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“Numerous case studies and some clinical studies are revealing that there is a relationship between abnormalities in the spine, the nervous system and gastrointestinal system” stated Dr. Matthew McCoy, a chiropractor, public health researcher and editor of the journal that published the study.
McCoy added “In the case report presented, the child was suffering from constipation that resolved under chiropractic care because of the nature of the nervous system and its relationship to the spine and the organs that control digestion.”
According to researchers the nervous system controls and coordinates all functions of the body and structural shifts in the spine can occur that obstruct the nerves and interfere with their function. By removing the structural shifts, chiropractic improves nerve supply and function.
The child reported on in the study was a 3-year-old female who had chronic constipation and had to use chemical stimulants for a year just to have a bowel movement. Laxatives were also used when the stimulants failed. Following the medical guidance of a special diet did not help. Each bowel movement for the child was a traumatic and painful experience.
The chiropractor examined the child and found structural shifts in her neck and upper back that were confirmed with additional testing. These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.
Following chiropractic adjustments, she experienced complete resolution of constipation and experienced a bowel movement daily. Improvements were also noticed in her overall appetite and mood.
The study’s author called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic in children with constipation.
