People of all ages suffer from digestive problems, such as heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or constipation. Unfortunately, few think of consulting a chiropractor. That's a shame; a chiropractor may be able to help get to the root of the problem.
It may surprise you to learn that many digestive issues may be caused by a misalignment of the spine. When you think about the link between the digestive tract and the spine, it makes sense that they are connected.
How the Spine and Digestive Tract Are Related
The spine is meant to protect the Central Nervous System (CNS), made up of the brain and spinal cord. The CNS controls all of the body's major functions—including digestion. Signals go from the CNS to organs such as the intestines, stomach, and liver to regulate processes like digestion, elimination, and the absorption of nutrients.
Even minute subluxations (misalignments) of the spine can interfere with the digestive processes. Misalignments cause swelling and inflammation. Nerves can be compressed or pinched between vertebrae that have slipped out of place, disrupting nerve signals. This can lead to many digestive conditions and other types of illnesses.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help Aid Digestion
Chiropractors examine the spine and restore proper alignment. Once the vertebrae are all properly in place and the spine is in a healthy alignment, it reduces swelling and inflammation, releasing nerves that may have been compressed or pinched.
When the spine is in a healthy state, the body's natural healing processes shift into gear and begin repairing damage and restoring nerve function. This can not only improve digestion overall but can boost the immune system.
Let Us Help You With Common Digestive Problems
At the Blair Chiropractic Clinic in Lubbock, Texas, Dr. Gordon Elder is an upper cervical specialist and a trained expert in the Blair Chiropractic Technique. The Blair technique is an effective, natural, gentle technique that focuses on the upper cervical spine, the part of the spine closest to where the brain stem meets the spinal cord. This modern technique combines revolutionary technology with specialized, low-pressure manual manipulations to help restore proper alignment.
Dr. Elder has a three-step plan for patients that begins with a thorough screening. Screening involves a consultation with Dr. Elder and advanced 3D diagnostic imaging scans to pinpoint misalignments that may be causing nerve pressure.
The second step of Dr. Elder's treatment is the healing process, during which the doctor will use gentle movements to coax the spine back to an aligned state. Blair practitioners use precise, low-force adjustments that do not involve any jarring twists or jerks.
For the final step, Dr. Elder recommends preventative care through regular chiropractic check-ups.
If you have been dealing with chronic digestive issues that your primary care provider and over-the-counter medications have not helped, consider consulting with Dr. Elder about getting to the root cause of the problem. Our areas of coverage include Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, and El Paso in Texas, as well as Hobbs in New Mexico.
Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.