When you think of chiropractic care, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Neck pain? Back pain? You are certainly not alone! So, what does chiropractic care have to do with gut health?

The true benefit of chiropractic care is improved nervous system function. Your nervous system is the driver of all other functions in your body – including digestion! Just like other body systems, digestion isn’t controlled by just one factor – even in relation to the nervous system. Your spine and spinal function can directly affect your digestive system through two basic ways – the autonomic nervous system and the nerves that directly innervate (send and receive signals to) the digestive system.

The autonomic nervous system is the part of the nervous system that control “automatic” functions of the body – such as your heart rate, breathing and digestion. The autonomic nervous system can be divided into two major branches – the sympathetic “fight or flight” and the parasympathetic “rest and digest”. Both branches are equally important. For optimal function, you have to be able to quickly respond to a threat with the sympathetic system. It will increase your heart rate, dilate your pupils, release stress hormones and get your body ready to flee danger or fight danger! These responses keep you alive!

When the danger is past – your nervous system has to be able to switch back to a parasympathetic dominant state. Your heart rate should decrease again, pupils will constrict and eventually blood and nervous system energy can be sent to your digestive system to do the work of digestion and repairing your body.

In today’s environment however, many people get stuck in a chronic state of sympathetic overdrive. Chiropractic care can help stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, thereby re-teaching your body to switch back to the rest and digest side of autonomic function. This would also be supported by lifestyle changes to help your nervous system function best (a topic for another post!).

Then we have the direct innervation of your digestive organs. Every nerve that goes to an organ or gland that helps digestion – such as stomach, pancreas, liver, small intestine, large intestine, etc comes off of your spinal cord, through your spine to reach its target. If your spine is not functioning properly (subluxated) then the nerve function at that level is affected as well. For example – the nerves to the stomach come off the thoracic spine (where your rib cage is attached) and nerves to your bowels come off of lumbar spine (low back). So, you can see how there can be a direct effect on your digestion with dysfunction in your spine!

If you are struggling with digestive issues, then chiropractic care should be at the top of your mind. ESPECIALLY if you are struggling with neck/back pain and digestive problems, or chronic stress and digestive problems. You now know how they are all related!

If you have further questions on this topic – we would love to discuss with you! Feel free to reach out via email or phone, schedule a free phone consult or schedule a new patient exam. We look forward to connecting!

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