Constipation

Do you Have Constipation?  Is it Getting Worse over Time?

If so, you are not alone.  According to statistics from the National Institute of Health, about 4 million people suffer from constipation each year, and 2.5 million people visit their doctor for help.   Three or fewer stools a week is usually an indication that there is a constipation problem.

Do you Know that a Misaligned Spine can Contribute to Constipation?

The nerves in the lower spine control the colon. Therefore, a lower back injury can cause or contribute to constipation.

Consider These Facts:

• Back pain from a slipped disc can be severe enough that any attempt to pass a stool can be painful. Bathroom trips might be skipped, leading to a build-up in the colon.
• If you are even slightly constipated, the extra strain in passing stools can worsen back pain.
• A lower back injury can cause a misfire of the nerves that control the colon, causing constipation.

And reversely, constipation can contribute to back pain.  The combination of constipation symptoms accompanied by dull back pain can indicate that the constipation is causing back pain.

A comprehensive chiropractic examination can determine the relationship between back pain and constipation, i.e.

• Is a spinal condition contributing to constipation?
• Or is constipation causing back discomfort?

Relationship of Diet and Constipation

Often constipation is not accompanied by back pain, but it is still an unhealthy situation and uncomfortable.

The symptoms can be bloating, feeling too full, not feeling satisfied that the bowels are emptied and hard dry stools.

If there is enough stool blockage the individual can experience nausea and even vomiting.

Chronic constipation is usually directly related to dietary and health habits.

What’s the Best Way to Handle Constipation?

You’ve come to the right place for answers to that question!

Most people who are constipated are aware of the fact but don’t know what is causing it or what to do.  Laxatives might work for a while, but without addressing the underlying issue, whether it be health habits or chiropractic, the relief is temporary.

Dr. Pence can help get to the bottom of what is causing your constipation. (On rare occasions, severe medical conditions can contribute to constipation.  If this is suspected, Dr. Pence will appropriately refer you to medical resources.)

Chiropractic Assessment

A chiropractic assessment will determine if a misaligned spine is contributing to a problem with constipation.  Dr. Pence will recommend appropriate chiropractic treatment, along with any dietary and exercise adjustments.

Dietary Assessment

With his degree and expertise in nutrition, Dr. Pence understands the importance of a healthy diet in treating and preventing chronic constipation caused by health habits.  After assessing your current dietary and health routines, Dr. Pence will counsel you on beneficial health and exercise practices. Some general strategies Dr. Pence may employ to help eliminate your chronic constipation include boosting your consumption of high-fiber foods (e.g. fruits, vegetables, and beans), and limiting your intake of low-fiber foods. He will also encourage you to drink additional water to counter-balance the increased volume of fiber and reduce your caffeine intake.

It’s not easy to change life habits overnight.   We will create a program that is realistic for your life – one that you can do.

Call 304- 645-6080 to book an appointment.