Figure 1.

Constipation, or irregularity, is a problem of the digestive system. Bowel movements may be difficult to pass, infrequent, or feel incomplete. Severe cases may lead to obstruction, which can result in no bowel movements.

 

          Constipation affects at least 2% of the population. Constipation is:

·         More common in children, elderly, and women. 

·         Due to the fact that we are all individuals, there is not a definition of a daily “normal” bowel movement. 

·         The average bowel movement range varies from 3 times a day to 3 times per week. 

·         Experiencing a decrease in your normal bowel movement schedule may constitute constipation.

 

          Food passes through the digestive tract and the body absorbs water and other nutrients, leaving the remainder as stool. Stool is squeezed through the intestines by muscular contractions. When stools move more slowly through the intestine, it may cause constipation. Possible causes of constipation include:

·         Interrupted digestive function due to spinal joint fixations and back spasms that inhibit the parasympathetic nervous system (this portion of the nervous system increases intestinal activity and relaxes sphincter muscles). 

·         Lack of proper fluid intake. Normal intake of water per day IS NOT 6-8 glasses of water. Water intake must be adjusted to the size of the person and their activity level. For example, for a typical adult, take their body weight in lbs. and divide it by 2; this gives the amount of water in ounces needed per day: 150 lbs ÷ 2 = 75 ounces of water. For an active adult water intake must increase compared to the amount of exercise. During exercise the body looses about 1 liter (34 ounces) of water every 30 minutes to 1 hour.

·         Lack of regular sustained daily exercise,

·         Lack of fiber in diet,

·         Excessive laxative use,

·         Several medications,

·         Increased physical and emotional stress,

·         Pregnancy.

 

          Because there are no specific tests for constipation, the patient’s description of symptoms will be utilized. Your doctor of chiropractic will most likely perform a medical history, nutritional review, postural analysis, orthopedic tests, and x-rays. Blood tests may also be warranted.

          Treatment for constipation may consist of:

·         Joint Manipulations and spinal adjustments;

·         Postural Rehabilitation;

·         Nutritional and Exercise Advice;

·         Stretching;

·         ROM Exercises;

·         Massage Techniques/Myofascial Release.

 

 

Chiropractic Care May Have a Positive Influence on Constipation

Several outcome investigations have been performed using a variety of conservative Chiropractic procedures aimed at improving the impairment and disability associated with constipation. These include 1 case control investigation and numerous case reports in the Chiropractic, peer-reviewed literature.^1-17

Collectively, these investigations indicate that infants, pediatrics, and adults benefit from a Chiropractic intervention aimed at improvement in and/or restoration of a spinal abnormality (termed vertebral Subluxation).^1-17 Thus, Chiropractic procedures offer a safe and effective means of an initial course of treatment for patients suffering from constipation induced health disorders.

1.      Barber, Virginia A DC; Ring, Thomas S DC. Encopresis: A Case Study Of The Response Of Pediatric Fecal Incontinence While Under Chiropractic Care. Topics In Clinical Chiropractic 2002; 9:68-72.

2.      Blanchard, M DC. Constipation. Field Research Data- International Chiropractors Association 1950;:15-15.

3.      Eriksen, Kirk D.C.. Effect Of Upper Cervical Correction On Chronic Constipation. Chiropractic Research Journal 1994; 3:19-22.

4.      Goldhamer, Alan DC. A Ccct Case History. California Chiropractic Journal 1986; 11:17 & 28.

5.      Gossett, Laurie D.C.. The Effect Of Chiropractic Care On Rett Syndrome: A Case Report. Journal Of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics 1999; 4:248-252.

6.      Hewitt EG. Chiropractic Treatment Of A 7 Month Old With Chronic Constipation: A Case Report. Journal Of Chiropractic Technique 1993; 5:101-103.

7.      Hunt, Julie M DC DICCP. Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care Of An Infant With Irregular Bowel Function: A Case Study. Journal Of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics 2000; 5:312-314.

8.      Killinger, Lisa Z DC; Azad, Ayla DC. Chiropractic Care Of Infantile Colic: A Case Study. Journal Of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics 1998; 3:203-206.

9.      Lyons, Daniel D.. Response To Gonstead Chiropractic Care In A 27 Year Old Athletic Female With A 5 Year History Of Infertility. Journal Of Vertebral Subluxation Research 2003; 2003:1-3.

10. Marko, Stephanie K DC. Case Study-The Effect Of Chiropractic Care On An Infant With Problems Of Constipation. Chiropractic Pediatrics 1994; 1:23-24.

11. Marko, Stephanie K DC. Case Study: Seven Year Old Female With Asthma, Constipation And Headaches Among Other Symptoms.. Chiropractic Pediatrics 1998; 4:14-15.

12. McCullough T. Successful Treatment Of A Neuro-Physiological Infection-Based Subluxation Complicated By H-Pylori. Texas Journal Of Chiropractic 2001; 20:22-24.

13. Muller-Berlin, M.. H.i.o. Cases. European Chiropractors Union 4:11-12.

14. Palmer, Bj DC, PHC. The Hour Has Arrived. 1930; :53-71.

15. Patterson, David DC. Encopresis In A Seven-Year-Old: A Case Study. Journal Of Chiropractic Research 1989; 2:79-82.

16. Quist, David M; Duray, Stephen M. Resolution Of Symptoms Of Chronic Consitpation In An 8-Year Old Male After Chiropractic Treatment. Journal Of Manipulative And Physiologic Therapeutics 2006; 30:65-68.

17. Redly, Monika DC. The Effects Of Chiropractic Care On A Patient With Chronic Constipation. Journal Of The Canadian Chiropractic Association 2001; 45:185-191.