Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is commonly defined as a “functional bowel condition” diagnosed based on various criteria, including the presence of abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits, with either predominantly diarrhoea (IBS-D), constipation (IBS-C), or a combination of both (IBS-M)both (IBS-M)M
Currently, definitive biomarkers for diagnosis haven’t been identified, so diagnosis relies on clinical assessment. At present, it is estimated to impact 11% of the adult population. While studies are still investigating the causes and underlying triggers of IBS, we do know there is a degree of female predominance and that diagnoses drop by about 25% over the age of 50. (1)
Recently published in the Asia-Pacific Chiropractic Journal is a case report of a 24-year-old male engineer who presented for chiropractic care with primary concerns of stomach pain and diarrhoea he believed to be related to IBS. He was a novice to Chiropractic care and reported having an elite (high) level of physical activity and exercise.
The patient reported having symptoms for at least one year and despite consulting with general practitioners and gastroenterologists, no formal diagnosis had been made. The pattern of symptoms occurred daily in the morning and seemed to worsen after intense gym/training sessions done on the weekend. He reported secondary complaints of constant paraspinal lower back pain, as well as tightness in the hamstrings and glutes. Other than these conditions, no significant medical history was reported.
The patient’s primary stated aim was to reduce gut symptoms as they had been stumping other health professionals and negatively affecting the patient’s quality of life.
Upon examination, the patient demonstrated restrictions in cervical and lumbar range of motion, as well as sacroiliac joint and lumbar pain. A postural assessment revealed forward head carriage, anterior pelvic tilt, and pelvic unlevelling. Full spine X-rays indicated cervical spine reverse lordosis, thoracic spine reverse kyphosis, and degenerative disc disease and joint dysfunction at L4/L5. Subluxations were assessed using the Advanced Bio-structural Correction Protocol and were located throughout multiple weight-bearing regions of the body.
Following the initial assessment, the patient was placed on an initial intensive care plan, comprising three visits per week for four weeks, and then two visits per week for six weeks. He then underwent a twelve-week course of corrective care at a one-visit-per-week frequency for twelve weeks before moving to wellness care once every three weeks.
During this time, he was adjusted using Advanced Bio-structural Correction and meningeal releases, focusing on correcting anterior subluxations between C7-L5 and mobilising lower limb joints, including feet. Specific adjustments were tailored to assessments done at each visit and C7/T1, rib cage, L5, pelvis, and feet were adjusted at every visit. Recommendations were also given for optimal sitting and sleeping ergonomics.
The patient showed significant improvement after four weeks (12 visits) of treatment, self-reporting a 70% overall improvement and a decrease in IBS episodes from daily to one or two times every two weeks. His lower back pain went from constant to one episode per week. Objective measures showed improvements, with reductions in forward head posture, Anterior Pelvic Tilt, and head and neck tilt. The patient’s IBS completely resolved during the course of treatment, and he continued wellness care until 2023 without any recurrence of symptoms.
This case report highlights the significant impact of a sensitive health issue on an elite athlete in his twenties. The patient reported that traditional treatments were unable to alleviate symptoms, but chiropractic care achieved excellent results without changes to other aspects of his care. Given the patient’s previous efforts with traditional interventions, it is reasonable to conclude that Chiropractic care contributed to this outcome.
A similar outcome was noted in another case report (2) where a 32-year-old woman sought Chiropractic care after suffering from IBS and depression for a decade. Her symptoms included painful bowel movements every morning, discomfort, and bloating. These symptoms were exacerbated by alcohol, stress, large meals, and fatty foods. Upper-cervical adjustments were performed to correct vertebral subluxation, based on paraspinal thermography. Following care, the patient stated that bowel function was restored to normal and also noted a decrease in incidence of depression and anxiety.
Case reports are limited in that they only show the outcome of one patient however, new evidence indicates that (in at least two cases) Chiropractic care may have contributed to improved digestive system function, demonstrating rationale for future research. We can’t wait to see what emerges.
References:
- Canavan, C., West, J., & Card, T. (2014). The epidemiology of irritable bowel syndrome. Clinical epidemiology, 6, 71–80.https://doi.org/10.2147/CLEP.S40245
- Nardi, J. (2013). Resolution of irritable bowel symptomatology in a patient undergoing upper cervical chiropractic care. J Upper Cervical Chiropr Res. 2013 Spring; 2013(2):25-31 https://vertebralsubluxationresearch.com/2013/04/18/resolution-of-irritable-bowel-symptomatology-in-a-patient-undergoing-upper-cervical-chiropractic-care/
