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Grumpy Guts

Digestive problems are widespread among people in today's fast-paced, fast food, society. Particularly rampant are intestinal conditions triggered by emotional stress, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Although drugs are often prescribed for IBS, scientific studies do not clearly indicate their use. What's more, many of these medications have hazardous side effects. That's why Dr. Christiana encourages patients with IBS to consider natural alternatives before turning to medication. IBS, also called spastic colon or intestinal neurosis, is the single most common intestinal disorder. Half of all people with digestive complaints who visit a health-care practitioner suffer from this illness. An estimated one in five adults - 75 percent of whom are women - suffer from IBS at some point during their lives. IBS affects the entire gastrointestinal tract, producing irritation of both the upper and lower intestines, which may be relieved by a bowel movement. Symptoms include diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, excessive gas, bloating, mucous in the stools, nausea and headache. Pain is often set off by eating, and may be associated with specific foods such as wheat, dairy, caffeine and citrus fruits. Emotional stress is also a significant factor triggering the disorder - along with diet and medication. The exact causes of IBS aren't known, but scientists believe that nervous system interference to the digestive tract lies at the root of the disorder. The IBS/Spine Link Chiropractors, such as Dr. Christiana, have long observed that patients with IBS are also likely to suffer from low-back pain (Gut 1986;27:37-40). What's the connection between the spine and the intestines? Scientists in Denmark speculate that the link lies in the nervous system, because nerves that supply the intestines emerge from the spinal cord and pass between vertebrae. If the spine is out of balance, the messages these nerves transmit may be affected. To test this hypothesis, researchers compared 28 healthy control subjects with 39 people suffering from upper abdominal pain (51 percent of whom had symptoms of IBS). Seventy-two percent of patients reported back pain, compared with 17 percent of control participants. Physical examination of the back revealed spinal abnormalities in 75 percent of patients. Most of these abnormalities were found in the upper (thoracic) and middle (thoracolumbar) regions of the spine (Scand J Gastroenterol 1990;25:1235-41). Nerves that emerge from this area are thought to supply the upper intestinal tract. "Most of the findings were localized to the lower thoracic and thoracolumbar segments, the same segments that innervate the upper gastrointestinal tract," wrote the study's authors (Scand J Gastroentero 1990;25:l235-41). Although spinal problems often accompany back pain in IBS patients, this is not always the case. Research indicates that IBS-related spinal problems may also occur in the absence of back pain (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1990; 13 :406-11). Chiropractic To The Rescue Patients often report that chiropractic care subdues their digestive problems, including IBS. Although preliminary research supports this claim, additional evidence is needed before a fmn link may be established (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1989; 12:265- 74). When caring for patients with IBS, chiropractors target a specific type of spinal abnormality called vertebral subluxation. This condition occurs when spinal movement is restricted or bones (vertebrae) are out of alignment. Chiropractors correct and prevent vertebral subluxations by applying a gentle, specific force to the spine called a chiropractic adjustment. Scientific studies show that these maneuvers effectively correct vertebral subluxations. In addition to chiropractic adjustments, chiropractors educate patients with IBS about diet, nutrition and lifestyle.

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