Recent research reported in the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research on a woman with constipation reveals that chiropractic may play an important role in managing these patients. The literature included supports the role of chiropractic in adults suffering from the related health challenges and calls for more research in this area.

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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 woman was suffering from constipation that resolved under chiropractic care because of the nature of the nervous system and its relationship to the spine.” 

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 woman reported on in the study had been suffering from constipation for eight months.  Her bowel movements were infrequent and hard to pass.  She constantly felt bloated.  She took over the counter medication which did not offer much relief.  Her physician did a rectal exam, colonoscopy, and abdominal x-ray and upon receiving negative results for pathology, she was told to increase her dietary fiber and fluid intake.  

The chiropractor examined her and found structural shifts in her neck, upper back, and sacrum.  Tight muscles and restricted range of motion were noted.  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.  

The study’s author called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic in adults with chronic constipation.

Matthew McCoy, DC, MPH
Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research
Website: [www.vertebralsubluxationresearch.com]
Email: drmatthewmccoy@gmail.com
Phone: 404.247.2550