Our digestive tract is 20-30 feet long.
The whole digestion process – from when we swallow food to when it leaves our body, depending on the individual, takes 2-5 days.
Our gut is known as our second brain.
Most people don’t think about the incredible process of digestion every time they sit down to eat. They’re trying to remember if they took their Lactaid. #notsponsored
Digestive issues disrupt the daily lives of 40% of Americans. These issues are on the minds of 132 million people every day, distracting them from being productive at work or enjoying time to kick back and relax.
As a chiropractor for digestive health in Springfield, IL, I know that our digestive system’s intricate and complex web is responsible for much of our overall health and well-being – more than just the “we are what we eat” hogwash. Inflammation and disruption in the gut can contribute to pain, sleeplessness, anxiety, depression, fatigue, heart health, cognition, and attitude (being “hangry” is a clinical diagnosis) (jk).
Here are eight of the most common digestive disorders. Hopefully, they don’t sound familiar, but if someone finds themselves in the 40%, stay tuned for the solution that will change everything.
Most Common Digestive Issues
1. Dyspepsia
AKA indigestion.
Dyspepsia is a set of symptoms like pain, a feeling of fullness, burning, bloating, nausea, or excessive belching related to eating. Most of these symptoms are impolite, not to mention uncomfortable.
2. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD, is not a cute name. Nor is the condition. But then again, nothing about this topic will be “cute.” GERD is when the sphincter of the esophagus malfunctions, allowing stomach acid up the esophagus, a place it is not supposed to go.
Exactly. GERD’s common symptoms include:
- Heartburn
- Regurgitation
- Dysphagia
- Chest Pain
- Chronic Cough
- Laryngitis
If left untreated, GERD can lead to inflammation of the esophagus, an increased risk of esophageal cancer, and respiratory issues. While not eating that burrito right before bed can definitely help, those experiencing chronic reflux issues will want a more satisfying solution than “Pop those Prilosec!” Or “Don’t eat that burrito right before bed.”
But also, don’t eat a burrito right before bed.
3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Deal with it!
But not everybody should be pooping like they’ve got IBS. IBS is a rollercoaster for the intestines, filled with unexpected twists, turns, and probably a few scream-worthy moments. Hopefully, none of them get caught on camera and are available for purchase at the bottom of the ride.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a common gastrointestinal disorder affecting the large intestine. It causes symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, urgency, and irregular bowel habits.
IBS isn’t the result of structural damage to the digestive tract but rather dysfunction of the digestive system. Abnormal muscle contractions in the intestines, an oversensitive or reactive gut, or alterations in the precious gut microbiome could be to blame. Stress and anxiety can also contribute to the onset or exacerbation of symptoms. IBS also causes stress and anxiety—a dangerous feedback loop to get stuck in.
4. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Unlike IBS, which is a functional disorder, IBD involves inflammation and damage to the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in the regular suspects of abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue.
There are two types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease:
- Crohn’s Disease – patches of inflammation throughout the digestive tract
- Ulcerative Colitis – continuous inflammation and ulceration along the inner lining of the colon
As anyone can imagine, living with IBD is…a challenge.
Not that kind.
There it is.
Managing symptoms, especially inflammation, is critical to any treatment for IBD.
5. Celiac Disease
Everybody has that friend who claims to be allergic to gluten. They ask the waiter a million questions about how a dish is prepared, order the short rib pappardelle, and coyly giggle when the waiter looks confused. They ask if there’s gluten in wine.
These people are the worst.
Celiac is much more serious than an “intolerance.” It’s an autoimmune disorder triggered by the consumption of gluten. In individuals with celiac disease, gluten intake damages the small intestine, leading to malabsorption of nutrients and various symptoms, including diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue.
6. Constipation
7. Diarrhea
8. Bloating and Gas
Enough said.
Natural Digestion Relief
The digestive system cannot work without the nervous system. Nothing can. Our spinal cord’s nerves are essential to regulate the muscles and organs necessary for digestion. A misalignment in the spine can distort communication between the brain and the digestive system, resulting in…
Misalignments in the spine can also put pressure on the muscles and ligaments that support the stomach and intestines, causing additional pain and restricting blood flow that these organs desperately need to do their jobs properly. Without adequate blood flow, our digestion system…
This kind of discomfort and dysfunction is physically burdensome but also emotionally taxing, and that doesn’t do us any favors. Stress produces cortisol, which speeds digestion, adding fuel to the fire.
At the Springfield Wellness Center, we know chiropractic care for digestive disorders can change everything. We’ve seen it happen! Our gentle and specific chiropractic adjustments target the misalignments impeding the nerves that service the digestive system to correct spinal structure and restore normal nerve activity. When nerve signals flow unimpeded between the brain and the stomach…
Chiropractic treatment for digestive disorders offers an alternate, holistic therapy for those who don’t want to be at the mercy of Pepto or Pepcid or Port-a-John. A healthy digestive system requires a healthy nervous system, and there’s no better place in Springfield, IL, to improve nervous system health.
Call us or schedule a time to meet with one of our amazing doctors. Don’t live with the anxiety that a flare-up could be waiting around any corner, on a date, or while we’re stuck in traffic. With chiropractic care, that anxiety will melt away, and it’ll take the stomach pain and dysfunction with it.