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.

"I have been a patient for over a year and have seen terrific results from my plan of care. I was introduced to the office by a friend after I told him I was having back pain. The staff and doctors have been outstanding. They took some x-rays and ruled out certain things and put me on a plan of care that helped get me straight and pain free. I can't thank them enough."
Matt U.
"Great staff. Listen, understand, and educate you throughout the process. Flexible with scheduling and will do everything they can to accommodate you."
Hunter R.
"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 L.
"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 P.
"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 D.
"Great staff. Listen, understand, and educate you throughout the process. Flexible with scheduling and will do everything they can to accommodate you."
Hunter R.
"I started coming here 5 years ago. At that time, I had difficulty walking down our hallway. With Dr. D’s care, I am at the gym 4x a week and yoga 2x a week. I will continue to come on a regular basis as part of my proactive healthy living plan. Not only am I grateful for the amazing care I receive here, but for the staff who now feel like family."
Lynn F.
"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 H.
"The administrative staff and practitioners are all friendly, capable, efficient, and very responsive. In addition, Dr. Keith Wade is knowledgeable, passionate about his craft, patient and thorough in answering questions. As a direct result of all that, my low back, ankles an knees feel much better, I am in less pain, and I am less afraid that my back will keep hurting or "going out." I am very grateful."
Malinda B.
"I started coming here 5 years ago. At that time, I had difficulty walking down our hallway. With Dr. D’s care, I am at the gym 4x a week and yoga 2x a week. I will continue to come on a regular basis as part of my proactive healthy living plan. Not only am I grateful for the amazing care I receive here, but for the staff who now feel like family."
Lynn F.
"Amazing place to get realigned! Everyone in here is highly knowledgeable and genuine. I've been a patient here for 10+ years and recommended it frequently!"
Kyle M.
"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 V.
"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 D.
"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 S.
"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 D.
"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 H.
"I started coming here 5 years ago. At that time, I had difficulty walking down our hallway. With Dr. D’s care, I am at the gym 4x a week and yoga 2x a week. I will continue to come on a regular basis as part of my proactive healthy living plan. Not only am I grateful for the amazing care I receive here, but for the staff who now feel like family."
Lynn F.
"Being a part of this chiropractic "family" has been a totally positive experience. The office itself is calming and clean, the office staff is friendly and engaging and makes a point to know everyone's name. Regarding the professional staff, I feel like I have gotten top quality care. I would definitely recommend this practice!!"
Diane Z.
"I have been a patient for over a year and have seen terrific results from my plan of care. I was introduced to the office by a friend after I told him I was having back pain. The staff and doctors have been outstanding. They took some x-rays and ruled out certain things and put me on a plan of care that helped get me straight and pain free. I can't thank them enough."
Matt U.
"I started my chiropractic journey a few weeks before having my 3rd baby. They were amazing, patient and gentle during the pregnancy. They weren't pushy when I took my time, post pregnancy, to come back. They were amazing with my schedule and did everything to work with me. I felt so comfortable with them that I brought my new born baby and my 3 year old in to get adjusted!"
Candace L.
"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 B.
"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 V.
"I have been a patient for over a year and have seen terrific results from my plan of care. I was introduced to the office by a friend after I told him I was having back pain. The staff and doctors have been outstanding. They took some x-rays and ruled out certain things and put me on a plan of care that helped get me straight and pain free. I can't thank them enough."
Matt U.
"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 H.
"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 B.
"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 D.
"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 M.
"I started going to Dr. D when my orthopedic doctor recommended him for whiplash. I had always been skeptical of chiro services, but Dr. D and his associates are wonderful. They've kept me pain free for years now, as I have monthly adjustments to ensure good health now and in the future. I highly recommend Dr. D."
Maureen W.
"I have been going to the Chiropractic Health Center of Glastonbury for years. Dr. D. keeps me walking and moving so I can work and enjoy my grandchildren. The staff in the office are great. They are like a second family to me. I know I can call and they will always fit me in if I have to have an adjustment."
Catherine K.
"Being a part of this chiropractic "family" has been a totally positive experience. The office itself is calming and clean, the office staff is friendly and engaging and makes a point to know everyone's name. Regarding the professional staff, I feel like I have gotten top quality care. I would definitely recommend this practice!!"
Diane Z.
"Great staff. Listen, understand, and educate you throughout the process. Flexible with scheduling and will do everything they can to accommodate you."
Hunter R.
"I have been going to the Chiropractic Health Center of Glastonbury for years. Dr. D. keeps me walking and moving so I can work and enjoy my grandchildren. The staff in the office are great. They are like a second family to me. I know I can call and they will always fit me in if I have to have an adjustment."
Catherine K.
"If I could give more than five stars, I wouldn't hesitate to do so. The office staff are all very professional and accommodating. There have been several instances where I had to make a last minute change to my appointment - either a cancellation or different time - and the office responded right away to make it happen. Not only this, but my appointments are always quick, yet very efficient. The doctors take their time in addressing my questions and explaining things so that I receive the best possible care."
Zach G.
"I started my chiropractic journey a few weeks before having my 3rd baby. They were amazing, patient and gentle during the pregnancy. They weren't pushy when I took my time, post pregnancy, to come back. They were amazing with my schedule and did everything to work with me. I felt so comfortable with them that I brought my new born baby and my 3 year old in to get adjusted!"
Candace L.
"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 L.
"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 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 D.
"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 M.
"I started my chiropractic journey a few weeks before having my 3rd baby. They were amazing, patient and gentle during the pregnancy. They weren't pushy when I took my time, post pregnancy, to come back. They were amazing with my schedule and did everything to work with me. I felt so comfortable with them that I brought my new born baby and my 3 year old in to get adjusted!"
Candace L.
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