Problems
with digestion can result within any of the organs involved
with this complicated process. Most commonly, the stomach, gall
bladder, and large intestine demonstrate the highest degree of
incidence of gastrointestinal disturbance; however, the pancreas,
liver, and the small intestine also play important roles in the
digestive process and can also cause pain and discomfort when
malfunctioning.
All of the organs in
our body are
connected to two different nervous systems. One is called the
sympathetic and the other, the parasympathetic. The nerves of the
sympathetic system run from the lower cervical spine (neck) to the
upper lumbar spine (lower back.) The parasympathetic nerves are found
in the middle and upper regions of the cervical spine and the lower
lumbar spine and sacrum (the bone between the pelvis).
Together,
these two nervous systems help to control digestion by sending signals
to the organs (efferent pathways) and returning signals from the organs
(afferent pathways.) If an organ is in trouble, it may send excessive
signals back through the afferent pathways, to the spine, and up to the
brain. This can cause a sensation of discomfort in either the area near
the organ or in one of the pain referral areas associated with that
organ. A well-known organ that refers pain is gallbladder. People with
a history of gallbladder trouble often complain of felling a colic-like
(on-again off-again grabbing) pain between the shoulder-blades
The
connection of a GI problem to your spine comes from the existence of
these two nervous systems through a response known as the
viscerosomatic reflex. Chiropractors believe that the irritation at the
level of the spine that corresponds to the involved organ can cause the
muscles around the vertebra above and below the nerve to become
hyperactive. This increased activity to the muscles is a result of the
shared nerve supply between these muscles and the sympathetic supply to
the organ. If the muscle spasm exerts enough force to create a
subluxation (a misalignment between the vertebrae) or creates enough
congestion to the blood supply, more nerve interference is experienced.
This inhibitory action results in a decreased ability of
organ
function.
Conversely, chiropractors
also believe that
problems with the organs of digestion may have started because of
spinal subluxations. An interesting study that took place at the
Harvard Medical School demonstrated this theory. Researchers at Harvard
discovered that many people who suffered from Chron’s Disease
(A
severe bowel disorder) had marked (sever) subluxations of the second
cervical vertebra. Chiropractors believe that the Vagus nerve (the
parasympathetic nerve supply to every digestive organ in the body) may
be irritated when a severe second cervical subluxation is present.
Although the Vagus nerve is one of the twelve cranial nerves that come
directly from the brain) the Vagus nerve passes closely enough to the
structures between the first and second vertebra that subluxation at
these levels may create enough irritation to the nerve to create
problems with digestion.
Chiropractic
can also help you
if you suffer from a digestive disorder by reducing your
level of
stress. Patient’s who receive chiropractic care will readily
comment on this. Your digestive systems works best when the mind and
body are in a relaxed state and manipulation, massage, acupressure, and
moist heat therapies are just some of the many ways your chiropractor
can help you obtain a healthier working digestive system.
Many
chiropractors also include nutritional consoling as part of their
practices. Your chiropractor may recommend vitamin and
mineral
supplements, digestive aids, healing herbs, or simply recommend a
proper diet with an emphasis on what foods to eat and what foods to
avoid to improve your digestion.