Digestion and Chiropractic Research
Chiropractic care, traditionally associated with musculoskeletal issues like back and neck pain, also offers potential benefits for digestive health. The primary focus of chiropractic treatment is on the nervous system, which controls and coordinates bodily functions, including digestion. The spine houses the spinal cord, a critical part of the nervous system that communicates with the organs responsible for digestion.
Non-Musculoskeletal Symptoms and Chiropractic Spinal Manipulative Therapy: A Summary
Chiropractic care is primarily known for its ability to address musculoskeletal issues, such as back pain, neck pain, and headaches. However, research has also highlighted the potential for chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) to improve a variety of non-musculoskeletal symptoms. In a study by Leboeuf-Yde et al. (1999), patients reported positive changes in a broad range of symptoms unrelated to the musculoskeletal system.
In this study, 1,504 questionnaires were completed by patients from 87 Swedish chiropractors, documenting the effects of chiropractic care on both musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal symptoms. Twenty-three percent of the patients reported improvements in non-musculoskeletal conditions after receiving spinal manipulative therapy.
Some of the most common non-musculoskeletal symptoms that showed improvement included:
Respiratory issues: 98 patients reported easier breathing, indicating potential benefits for those with conditions like asthma or general respiratory discomfort.
Digestive health: 92 patients experienced improved digestive function, suggesting chiropractic care may support digestive processes.
Vision: 49 patients reported clearer or sharper vision, indicating possible effects on visual acuity.
Circulatory health: 34 patients experienced improved circulation, potentially benefiting individuals with circulatory issues.
Ear health: 10 patients noted reduced ringing in the ears (tinnitus), which may point to the potential for chiropractic care to assist with ear-related symptoms.
Skin conditions: 8 patients reported improvements in conditions like acne and eczema.
Menstrual health: 7 patients experienced relief from dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), suggesting chiropractic may aid with some menstrual discomfort.
Other symptoms, such as asthma/allergies, nausea, and even double vision, were also reported to improve.
The study provides evidence that chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy may have broad effects beyond musculoskeletal health, potentially improving conditions such as respiratory issues, digestive health, vision problems, and even circulatory function. While these findings are promising, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind these non-musculoskeletal benefits and their clinical relevance.
This research supports the notion that chiropractic care may not only address musculoskeletal complaints but also contribute to overall wellness by positively influencing a range of bodily systems.
Source: Leboeuf-Yde C, Axen I, Ahlefeldt G, et al. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1999:22(9):559-564.
Chiropractic Care for Acute Stomach Problems in a Child: Case Study Summary
This case study followed a 3-year-old female experiencing acute stomach issues, including indigestion and pain, which began after a fall from her bed onto the floor. The child’s symptoms were distressing and impacted her daily comfort. The chiropractor evaluated and treated the child for symptoms that were likely related to spinal misalignments or subluxations resulting from the fall. Chiropractic adjustments were performed with the goal of alleviating the gastrointestinal distress and improving the child’s overall function.
After five chiropractic visits, all of the child’s symptoms, including indigestion and stomach pain, resolved completely. The chiropractor's care focused on correcting spinal misalignments that could have contributed to the gastrointestinal discomfort.
This case suggests that chiropractic care may be effective in resolving acute stomach issues in children, especially when the symptoms are linked to trauma or spinal misalignments. While this study does not directly treat the stomach condition as the primary issue, it highlights the potential benefit of chiropractic adjustments in improving symptoms and promoting healing in cases where spinal health may impact other body systems, including digestion.
Source: Peet JB. Case study: three-year-old female with acute stomach problems. Chiropractic Pediatrics, 1997; 310-11.
Chiropractic Care for Pelvic Pain and Organic Dysfunction Syndrome: Case Study Summary
Pelvic pain and organic dysfunction (PPOD) syndrome is thought to be caused by lumbar spine problems that lead to secondary impairment of lower sacral nerve root function. Patients with PPOD often experience bladder, bowel, gynecological, and sexual dysfunction.
This case study focused on a 29-year-old woman who experienced bilateral low back pain. After a previous round of chiropractic care that provided partial relief, she developed an exacerbation of symptoms, including inguinal pain, urinary stress incontinence, loss of genital sensitivity, loss of libido, and vaginal discharge. A gynecological exam found no pathology, suggesting a neurological or mechanical origin. The patient was found to have lower sacral nerve root involvement due to an L5/S1 disc herniation.
After her first chiropractic adjustment, the patient experienced initial symptoms of pain and paraesthesia in the genital area. However, within one week, her bladder dysfunction resolved, and other symptoms began to lessen in severity. By the fourth week, all of her PPOD symptoms had completely resolved. This case highlights the potential role of chiropractic care in addressing pelvic pain and organic dysfunction caused by spinal misalignments, particularly in cases where nerve root involvement may be contributing to a range of symptoms affecting bladder, bowel, and reproductive health.
Source: Browning JF. The mechanically induced pelvic pain and organic dysfunction syndrome: An often overlooked cause of bladder, bowel, gynecological, and sexual dysfunction. Journal of the Neuromusculoskeletal System 1996; 4:52-667.
Chiropractic Care and Indigestion: Descriptive Study Summary
Indigestion and heartburn are common symptoms that affect many individuals, and their prevalence among chiropractic patients is of interest to understand potential correlations between musculoskeletal health and digestive function.
This study surveyed 1,567 individuals who visited eight chiropractors on 2,974 occasions during November 1994. The survey aimed to explore the prevalence of indigestion, heartburn, and mid-back pain among chiropractic patients.
Key Findings:
57% of respondents reported experiencing indigestion infrequently or more often.
71% of respondents had experienced mid-back pain in the past 6 months, and 46% of these individuals experienced both indigestion and mid-back pain during this period.
22% of those with indigestion reported experiencing some relief from their symptoms after receiving chiropractic care.
The study suggests a notable prevalence of indigestion and heartburn among individuals seeking chiropractic care, with a portion of patients reporting relief from indigestion symptoms following chiropractic treatment. This finding may indicate a potential link between musculoskeletal health and digestive function, warranting further investigation into the effectiveness of chiropractic care for individuals suffering from digestive issues.
Source: Bryner P, Staerker PG. Indigestion and heartburn: A descriptive study of prevalence in persons seeking care from chiropractors. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 1996; 19(5): 317-323.
Segmental Spinal Osteophytosis in Visceral Disease: Summary
Segmental spinal osteophytosis refers to the formation of bone spurs (osteophytes) in specific regions of the spine. This study investigates the potential relationship between spinal osteophytes and visceral (internal organ) diseases such as gallbladder, stomach, pancreatic, and duodenal disorders.
This study involved examining 61 hospital patients for the presence of segmental spinal osteophytes and their correlation with visceral diseases, particularly gallbladder, stomach, pancreatic, and duodenal conditions.
Key Findings:
88% of patients with gallbladder disease had osteophytic lipping in the T7-T10 spinal segments.
82% of patients with stomach disease had spinal osteophytes between the T9 and T11 segments.
31% of patients with duodenal disease had osteophytes spanning from T9 to L2.
Patients with pancreatic disease most commonly showed osteophytes in the T5-T7 spinal segments.
The findings suggest a strong association between spinal osteophytes and various visceral diseases. Specifically, certain segments of the spine appear to be more commonly affected depending on the type of visceral disease. These results may support the concept of spinal-visceral correlations and suggest that spinal osteophytosis could be a secondary manifestation of visceral conditions.
Source: Burchett GD. Segmental spinal osteophytosis in visceral disease. Journal of the American Osteopathic Association 1968; 67(6): 675.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Spinal Manipulation: A Case Report Summary
This case study focused on a 25-year-old woman with chronic IBS, who had been experiencing intestinal pain and diarrhea approximately one to two times per week for the past five years, with symptoms worsening during stressful periods.
Key Findings:
After her first chiropractic adjustment, the patient reported no diarrhea for two days.
Throughout the course of her chiropractic care, her symptoms were significantly alleviated.
Two years later, she remained symptom-free with no recurrence of IBS-related symptoms.
The case suggests that spinal manipulation may offer relief for IBS symptoms, particularly in alleviating abdominal pain and diarrhea associated with stress. Although chiropractic care is not a cure for IBS, this case illustrates its potential as a supportive therapy to improve quality of life for those with chronic gastrointestinal issues.
Source: Wagner T, Owen J, Malone E, Mann K. Irritable bowel syndrome and spinal manipulation: A case report. Chiropractic Technique 1996; 7: 139-140.
Enuresis, Spasmodic Dysmenorrhea, and Gastric Discomfort: A Vertebral Subluxation Complex Entity Summary
The study involved patients suffering from these conditions who underwent chiropractic care. Prior to their chiropractic treatment, all participants had negative results from medical tests such as pelvic exams, pap smears, and upper GI studies, ruling out active pathology. A total of eight subjects were selected for each category, with two in each category serving as control patients who did not receive chiropractic care.
Key Findings:
Spasmodic Dysmenorrhea (Menstrual Cramps): All cases of pelvic pain and severe uterine cramping resolved completely, and all women experienced three menstrual cycles without discomfort.
Enuresis (Bed-wetting): Fifty percent of children stopped bedwetting early in the treatment program, while 25% had a 50% reduction in occurrences, and 25% showed no improvement.
Gastric Discomfort (Ulcer Pain/Indigestion): All patients except one showed significant improvement in symptoms, but none had their medications discontinued or were placed on a special diet.
This study suggests that chiropractic care may have positive effects on non-musculoskeletal conditions such as bed-wetting, menstrual cramps, and gastrointestinal discomfort, with improvement observed in the majority of patients. Chiropractic adjustments may be beneficial in supporting overall health and alleviating symptoms of these conditions, even in the absence of spinal pain.
Source: Regan KJ. Enuresis, spasmodic dysmenorrhea and gastric discomfort: a vertebral subluxation complex entity. Digest of Chiropractic Economics March/April 1990; 32(5): 110.