could you benefit from chiropractic treatment?

There are a number of medications, including colestipol, hycosamine, and dicyclomine, which have are intended for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. However, every case of IBS is different, and these medications do not work for everyone. If you have tried several IBS medications but are still suffering from symptoms, it may be time to try a different treatment route. These three natural therapies have been found to help many IBS patients lead a more comfortable, symptom-free life.

Chiropractic Care

You might think of your chiropractor as a person who helps manage back pain, but in reality, chiropractors treat a lot more than aching backs. When your spine is out of alignment, your vertebrae may exert excess pressure on some of your nerves—including those that regulate your digestive system. By adjusting your spine, your chiropractor can relieve this pressure, and thus help alleviate your digestive issues. If spinal misalignment is causing your IBS symptoms, that is likely why your medications have not been working; they can't adjust your spine like a chiropractor can.

If you have never visited the chiropractor before, you may have some concerns as to how safe a spinal adjustment is, and whether there are any side effects to worry about. The good news is that chiropractic care is one of the safest non-drug therapies available. The only side effect worthy of mention is possible minor muscle stiffness for a day or two after treatment. This is very mild, does not occur in all patients, and will not affect your ability to participate in daily activities. Learn more about your options through resources like http://accident-chiropractic.com.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a natural therapy that involves inserting tiny needles at specific points along the body. These needles are said to re-direct the flow of energy through the body, which can help alleviate a number of symptoms and health ailments. The National Institutes of Health have acknowledged acupuncture as an effective treatment for abdominal pain, muscle cramping, constipation and diarrhea, all of which are hallmark symptoms of IBS. The treatment may also help alleviate anxiety, which is a contributing factor in many cases of IBS.

Though many patients are concerned that acupuncture will be painful, it can actually be very comfortable. Most people report feeling relaxed and at-ease during their procedures. Regular treatments will likely be necessary to keep your IBS symptoms at bay. You can look forward to the best possible outcome if you work with an acupuncturist who has experience treating IBS.

Nutritional Therapy

Many cases of IBS are brought on, at least in part, by food sensitivities or a digestive reaction to certain foods. Gluten, dairy products, and various food additives are often to blame, but some patients have reactions when they consume fish, high-fiber foods, poultry, or even coffee. It is very hard to figure out what sensitivities you have on your own, since symptoms may sometimes appear hours or days after you have eaten a certain food. A nutritional therapist can help you identify which foods contribute to your IBS symptoms, so you can avoid eating them. Usually, this involves following what is called an elimination diet, in which you slowly eliminate foods from your diet, one at a time, until you notice that your symptoms improve.

Once you have followed an elimination diet and discovered which foods activate your IBS symptoms, your nutritional therapist will work with you to create a specialized diet plan that ensures you get the nutrients you need without aggravating your IBS.

When you begin any of the treatment therapies above, remember that your body may take some time to react to the treatment. Don't give up if one chiropractic session, for example, does not alleviate your symptoms. Work with your chiropractor, nutritionist, or acupuncturist over a period of time; there are different methods and treatments these practitioners can use to manage your symptoms, and it can take them a few sessions to determine which will work best for you.