A number of digestive disorders can arise when an interference takes place within the digestive process. Millions of Americans experience digestive discomfort or suffer from digestive related conditions. Some of the more common conditions include acid reflux (link to our acid reflux condition page), colic (link to our pediatrics page under services tab), constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Research and clinical evidence suggest that a common denominator in many of these disorders is an “out-of-sync” nervous system.
Much of the digestive system is under the control of the brain stem through the vagus nerve. The brain stem controls and regulates many vital functions within your body such as digestion, breathing, heart rate, etc. A misalignment of one of the top two bones in your spine (these bones are known as C1/atlas and C2/axis) can interfere with the function of the brain stem and how well the brain and body communicate. This interference can be a critical factor in multiple health related problems, including digestive disorders.
In a case study where upper cervical chiropractic care was given to a patient with IBS, depression and anxiety: “Resolution of bowel symptoms was attained with reduction of cervical subluxation. Additionally, a reduction of the frequency and intensity of symptoms related to depression and anxiety was seen.” (1) (For more information on how upper cervical may help with depression and anxiety, click here) (link to our depression/anxiety condition page)
In all, current trauma to the upper cervical spine or even injuries that took place several years ago, can cause interference to how well the brain stem functions. Any irritation, tension or pressure applied to the brain stem can have wide and varied consequences, including digestion. Upper cervical chiropractors are trained to locate misalignments in the upper neck that may be causing interference within this critical area. Precise imaging such as digital x-ray, (link to our digital x-ray page under the FAQ’s section, the question in this section is “Does your office take X-rays? Why? ) allow for the doctor to locate the direction and the angle of that misaligned joint up to a hundredth of a degree. This specificity aids in the process of correcting the misalignment when the adjustment is given. Once corrected, the central nervous system can return to a more optimal state allowing the body to heal and adapt more efficiently.
To schedule an appointment or to find out if you are a good candidate for upper cervical chiropractic care, contact us today.
- Nardi, J. Resolution of Irritable Bowel Symptomatoloogy in a Patient Undergoing Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care. Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research. April 18, 2013; 25-31