a pilot study of first-degree relatives of patients with ankylosing spondylitis.” RMD open vol. 3,2 e000437. 16 Aug. 2017, doi:10.1136/rmdopen-2017-000437
