Constipation

Constipation can be defined as a delay or difficulty in passing faeces. It varies greatly from one individual to another.

There are many causes of constipation: it is often due to a poor diet low in fibre and fluids, physical inactivity (rare in children), stress, anxiety, an allergy or lactose intolerance (fairly common in young people), etc.

Since the 1960s, research has been exploring the link between poor spinal function and the disorganisation of messages from the brain to the intestine. A recent study showed that 75% of people suffering from low back pain also suffer from constipation.

Constipation is a condition that is frequently treated in chiropractic offices. There are numerous studies showing the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment for this condition.

THE FIRST STUDY INVOLVED THE TREATMENT OF PAEDIATRIC PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM CHRONIC CONSTIPATION WITH ADJUSTMENTS TO THE VERTEBRAL SUBLUXATIONS.

The 3 patients were less than 2 years old with bowel movements ranging from once a week to once every 3-4 days. This was accompanied by a lot of pain and rectal bleeding. They had already tried dietary changes (more fruit and fluids) and were using mineral or cod liver oil, without success.

After chiropractic treatment (adjustment of vertebral subluxations) the 3 children returned to having bowel movements every day or every other day with no effort and no pain.

Diane M Meyer, BSc,DC and J Alcantara,BSc, DC. Clinical Chiropractic, March 2008.

Other studies on www.icpa4kids.org/chiropractic-research/