Stomach Pain
Stomach Pain and the Chiropractic Functional Medicine Approach: Understanding the Connection
Stomach pain is a common ailment that can be caused by a multitude of factors, including gastrointestinal issues, infections, food sensitivities, dysbiosis, environmental toxicities, and even stress. While chiropractic care may not be the first solution that comes to mind, it can play a role in addressing certain types of stomach pain. This informative page explores the potential connection between stomach pain and our functional chiropractic approach here at The McCord Clinic.
Understanding Stomach Pain
Stomach pain, also known as abdominal pain, is discomfort experienced in the area between the chest and the pelvis. It can manifest in various ways, from mild discomfort to severe, sharp pain. The causes of stomach pain can range from gastrointestinal disorders to muscle tension and stress.
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Chiropractic Care for Stomach Pain
Improving Nervous System Function: Chiropractors believe that disruption in spinal function can impact the nervous system, which controls all bodily functions, including digestion. Disruptions in the signal caused by spinal stagnancy and nerve interference can potentially lead to digestive issues.
Spinal Adjustments and Mobilization Techniques: Chiropractors use spinal adjustments to correct spinal dysfunction to promote better nerve function. By addressing spinal issues, chiropractic care may help relieve tension in segments of the spine that affect the abdomen and enhance the body’s ability to manage stomach pain and discomfort.
- The main focus points for Chiropractic and stomach pain are Upper cervical segments, specifically affecting vagal tone and specific segments of the thoracic and lumbar region.
Pain Relief: Some patients with stomach pain report relief after chiropractic care, which can reduce inflammation and tension in the abdominal area.
Functional Medicine for Stomach Pain
- Comprehensive Assessment: Functional medicine practitioners aim to understand the root causes of stomach pain rather than just treating symptoms. They conduct a thorough assessment of the patient’s medical history, diet, lifestyle, and other factors to identify underlying issues. This is very important when it comes to solving the problem of stomach pain.
- Diet and Nutrition: Functional medicine emphasizes the role of diet in overall health. Practitioners may recommend dietary changes and supplements to address digestive issues, such as food sensitivities, inflammation, or imbalances in gut bacteria.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Stress, sleep, and exercise can all affect digestive health. Functional medicine takes a holistic approach, considering how these lifestyle factors impact stomach pain.
- Supplements and Herbal Remedies: Functional medicine often utilizes natural supplements and herbal remedies to support digestive health. These can include probiotics, digestive enzymes, and herbs known for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Personalized Treatment: Functional medicine tailors treatment plans to the individual’s specific needs, aiming to address the unique factors contributing to their stomach pain.
Types of Stomach Pain Addressed
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis
- Food Sensitivities and Allergies
- Chronic Constipation
- Chronic Diarrhea
- Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
- Gut Dysbiosis
- Leaky Gut Syndrome
- Functional Dyspepsia
- Gallbladder Issues
- Chronic Stomach Pain
- Gastric Ulcers
- Nausea and Vomiting:
Conclusion
While chiropractic care may not be the first choice for addressing stomach pain, there is a connection between the spine and the nervous system that can impact abdominal discomfort. By identifying and addressing underlying issues related to improving physiology, chiropractors aim to alleviate stomach pain and improve overall well-being. If you are experiencing persistent or severe stomach pain, please give us a call today. We know that it is “not in your head” and that there is a real solution to fixing your problems.