Irritable Bowel Syndrome, often simply referred to as IBS, is a disorder that affects huge swaths of the population. IBS causes extreme gastrointestinal discomfort and can make even the simplest tasks incredibly stressful.
But beyond the physical symptoms caused by IBS, it’s also worth noting that the syndrome can cause untold emotional distress. There is nothing more embarrassing than having to sprint to the nearest bathroom while out with friends and family.
Thankfully, chiropractic care can offer solutions to this troublesome issue. In this article, we will provide an overview of IBS and review the ways in which chiropractic care can help those suffering from the condition.
What Is IBS?
Odds are, if you don’t have IBS yourself, you know a handful of people that do. This condition is widespread throughout the world. While it is not necessarily a “serious” condition in most cases, it is certainly one that affects quality of life.
In general, IBS is a disease in which the colon, or large intestine, becomes irritated and inflamed. As a result, patients with IBS often experience abdominal discomfort, bloating, bowel movement changes, and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of IBS?
As was detailed in the previous section, the major symptoms of IBS are those that affect the GI system such as abdominal discomfort and bowel movement issues. However, some individuals will also have more concerning symptoms related to IBS such as unexplained weight loss, bleeding from the rectum, and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).
When these more serious symptoms occur, it is imperative that patients seek help from an experienced clinician. Such symptoms may be indicative of an underlying pathology that is causing IBS, such as cancer.
Managing and Treating IBS
For some people, living with IBS is no problem, as long as they stick to a very specific diet plan. It’s critical that those with IBS investigate their food consumption in order to identify any problem areas. Perhaps the fix could be as simple as avoiding bread. Everyone with IBS is unique in their triggers and presentation.
For other people, exercise seems to be helpful. Even just a light exercise session a few days a week can lead to reduced severity of symptoms.
Still, many find relief through various other treatment methods. Perhaps one of the most effective, widely available, and affordable treatment options for IBS is chiropractic care.
Chiropractic Care and IBS
Primarily, chiropractors are concerned with bringing the spine back into proper alignment after one has suffered a subluxation. In doing so, the spine is able to properly function and interact with all other areas of the body, as it is designed to do. This improvement in alignment is usually achieved through the use of spinal manipulations: treatments in which pressure is applied in a certain direction to the spine to reduce the subluxation (or realign the spine).
When it comes to IBS, and many other conditions, it is often the case that the nervous system is not properly communicating with the involved organs or tissues. By performing a targeted manipulation, chiropractors may be able to improve nerve conduction to and from the spine so that the body can begin to heal itself.
Are you suffering from IBS or a related gastrointestinal condition? Do you feel embarrassed and depressed when you experience symptoms while out with friends? If so, you’re not alone; and you don’t have to suffer anymore! The skilled team at At Last Chiropractic, Lithia FL’s go-to chiropractic office, would be happy to help you today. Our expert clinicians will evaluate your symptoms and get you feeling better fast. Book your appointment now!
