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.

"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
"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
"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
"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.
"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
"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.
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Kyle Maglio
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Beth Melzen
"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 Frazier
"I started adjustments for neck, back, and tailbone pain and at the end of the 10 weeks the pain was completely gone. Dr. Wade is kind, funny, and very good at what he does. He brings positive energy into the office every single day and is in a good mood 100% of the time."
Cassandra Kolstad
"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
"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
"Best chiropractor in town!!! This office is amazing and always there when you need them! I’ve been a patient of Dr. D for over 25 years can’t say enough about him...you won’t be disappointed!"
Amy Whited
"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 Branson
"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
"From the moment you walk into the office, you are welcomed with a smile and they even manage to remember every single patient's name. They treat you like family and put a lot of emphasis on your care. I started coming to this office when my son was about 4 months old and now at 11 months old, I have seen SO much progress with his neck that I myself started to see Dr D. and I am very grateful to have found such a wonderful place."
Nichole Currie
"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 Udal
"Dr DeFrancesco is the best. I can’t say enough good things about him. He is a genuine and caring person. It is his help that has allowed me to continue to go to work every day and provide for my family. The staff is always super accommodating and pleasant to deal with. I have never received an attitude. When Dr DeFrancesco is not available, I am fortunate that he leaves me in the talented hands of Dr Wade and Dr LeFavor."
Robert Zdrojeski
"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 Kay
When I first came, I was out of alignment and had joint soreness but through my continual sessions, my overall health has improved 100%. I want to thank all the staff for their support and education."
Benjamin Israel
"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
When I first came, I was out of alignment and had joint soreness but through my continual sessions, my overall health has improved 100%. I want to thank all the staff for their support and education."
Benjamin Israel
"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
"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
"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 Branson
"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
"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
"Best chiropractor in town!!! This office is amazing and always there when you need them! I’ve been a patient of Dr. D for over 25 years can’t say enough about him...you won’t be disappointed!"
Amy Whited
"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
"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
"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
"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.
"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
"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 Lozowski
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