It can be awkward, but we love talking poop, the gut-brain connection, and chiropractic!
If you consider constipation a minor inconvenience or you experience mild discomfort, we need to “back up” and realize that while it’s common, it’s not NORMAL or healthy to retain what should be eliminated.
If constipation or IBS is a serious concern for you, let’s discuss a gentle, natural option for “getting things moving” without the nasty side effects of most medications. (Welcome to our TED talk.)
What Is Constipation?
Digestive and gut issues are rampant in our modern society! Constipation’s impact on your overall health should not be underestimated. It’s a signal that your body may not be functioning optimally.
Mayo Clinic defines constipation as having fewer than three bowel movements per week. If that is your experience, or if you have hard bowel movements or difficulty passing them, your gut health may be compromised.
The good news? There are natural ways chiropractic care can help you get moving again and maintain a healthy digestive system.
The Nervous System/Chiropractic Connection
Did you know your gut has its own nervous system? The ENS (Enteric Nervous System) lives in the GI lining and has approximately 400-600 million neurons! The gut even has the nickname of “the second brain” and it works with and without input from the CNS (Central Nervous System), a lot of which is protected by your spine. Imagine the impact on your health that retained poop has on such a complex and important system!
Those nervous systems play a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including bowel and bladder movements. When subluxations occur—shifts in the vertebrae housing the spinal cord—they put pressure on the nerves, disrupting their ability to transmit messages effectively.
Gentle and specific chiropractic adjustments target and correct subluxations, allowing the nervous system to function optimally.
When the nervous system is stuck in “fight or flight” mode, other systems, such as digestion and elimination, either shut down or take second place in the body’s priorities.
Because of this brain-gut connection, gut health can be affected even if subluxations are painless (which means you may not even know they are there!). Reduced nerve flow can impact the efficiency of your gut, leading to irregular bowel movements and potential nutrient absorption issues over time.
Newborns and children often experience “common” constipation, but this shouldn’t be the norm! Constipation can be especially painful for this age group, and retaining waste has potential long-term problems as it allows toxins to be reabsorbed into the body. Pediatric chiropractic adjustments are gentle and promote optimal nervous system function, helping the gut do its job.
A 2015 study explored the effectiveness of chiropractic care in treating gastrointestinal disorders, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome and chronic constipation. The study found “mild to moderate improvements” in patients under chiropractic care, and emphasized the positive influence of chiropractic adjustments on digestive health.
Benefits Beyond Regularity
Chiropractic care can help make your life smoother in more than just your bowel movements! Chiropractic adjustments promote overall well-being by ensuring the proper function of the nervous system. This contributes to improved bowel and bladder function, reducing risks associated with constipation, and addresses other nervous system stressors beyond gut health!
Here are the steps to take to help naturally relieve constipation!
- Schedule regular chiropractic appointments – Regular adjustments can help lead to regular bowel movements! Consistent adjustments are the most effective way to use chiropractic care. And make sure to talk to your chiropractor about any digestive issues. (We promise it’s nothing we haven’t heard before!)
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle – Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet rich in whole foods! Engaging in regular physical activity also supports overall digestive health.
- Listen to your body – If you notice changes in your gut health, take steps to address it. This could be as simple as more water and more stress-reducing practices.
Chiropractic care offers a natural and holistic approach for children and adults struggling with constipation. By addressing the nervous system’s inefficiencies, you can achieve regularity and enhance your overall well-being. Reach out if we can answer any questions!
What our practice members say…
“Have been going here for months and loving how informed and helpful everyone is, highly suggest coming here for consistent chiropractic care or just a tune-up!” Lina B.
You may also enjoy reading:
Mastering Stress: The Chiropractic Approach to Nervous System Health
Wichita chiropractor, Dr. Ryan Dopps, serves individuals and families with specific chiropractic care to remove nervous system interference with the goal of improving overall health potential.
Dopps Chiropractic NE 2350 N. Greenwich Rd. Suite #500 Wichita, KS 67226. Call 316-636-5550 for an appointment.
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Resources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation/symptoms-causes/syc-20354253
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4486990/
