When most people think of chiropractic, they think of correction of back, neck and shoulder pain.  While these are certainly common reasons to seek chiropractic care, they’re not the only ones chiropractic addresses.

As an example of the many ways chiropractic care improves well-being, Dr. Smith explores the relationship between spinal dysfunction and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, particularly inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

You may be surprised by the common association between IBD and back and joint pain, but roughly 30 percent of IBD patients suffer from concurrent musculoskeletal syndromes (Scand J Gastroenterol 2001;36:1307-13).

Chiropractic can help.  Dr. Smith address a variety of physical complaints by identifying and correcting common areas of dysfunction in the spine called vertebral subluxation.

An exciting study reveals that vertebral subluxations are common in IBD sufferers.  Researchers speculate that vertebral subluxations trigger problems in the immune system as well as digestive difficulties via chronic nerve compression.  When a group of 17 Crohn’s disease patients received chiropractic care, 12 experienced long-term, stable remission of GI symptoms (J Vert Sublux Res 2003;4).

If you or someone in your family suffers from inflammatory bowel disease or another gastrointestinal condition, consider adding chiropractic to your care plan.