Approximately 60 to 70 million people in the U.S. are affected by digestive diseases and chronic conditions, according to the National Institutes of Health. These conditions were responsible for 21.7 million hospital visits in 2010 alone.
The most common conditions include gastrointestinal reflux disease, chronic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and peptic ulcers. Less serious conditions can include cramps, acid reflux (heartburn), indigestion, nausea, bloating sensations and gas.
Acute digestive conditions as listed above can often be treated with simple over-the-counter remedies like bismuth or calcium tablets. However, some people have recurring conditions that make these temporary relief measures ineffective. Such digestive issues can make daily activities more difficult while creating feelings of chronic pain or discomfort.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help Digestive Problems
Many treatments for chronic symptoms fail to recognize the role muscle tension and nervous system irregularities play in our abdominal region and digestive tract. When our abdominal muscles remain contracted as a result of poor posture or emotional tension, it can easily lead to recurring conditions like cramps or constipation.
Other times, issues with nervous system performance along the spine can cause pain receptors near the abdomen and esophagus to activate. As these nerve synapses trigger irritation, stomach conditions like acid reflux can worsen.
Chiropractic care seeks out these abnormalities by performing detailed measurements of spinal curvature and other skeletal systems. By identifying postural problems and abnormal curvatures of the spine — called subluxations — a chiropractor can often improve the underlying condition of the musculature and skeletal systems, thereby relieving the sources of recurring digestive issues Evidence of chiropractic’s healing effects can be found in this 2008 study of patients with gastrointestinal reflux disease symptoms. Researchers found that spinal manipulative therapy had been successful in a majority of patient cases based on survey responses.
Therefore, if you suffer from recurring digestive conditions or wish to manage the effects of a diagnosed chronic condition like Crohn’s disease, consider seeking the help of Dr. Doug Gregory at Statera Chiropractic in Riverdale to get the relief you need.
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