woman with stomach painChiropractic is most often associated with the spine, yet this form of alternative medicine can have wider-reaching effects on the body. Particularly, addressing gastrointestinal issues.

Keeping your spine in alignment can have a positive impact on how food passes through your stomach and intestines. If you’re living with a condition like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), how can chiropractic treatment help?

Common Digestive Issues

An estimated 60 to 70 million Americans have some kind of digestive concern. These issues often develop as a result of sedentary living. Digestive warning signs include:

  • Slower motility – how food travels through your digestive tract
  • Feeling sluggish and tired all the time, no matter how much you relax or sleep
  • Having few pounds you can’t lose, despite exercise and adjusting your diet
  • Being unable to finish full meals
  • Going to the bathroom frequently
  • Loose or bloody stools
  • Frequent constipation, stomach cramping and nausea
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Living with unexplained chest pain

If you have been diagnosed with GERD, your doctor may prescribe a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) to control how much acid your stomach produces. However, long-term PPI use is associated with certain cancer risks, kidney disease and higher rates of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.

The nervous system extends from the spine directly to the stomach and plays a role in how your gastrointestinal system operates. Issues with these pathways impact how efficiently the stomach and intestines digest food, remove waste and absorb nutrients.

Relationship Between Spine and Digestive Health

Your spine and gastrointestinal system are more closely related than you may think. This connection influences the effects of chiropractic care on your stomach and intestines.

Spine and Stomach

The thoracic and lumbar regions of the spine influence the rate at which the digestive system breaks down food. More specifically, the digestive system communicates with the stomach about how fast and how well it should work.

People with lower back pain or poor vertebral alignment often experience gastrointestinal issues, as these conditions alter nerve signals passing from the spine to the digestive tract.

Subluxation

Another word for spinal misalignment, people with a subluxation do not get the nutrients they need no matter how well they eat, as their digestive system is less likely to absorb all vitamins and minerals.

Pinched or compressed nerves created by subluxations often correlate with other digestive symptoms. Patients are more likely to live with heartburn, cramping, gas and constipation. Poor nerve communication means your digestive organs cannot function optimally.

Tension

Those with a sedentary lifestyle tend to experience muscle tension in the abdominal area. This imbalance exacerbates many digestive issues, no matter how well you eat or any medications you take.

Chiropractic Care for Digestive Conditions

With these points in mind, chiropractic care to address gastrointestinal health involves:

  • Adjusting spinal subluxations through manipulation or mobilization, so all vertebrae are positioned correctly without compressing any nerves. This helps digestive organs operate to their fullest and improve the effectiveness of certain medications.
  • Passive therapy can help relieve muscle tension worsening certain conditions.
  • Exercise can help restore nerve pathways between the spine and digestive system.

Following multiple treatments, patients may find that:

  • Stomach and esophageal irritation from GERD is reduced
  • The body can digest food sooner, which lessens IBS symptoms
  • You have more of an appetite
  • Your weight loss efforts are more effective
  • You experience less constipation, bloating
  • Crohn’s disease symptoms are improved

Approach your digestive health from a new angle! To learn more, schedule an appointment at The Chiropractic Health Center of Glastonbury today.

"The single greatest team of professionals I’ve ever met and worked with. From the moment you step in, Brooke is absolutely wonderful and always so accommodating with scheduling and brings so much cheer to the office. Dr. Wade is a phenomenal doctor and completely transformed my back after a work related injury that showed underlying spinal conditions. I now am pain free in my day to day activities and back to my normal active lifestyle. Couldn’t recommend this practice enough to anyone and everyone."
Alexis F.
"I love Dr. D and his great staff. I have been going to him for about 16 years and I would gladly recommend him to anyone looking for a chiropractor. He has helped me immeasurably."
Lelaneia Dubay
"They are not only extremely professional and helpful but genuinely care about your well being! In addition, the group is very supportive of the community. I love that they partnered with We Are the Children to donate thousands of dollars worth of toys.
Jocelyn DeMaio
"I just finished my 30 session program and went over my x-rays with Dr. Wade. The improvement in my scoliosis shown in the x-rays was remarkable and corresponded with the greater mobility and wellbeing I have been experiencing. Dr. Wade is very professional and always willing to answer questions and address specific concerns. I highly recommend him."
Austin Lyons
"There is no better place than Chiropractic Health Center, from the moment you step into the office, you are welcomed with a smile and they even manage to remember every patients name. They put a lot of emphasis on your care, you start feeling better with every visit. I would recommend this practice over any other possible treatment/office in the state."
Carlos Vivar-Zuniga
"My whole family goes to Chiropractic Health Center of Glastonbury. My other half has been getting adjustments for years and he has been the driving force for the family to get checked out. He says since he has been coming here, if his back has any issues or is out, it seems to get better much faster than ever before. If you've had any problems with your back, you'll know that speaks volumes. We trust this group!"
Maggie P.
"Great experience! Our whole family goes and we have referred other family members. Dr. Wade is awesome, he listens and wants what is best for his clients."
Kayla Bueno
"At my first appointment, I couldn’t stand up straight. I am now able to go back to my regular exercise routine. The staff is very knowledgeable, very friendly and organized. I have never had to wait more than a few minutes for my appointment, even when the office is very busy."
Amanda Bedding
"This practice has been the only place that got rid of my shoulder pain. Prior I tried an orthopedic and PT with no success. I was told it was just due to getting older. Dr. D doesn’t believe people have to live with pain and helped it go away. To top it all off, you never have to wait long in the waiting room."
Jennifer D.
"Been going to The Chiropractic Health Center of Glastonbury for over 5 years and it is always been a great, safe and welcoming experience! Cannot recommend it enough."
Olivia Mott
"Our family has been clients since 1994 and since 2005, we have been one of his long distance clients moving to New Hampshire! We have continued with monthly adjustments as he is truly The Best of The Best!"
Skip Gilman
"They are not only extremely professional and helpful but genuinely care about your well being! In addition, the group is very supportive of the community. I love that they partnered with We Are the Children to donate thousands of dollars worth of toys.
Jocelyn DeMaio
"I still can't say enough good things about Dr. D. and his staff. My level of care remains excellent and Dr. D continues to go above and beyond to take care of my family's health, even helping my daughter find and transition to a new chiropractor when she moved out of state. Truly a practice that cares about its patients!"
Lisa C.
"The staff at Chiropractic Health Center of Glastonbury is wonderful. They take time to get to know you, personally. They all always have a smile to greet you with and are genuinely concerned for your comfort and well being. Dr DeFrancesco truly wants to make sure you understand your issues with your body and he takes time to explain what those are."
Daniela Pratt
"Dr. Wade and the front office staff are fantastic. The office is friendly and super efficient. I have never had to wait more than 10 minutes to be seen. Dr. Wade got my back feeling better. I’m feeling healthier and have much more energy."
Corey Morrison
"Dr. Wade has been wonderful! I never thought spinal care was a preventative health measure until I started here. The entire staff are very accommodating and friendly! My back has never felt better! I plan to continue to come for maintenance."
Amanda Smith
"The staff at Chiropractic Health Center of Glastonbury is wonderful. They take time to get to know you, personally. They all always have a smile to greet you with and are genuinely concerned for your comfort and well being. Dr DeFrancesco truly wants to make sure you understand your issues with your body and he takes time to explain what those are."
Daniela Pratt
"Our family has been clients since 1994 and since 2005, we have been one of his long distance clients moving to New Hampshire! We have continued with monthly adjustments as he is truly The Best of The Best!"
Skip Gilman
"Such a great experience in understanding and learning how to treat my chronic pain! The office staff is wonderful, informative and empathetic! Dr. D is also invested in making you to your best self! They found a convert here!"
Debby DeMartino
"Our family has been clients since 1994 and since 2005, we have been one of his long distance clients moving to New Hampshire! We have continued with monthly adjustments as he is truly The Best of The Best!"
Skip Gilman
"I'm a very active individual and lower back pain was getting in the way of activities I love. While my back is still a work in progress, the time spent with Dr. D has been well worth it. I just ran 2 marathons in 2 weeks and these sessions helped me run these races with no back pain."
Matt from mission FITNESS
"I felt heard, taken care of, treated with kindness and respect. Wonderful positive experience. A very welcoming office and staff. Definitely a five star establishment!"
Beth Melzen
"I strained my lower back a month prior to an Ironman race. I was unable to sleep, walk or sit, never mind continue training as planned. The entire office staff is beyond kind, caring, professional and runs extremely smooth. I was explained every step and procedure, along with a patient education class that really helped me understand what was wrong with my back and steps to fix it. Dr Wade was able to get me sleeping, walking and able to compete in my triathlon. 5 stars for many reasons and would highly recommend."
Dylan Howley
"The staff at Chiropractic Health Center of Glastonbury is wonderful. They take time to get to know you, personally. They all always have a smile to greet you with and are genuinely concerned for your comfort and well being. Dr DeFrancesco truly wants to make sure you understand your issues with your body and he takes time to explain what those are."
Daniela Pratt
"My whole family goes to Chiropractic Health Center of Glastonbury. My other half has been getting adjustments for years and he has been the driving force for the family to get checked out. He says since he has been coming here, if his back has any issues or is out, it seems to get better much faster than ever before. If you've had any problems with your back, you'll know that speaks volumes. We trust this group!"
Maggie P.
"I absolutely love the care I receive here. I have been coming for the last 3 going on 4 years and my migraines and back pain are gone."
Renee Danielle
"Great experience! Our whole family goes and we have referred other family members. Dr. Wade is awesome, he listens and wants what is best for his clients."
Kayla Bueno
"They are not only extremely professional and helpful but genuinely care about your well being! In addition, the group is very supportive of the community. I love that they partnered with We Are the Children to donate thousands of dollars worth of toys.
Jocelyn DeMaio
"I still can't say enough good things about Dr. D. and his staff. My level of care remains excellent and Dr. D continues to go above and beyond to take care of my family's health, even helping my daughter find and transition to a new chiropractor when she moved out of state. Truly a practice that cares about its patients!"
Lisa C.
"I'm a very active individual and lower back pain was getting in the way of activities I love. While my back is still a work in progress, the time spent with Dr. D has been well worth it. I just ran 2 marathons in 2 weeks and these sessions helped me run these races with no back pain."
Matt from mission FITNESS
"I strained my lower back a month prior to an Ironman race. I was unable to sleep, walk or sit, never mind continue training as planned. The entire office staff is beyond kind, caring, professional and runs extremely smooth. I was explained every step and procedure, along with a patient education class that really helped me understand what was wrong with my back and steps to fix it. Dr Wade was able to get me sleeping, walking and able to compete in my triathlon. 5 stars for many reasons and would highly recommend."
Dylan Howley
"I absolutely love the care I receive here. I have been coming for the last 3 going on 4 years and my migraines and back pain are gone."
Renee Danielle
"I just finished my 30 session program and went over my x-rays with Dr. Wade. The improvement in my scoliosis shown in the x-rays was remarkable and corresponded with the greater mobility and wellbeing I have been experiencing. Dr. Wade is very professional and always willing to answer questions and address specific concerns. I highly recommend him."
Austin Lyons
"I felt heard, taken care of, treated with kindness and respect. Wonderful positive experience. A very welcoming office and staff. Definitely a five star establishment!"
Beth Melzen
"Dr. Wade and the front office staff are fantastic. The office is friendly and super efficient. I have never had to wait more than 10 minutes to be seen. Dr. Wade got my back feeling better. I’m feeling healthier and have much more energy."
Corey Morrison
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