Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), also known as spastic colon, is a prevalent, long-lasting health issue that impacts around 9-23% of the global population, with a higher prevalence among women. IBS is classified as a functional disease in which the bowels function abnormally.
IBS vs. IBD, debunked.
Characteristics of IBS
IBS is most commonly characterized by chronic abdominal pain, bloating, gas, cramping, discomfort and irregular bowels.
Symptoms:
Abdominal pains or cramps (typically in the lower abdomen)
Excessive gas and bloating
Harder or looser bowel movements than average
Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between the two
Fatigue
These symptoms DO NOT cause bleeding or black, tarry stools.
A number of factors can "trigger" IBS, including certain foods, medicines, and emotional stress. IBS is not a life-threatening or terminal condition and does not make a person any more likely to develop other colon conditions (1).
Characteristics of IBD
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) most often referred to as Crohn's disease or Ulcerative Colitis.
Crohn's disease is a chronic illness in which the intestine becomes inflamed and ulcerated. While typically beginning in the lower region of the small intestine (ileum), Crohn's can occur in any section of the large or small intestine, stomach, or esophagus. This disease affects the entire thickness of the walls of the bowel, making patients more likely to develop fistulas and abscesses.
Symptoms:
Fever
Chronic diarrhea
Weight loss
Abdominal pain and tenderness (often on the right side of the lower abdomen)
Feeling of a mass or fullness in the lower, right abdomen
Ulcerative colitis is known to only ever start in the large intestine and affects only the inner layer of the colon (mucosa). The inflammation begins in the rectum but can spread to other segments of the colon as it matures.
Symptoms:
Diarrhea - which subsequently becomes bloody
Abdominal pain
Fever
What causes IBS?
What We Know So Far
The exact cause of IBS isn't clear. Many theories have been put forward, but the pathophysiology is still uncertain. The complexity and diversity of IBS makes treatment difficult, as not all symptoms affect everyone (2).
Potential Causes:
1. Dysfunctional Serotonin regulation
Serotonin plays a key role in the control of gastrointestinal motility, sensation, and secretion. Higher and lower levels of serotonin in IBS patients have been shown to correlate with looser and harder stools, respectively
2. Bacterial overgrowth or infection
Studies indicate that small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is prevalent in IBS cases, yet it remains unclear whether overgrowth CAUSES IBS. There is no known quantity-dependent relationship between small intestinal microbiota and IBS symptoms. Prospective studies have shown that 3%-36% of enteric infections lead to persistent new IBS symptoms. The precise incidence depends on the infecting organism (viral/bacterial)
3. Central dysregulation and brain-gut interaction
In addition, psychological stress has been reported to be one of the factors that induce immune activation. Anxiety and depression are also common in IBS
4. Genetics (disputable)
There is a working hypothesis that environmental factors play an important role in the pathogenesis in the genetically primed individuals.
Chiropractic Care can help IBS/IBD!
How Is It Treated?
The Chiropractic Approach
At Epoch Chiropractic, we help patients with various conditions, including IBS, through chiropractic care and proper nutritional guidance. Our approach does NOT involve any prescription drugs or medications but rather focuses on getting your central nervous system (CNS) back on track.
All organs and systems within the human body are controlled by the brain and the nerves that connect them. Therefore, the nerve signals running between the brain and intestines control how the intestines function and respond to different triggers. If there is an interference or obstruction in these nerve signals (known as a subluxation), it can cause problems or irregularities with how the bowels function.
Chiropractic care removes subluxations, which impact nerves and inhibit the body’s normal functions, including its ability to heal. When we identify where subluxations exist, we can remove the interference and restore normal functions.
Dr. Patel has a broad knowledge of nutrition, metabolics, and supplements based on high quality herbal ingredients that are not usually found over-the-counter. As holistic practitioners, we're proud to provide relief and offer alternative care that doesn't involve prescription medication or invasive procedures.
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