Digestive problems are widespread in the U.S. and affect 60 to 70 million people, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases' Digestive Disease Statistics for the United States report.

The report notes that twenty million people experience reflux, a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), at least once a week. GERD affects both children and adults and can cause heartburn, chest pain, sore throat, nausea, belching, and difficulty swallowing. Reflux occurs when stomach acids travel out of the stomach and into the esophagus.

Dealing with gastrointestinal issues, including indigestion or dyspepsia, bloating, gas, general abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's Disease, constipation, diarrhea, and persistent stomach pains, is no easy feat. They can deplete you of nutrients and drain your energy. As a result, they can leave you distracted all day long, keep you homebound, and hinder you from accomplishing your regular routine. 

Spinal misalignments can interfere with the nerves controlling digestion, potentially alleviating issues like constipation, bloating, and acid reflux through improved nerve function and better communication between the brain and the digestive system. Gonstead chiropractors aim to optimize the body's nervous system by realigning the spine, directly impacting digestive health. 

A chiropractor doesn't treat the digestive tract directly. Instead, when making adjustments, a chiropractor focuses on the spine and central nervous system. Proper spine alignment is key to a healthy central nervous system and, in turn, the gastrointestinal tract.

In a review of the scientific literature, the Canadian Chiropractic Association found that most articles chronicling patient experiences under chiropractic care reported they demonstrated mild to moderate improvements in presenting GI symptoms, and no adverse side effects were reported. This suggests chiropractic care can be considered as an adjunctive therapy for patients with various GI conditions (1).

The lumbar and thoracic spine help regulate how fast your digestive system processes and breaks down food. Health issues negatively affecting these spinal areas can also negatively impact your digestive health. Many people may experience lower back pain in addition to digestive complications. Research finds a strong association between gastrointestinal symptoms and back pain, especially in women (2).

One of the most appealing aspects of chiropractic care for digestive issues is its natural, non-invasive approach. Rather than masking symptoms with medications, chiropractic care aims to address potential underlying causes of digestive problems through proper spinal alignment. This holistic approach considers how your body's systems work together rather than treating digestive issues in isolation.

During your first visit, your Gonstead chiropractor will conduct a thorough examination using a five-step process to understand your digestive concerns and overall spinal health. This comprehensive assessment helps determine if spinal misalignments might contribute to your digestive issues. Your Gonstead chiropractor will develop a personalized treatment plan that may include specific adjustments targeting areas affecting your digestive function.

While some patients report improvements in their digestive symptoms after just a few adjustments, lasting changes often require consistent care, your Gonstead chiropractor will work with you to develop an adjustment schedule that addresses your specific needs and goals.

References

1. Angus K, Asgharifar S, Gleberzon B. What effect does chiropractic treatment have on gastrointestinal (GI) disorders: a narrative review of the literature. J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2015 Jun;59(2):122-33. PMID: 26136604; PMCID: PMC4486990.

2. Smith MD, Russell A, Hodges PW. How common is back pain in women with gastrointestinal problems? Clin J Pain. 2008 Mar-Apr;24(3):199-203. doi: 10.1097/AJP.0b013e31815d3601. PMID: 18287824.