Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder affecting the large intestine. Characterised by symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, fatigue, back ache and feeling nauseous. IBS can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. Whist its exact cause remains unknown, factors such as abnormal intestinal muscle contractions, inflammation, deficiency in the how the digestive system break down certain foods and changes in gut bacteria may contribute to its development.
How IBS is Diagnosed
Diagnosing IBS involves a thorough evaluation of symptoms, medical history, and physical examination. There are no specific diagnostic tests for IBS, but healthcare providers may conduct certain tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. These tests may include:
- Blood Tests: These are used to check for signs of infection or inflammation.
- Stool Samples: These are used to rule out infection, they provide a detailed analysis of the Microbiome, the efficiency of breaking down food, the condition of the intestinal walls, as well as wether or not a Leaky Gut is present.
- Colonoscopy or Sigmoidoscopy: These procedures are used to analysis the inside structures and see the condition of the intestinal walls, rules out any abnormalities.
- Imaging: X Ray or CT scans can be used to gain a greater understanding of the intestines.
Conventional treatment for IBS
The treatment of IBS typically involves a combination of lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, medications, and stress management techniques. Common approaches include:
- Dietary Modification: this may involve avoiding certain foods that trigger symptoms, such as dairy, gluten, or high-fat foods. Some individuals find relief with a low FODMAP diet, which restricts certain types of carbohydrates.
- Medications: depending on the predominant symptoms, medications such as antispasmodics, laxatives, or anti-diarrhoea drugs may be prescribed to alleviate discomfort.
- Probiotics: these supplements may help restore the balance of gut bacteria and alleviate symptoms in some individuals.
- Stress Management: techniques such as relaxation exercises, meditation, or counselling may be beneficial in managing stress-related symptoms.
While these conventional treatments can provide relief for many individuals with IBS, some may seek alternative or complementary approaches for additional support.
How Chiropractic Care Can help
Chiropractic care focuses on the relationship between the spine and nervous system, aiming to restore proper alignment and function to promote overall health and well-being. While chiropractic treatment is not a direct cure for IBS, some individuals find relief from certain symptoms through chiropractic adjustments and related therapies. Here’s how chiropractic care may help with IBS symptoms:
- Spinal adjustments: misalignments in the spine, known as subluxations, can interfere with the function of the nervous system, including the nerves that regulate digestive processes. By correcting these misalignments through spinal adjustments, chiropractors aim to restore proper nerve function, which in turn can improve the overall function of the digestive system. This in turns helps alleviate symptoms such as abdominal pain and discomfort.
- Stress reduction: Chiropractic care often includes lifestyle counselling and stress management techniques that can help individuals better cope with stress, which is known to exacerbate IBS symptoms in many cases.
- Nutritional advice: Some chiropractors provide guidance on dietary modifications and nutritional supplements that may support digestive health and reduce inflammation in the gut.
In conclusion, irritable bowel syndrome is a complex gastrointestinal disorder that can significantly impact daily life. Conventional treatment approaches focus on symptom management through lifestyle modifications, medications, and stress management techniques. While chiropractic care may offer many individuals relief from symptoms of IBS, it aims to improve the overall function of the digestive system, by removing nerve interference and improve communication between the brain and the body.
References:
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2018). Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome
- Chiropractic Care for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. (2020). Retrieved from https://www.chiroone.net/bewell/chiropractic-care-for-irritable-bowel-syndrome
- A. C., Moayyedi, P., Chey, W. D., et al. (2014). American College of Gastroenterology Monograph on Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 109(S1), S2-S26. doi:10.1038/ajg.2014.187