Can Chiropractic Care Help with Constipation?

Constipation is not something anyone wants to talk about, but it’s an extremely common problem across the US. Most people think of constipation as just a lack of passing bowel movements, but it’s more than just that. Hard or dry stools, stools that are painful, or a feeling that not all stool has passed are all symptoms of constipation as well. While it can be primarily related to diet, activity level, or age, other factors can be at play, especially with chronic constipation. Let’s take a look at some causes and risk factors of constipation, as well as explore how chiropractic can help you overcome digestive struggles and constipation woes once and for all.

Risk Factors and Causes of Constipation

Most people will experience occasional constipation at various times throughout their lives, but some people are more at risk of recurring or chronic constipation. Adults over the age of 60 are more likely to become constipated than younger individuals, and pregnant women or women who have recently given birth are also highly likely to deal with constipation. Individuals who are consistently dehydrated or eat a diet low in fiber are more likely to experience constipation, as are those who are physically inactive. Certain medications can cause constipation, and some mental health struggles can bring about challenges with constipation as well.

More serious causes of constipation can be related to health concerns that should be further addressed by your doctor:

• Colon or rectal blockages can slow or stop bowel movements.
• Neurological problems, particularly of nerves near the colon or rectum, can inhibit stool movement.
• Pelvic muscle weakness or coordination problems can cause constipation issues.
• Hormone-related problems, such as thyroid issues or diabetes, can also impact bowel movements and lead to constipation.

In most of these situations, lifestyle changes or some form of medical intervention will seek to correct your struggle with constipation. However, another primary cause of constipation is quite prevalent in today’s world, although rarely discussed, and that is spinal misalignments.

The Chiropractic Solution

A spinal misalignment occurs when a vertebra is shifted or twisted even the tiniest bit. The misaligned vertebra puts pressure on nearby nerves, causing a disruption in the communication of the central nervous system. This disruption causes confusion in the body and negatively impacts the function of many bodily systems, including digestion and waste elimination. Most people who deal with recurring or chronic constipation have at least one misalignment in their lower back, right near their digestive and excretory organs.

Chiropractic care aims to restore proper alignment to the spine through gentle and precise chiropractic adjustments. Regular chiropractic care allows the body to retrain its spinal muscles to maintain proper alignment, reducing chronic issues like constipation and bringing about optimal health and function.

Dr. Cary Gentry of Waypoint Chiropractic in Bozeman has seen firsthand the impact chiropractic can have on the health of those in his community. To learn more about neurologically-based chiropractic care and how it can impact the lives of you and your loved ones, contact Waypoint Chiropractic today.

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Sources

Angus, K., Asgharifar, S., & Gleberzon, B. “What Effect Does Chiropractic Treatment Have on Gastrointestinal (GI) Disorders: A Narrative Review of the Literature.” The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, 2015, June; 59(2): 122-133. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4486990/

Quist, D.M., Duray, S.M. “Resolution of symptoms of chronic constipation in an 8-year-old male after chiropractic treatment.” Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics, 2007 Jan; 30 (1): 65-8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17224358/