Back Clinic Functional Medicine Team. Functional medicine is an evolution in the practice of medicine that better addresses the healthcare needs of the 21st century. By shifting the traditional disease-centered focus of medical practice to a more patient-centered approach, functional medicine addresses the whole person, not just an isolated set of symptoms.
Practitioners spend time with their patients, listening to their histories and looking at the interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that can influence long-term health and complex, chronic disease. In this way, functional medicine supports the unique expression of health and vitality for each individual.
By changing the disease-centered focus of medical practice to this patient-centered approach, our physicians are able to support the healing process by viewing health and illness as part of a cycle in which all components of the human biological system interact dynamically with the environment. This process helps to seek and identify genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors that may shift a person’s health from illness to well-being.
When the body shifts out of homeostasis or when something in the body is out of balance, the body sweats. Sweating is a process known as perspiration that releases salt-based fluids from the body’s sweat glands to help the body stay cool and regulate body temperature. Sweat is commonly found under the arms, on the feet, and on the palms of the hands. Body temperature, outdoor temperature, or emotional state changes can cause sweating.
Sweating
An individual has around 2-4 million sweat glands, which begin to become fully active during puberty. There are two types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine. The most common areas of sweating include:
Face.
Armpits.
Palms of the hands.
Soles of the feet.
Sweating in normal amounts is an essential bodily process.
Not sweating enough or sweating too much can cause problems.
Sweat is mostly water but contains small amounts of salt.
Sweat also contains electrolytes and minerals – including potassium, chloride, magnesium, zinc, copper, proteins, urea, and ammonia.
Electrolyte levels need to be replenished after heavy sweating.
Causes
Sweating is normal. However, a variety of causes can stimulate increased sweating.
High Temperature
Elevated body temperature.
Elevated outdoor temperature.
Are the primary cause of increased sweating.
Emotions and stress
Emotions and conditions can also make the body break out in a heavy sweat.
Emotional stress
Anxiety
Anger
Fear
Embarrassment
Foods
Sweating may be a response to certain foods. This type of sweat is known as gustatory sweating, which can be caused by:
Spicy foods
Caffeinated drinks – like soda, coffee, and tea.
Alcoholic beverages.
Medications
Illness and Medications
Sweating may be caused by medication use and certain illnesses:
Individuals can become dehydrated and have an increased risk of heatstroke.
Chiropractic Adjustments
The nervous system coordinates and oversees all functions of the body. Some can be consciously controlled, and others are automatic. The autonomic nervous system– ANS regulates involuntary processes, including blood pressure, heart rate, digestion, respiration, gland function, sweating, etc. The ANS is divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.
The sympathetic nervous system – when activated, creates a state of elevated activity and attention or the fight or flight response.
This process increases blood pressure and heart rate, preparing the body to respond to various stressors.
The parasympathetic nervous system promotes resting and digesting processes that lower heart rate and blood pressure.
The parasympathetic calms the body.
Chiropractic adjustments have been known to affect the autonomic nervous system. This is achieved by increasing parasympathetic activity/relaxation and down-shifting the sympathetic/fight or flight response and inflammation. A chiropractic adjustment can remove subluxations, which cause interferences in the nervous system. Chiropractic restores and improves the brain and body system communication.
Thoracic Spine Pain
References
Baker, Lindsay B. “Physiology of sweat gland function: The roles of sweating and sweat composition in human health.” Temperature (Austin, Tex.) vol. 6,3 211-259. 17 Jul. 2019, doi:10.1080/23328940.2019.1632145
Cabanac, M. “Temperature regulation.” Annual Review of Physiology vol. 37 (1975): 415-39. doi:10.1146/annurev.ph.37.030175.002215
Cui, Chang-Yi, and David Schlessinger. “Eccrine sweat gland development and sweat secretion.” Experimental dermatology vol. 24,9 (2015): 644-50. doi:10.1111/exd.12773
Kiani, Aysha Karim, et al. “Neurobiological basis of chiropractic manipulative treatment of the spine in the care of major depression.” Acta bio-medica : Atenei Parmensis vol. 91,13-S e2020006. 9 Nov. 2020, doi:10.23750/abm.v91i13-S.10536
McCutcheon, L J, and R J Geor. “Sweating. Fluid and ion losses and replacement.” The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice vol. 14,1 (1998): 75-95. doi:10.1016/s0749-0739(17)30213-4
Throughout the world, pain and stress are related to musculoskeletal disorders affecting joints and muscles. Many musculoskeletal disorders will have correlating symptoms with overlapping risk profiles that can make a person’s life difficult. Pain and stress have two forms: acute and chronic, which are associated with numerous everyday factors that a person goes through. Even though pain and stress can impact a person’s life, there are multiple ways to reduce these two by calming the mind and doing meditative breathing techniques to relax the body and clear the mind. What is truly amazing is that meditative breathing techniques can be combined with stretching techniques like MET (muscle energy techniques. Today’s article looks at how stress and pain affect the musculoskeletal system, the breathing connection for musculoskeletal pain, and how MET therapy is combined with breathing exercises. We utilize and provide valuable information about our patients to certified medical providers who use soft tissue stretching methods like MET to reduce musculoskeletal stress on the body. We encourage patients by referring them to our associated medical providers based on their findings. We support that education is a marvelous way to ask our providers the most interesting questions at the patient’s acknowledgment. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., incorporates this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
Stress & Pain Affect The Musculoskeletal System
Have you been dealing with shoulder, neck, or back pain? What about feeling an overwhelming pressure that is causing you to stress out? Or do you feel muscle pain and joint stiffness affecting your daily routine? Many of these issues correspond with stress and pain from numerous factors associated with the musculoskeletal system. Research studies revealed that pain and stress are considered two sides of the same coin regarding the musculoskeletal system. Pain and stress are two distinguished symptoms that overlap each other when musculoskeletal disorders affect the body. Pain is a collection of emotional and sensory perceptions that work with musculoskeletal motor behavior. At the same time, stress is characterized by challenging emotional or physiological events that cause adaptive or maladaptive changes to regain homeostasis. With these two factors working together to affect the musculoskeletal system, the body may develop symptoms and cause the individual to be miserable.
The Breathing Connection For Musculoskeletal Pain & Stress
One of the major correspondents that work with pain and stress is anxiety. In “Clinical Applications of Neuromuscular Techniques,” authors Dr. Leon Chaitow, N.D., D.O., and Judith Walker DeLany, L.M.T., mentioned that anxiety aggravates all chronic pain and stress. However, there is a solution to reduce pain and stress in the musculoskeletal system. When pain and stress are combined with anxiety, it can cause breathing disorders and produce inflammatory cytokines and elevated cortisol levels to contribute. But incorporating some deep breathing techniques can help reduce stress and pain affecting the body. Research studies have revealed that slow deep breathing has been known to reduce the effects of musculoskeletal pain and help lower cortisol levels. Breathing techniques are popular in meditation and yoga practices. Deep breathing and mindfulness can help the body relax from everyday factors and calm the individual. Additional studies have mentioned that breathing exercise programs effectively improve lung function, reduce musculoskeletal pain associated with the back, and help improve a person’s quality of life.
The Natural Way To Heal- Video
Have you been dealing with musculoskeletal pain throughout your entire body? Do you feel constantly stressed throughout your whole life? Or have you felt anxious that it is making your muscles tense constantly? When many people feel constant stress and are in pain, it can lead to musculoskeletal disorders that can cause many individuals to be miserable. When this happens, overlapping risk profiles affect the musculoskeletal, organs, and nervous systems. At the same time, fortunately, numerous treatments can help reduce pain and stress that is affecting the body. Chiropractic care is non-invasive and can help many individuals be mindful of their bodies. The video above explains how chiropractic care can help realign the body from spinal subluxation and mitigate the effects of muscle pain and stress in the muscle fibers.
MET Therapy Combined With Breathing Exercises
When the body has been dealing with musculoskeletal pain on top of stress, it can cause the individual to be miserable and try to find some relief. Luckily there are available treatments that can help restore the body naturally and reduce the effects of stress and pain. Treatment like MET (muscle energy technique) and breathing exercises allow the muscles to relax and properly stretch to relieve muscle pain. Research studies have revealed that breathing exercises and MET therapy can reduce a person’s symptoms and help regain the muscle and joint range of motion. These two combined treatments can help many individuals dealing with musculoskeletal pain associated with stress to be more aware of what is affecting their bodies. They can help them along their health and wellness journey without medicine.
Conclusion
Overall, pain and stress are part of numerous conditions and disorders that can affect the musculoskeletal system and cause overlapping risk profiles that can cause the individual to be miserable. When pain and stress affect the body, it can cause the muscles, tissues, ligaments, joints, and organs to work harder than before and develop chronic musculoskeletal disorders. Fortunately, treatments like MET (muscle energy technique) and breathing exercises allow the body to relax and help reduce muscle pain symptoms affecting the body. When a person incorporates these treatments as part of their daily routine, they can become more aware of what is affecting their bodies and improve what is going on in their daily lives. This allows them to continue their health and wellness journey pain-free.
References
Abdallah, Chadi G, and Paul Geha. “Chronic Pain and Chronic Stress: Two Sides of the Same Coin?” Chronic Stress (Thousand Oaks, Calif.), U.S. National Library of Medicine, Feb. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5546756/.
Anderson, Barton E, and Kellie C Huxel Bliven. “The Use of Breathing Exercises in the Treatment of Chronic, Nonspecific Low Back Pain.” Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 24 Aug. 2016, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27632818/.
Chaitow, Leon, and Judith Walker DeLany. Clinical Applications of Neuromuscular Techniques. Churchill Livingstone, 2003.
Joseph, Amira E, et al. “Effects of Slow Deep Breathing on Acute Clinical Pain in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.” Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8891889/.
Zaccaro, Andrea, et al. “How Breath-Control Can Change Your Life: A Systematic Review on Psycho-Physiological Correlates of Slow Breathing.” Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 7 Sept. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6137615/.
Body misalignment can cause various symptoms to be experienced, ranging from headaches, neck and back pain, sore feet, discomfort in the joints, muscles, or nerves, and digestive problems. Improperly aligned vertebrae can press against nerves, pinching or compressing them, causing the nerve signals of the digestive system, including those in the stomach and intestines, to misfire or fail to transmit at the appropriate moment. This can cause the organs to malfunction, resulting in heartburn, gas, constipation, cramping, diarrhea, and other symptoms. Chiropractic realignment adjustments are an effective treatment option for frequent stomachaches, reflux, constipation, and other gastrointestinal conditions.
Body Misalignment Digestive Problems
There are over a million nerve cells within the digestive system. A collection of nerves branch out from the lower part of the spinal cord and travels to the stomach and intestines. Nerve transmission plays an essential role in the following:
Digestion.
Movement of food through the gastrointestinal system.
Absorption of nutrients and minerals.
Removal of waste products.
Misalignments of the vertebrae are known as subluxations. Pressure on nerve roots caused by misalignment can interfere with the function of the bowel and other organs, which can lead to gastrointestinal issues. Muscle tension in the abdomen can also contribute to digestive problems, whether because of stress or sitting for long hours daily.
Misalignment Symptoms
When the body is out of alignment, symptoms of discomfort begin to appear. The most common include:
Fatigue.
Stiff neck.
Sore shoulders.
Chronic headaches.
Sore muscles.
Pain throughout the back.
Joint pain throughout the body.
Chronic aches.
Tight hips.
Difficulty walking.
Tingling, pins and needles, and numbness nerve sensations – sciatica.
Constantly getting sick.
Healthy Gut
A balanced healthy gut will have less difficulty processing food and eliminating waste, leading to reduced and eventually alleviated symptoms. The following show healthy gut function:
Regular, consistent energy levels.
Increased mental clarity.
Regular and healthy bowel movements.
No pain or discomfort symptoms.
A normal amount of gas and bloating.
Healthy stress levels.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic care will realign the body to its proper form, improving gastrointestinal issues. The chiropractic team will use various tools and techniques to guide and correct any subluxations, relax the muscles, and increase nerve and blood circulation.
Healthy Diet and Chiropractic
References
Ernst, Edzard. “Chiropractic treatment for gastrointestinal problems: a systematic review of clinical trials.” Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology = Journal canadien de Gastroenterologie vol. 25,1 (2011): 39-40. doi:10.1155/2011/910469
Hills, Ronald D Jr, et al. “Gut Microbiome: Profound Implications for Diet and Disease.” Nutrients vol. 11,7 1613. 16 Jul. 2019, doi:10.3390/nu11071613
Hornbuckle, William E., et al. “Gastrointestinal Function.” Clinical Biochemistry of Domestic Animals (2008): 413–457. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-370491-7.00014-3
Leeming, Emily R et al. “Effect of Diet on the Gut Microbiota: Rethinking Intervention Duration.” Nutrients vol. 11,12 2862. 22 Nov. 2019, doi:10.3390/nu11122862
Li, Yuanyuan, et al. “The Role of Microbiome in Insomnia, Circadian Disturbance, and Depression.” Frontiers in psychiatry vol. 9 669. 5 Dec. 2018, doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00669
Redwood, Daniel. “Chiropractic and visceral disorders.” Journal of Alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.) vol. 13,5 (2007): 479-80. doi:10.1089/acm.2007.7146
Valdes, Ana M et al. “Role of the gut microbiota in nutrition and health.” BMJ (Clinical research ed.) vol. 361 k2179. 13 Jun. 2018, doi:10.1136/bmj.k2179
Viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa are the microorganisms that naturally live in the digestive tract. Sleep affects gut health and vice versa. A healthy gut microbiota consists of all kinds of microorganisms that produce thousands of compounds and coexist harmoniously. A healthy diet and lifestyle are the biggest factors influencing bacteria variety, and maintaining a varied diet preserves microbiota diversity. Everybody’s gut microbiome is different; the more diverse the gut microbiome, the healthier sleep will be. The Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic Team can develop a personalized nutritional plan to improve gut health and sleep patterns.
Sleep Affects Gut Health
Not having a diverse gut microbiome has been linked to autoimmune diseases, Parkinson’s disease, and mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Not getting healthy sleep is associated with many diseases and disorders, including:
Gastrointestinal disorders
Infections
Diabetes
Cardiovascular disease
Neurological disorders
Anxiety
Depression
Cancer
Changes in sleep patterns influence the central nervous system and the immune system, which affect different organ systems. For example, studies have shown some gastrointestinal disorders, like irritable bowel syndrome – IBS could be associated with increased REM sleep or the fourth part of the sleep cycle when vivid dreaming occurs. In Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, long-term immune response activation can result in poor sleep, insufficient quality sleep, or other sleep problems. The deepest stages of sleep are when the brain and gut communicate to repair the body, restore nutrients, and remove and release toxins.
Sleep Cycle
During sleep, the immune system produces proteins called cytokines that perform functions during the inflammatory response, either by increasing or blocking inflammation, depending on the body’s needs. Cytokines help promote sleep, fight infection, or stop inflammation in chronic inflammatory diseases like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
Insufficient sleep significantly alters cytokine production, and infection-fighting cells decrease in numbers when sleep deprived, making it harder for the body to fight infections and lessening protection. This increases the inflammatory response and keeps the immune system on.
Chronic or long-term immune response activation can result in sleep disturbances or disorders.
Some disorders include small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and inflammation caused by microbiome abnormalities or dysbiosis.
The gut barrier function begins to malfunction, leading to bacteria and pathogens leaking into blood circulation/leaky gut, triggering immune responses.
Ways to Improve Sleep
One of the main ways to improve sleep quality and gut microbiome health is to practice healthy sleep hygiene. According to the National Sleep Foundation, individuals should:
Nap Smart
Naps can be a great way to refresh the mind and body and replenish energy levels during the day.
The bright lights from phones and screens can make it difficult to fall asleep fully.
Use an alarm clock with a soft night light and keep the bedroom tech-free.
Create Sleep Routine
Take a warm shower, read a book, or do light stretches.
Create a wind-down routine to relax before bed to signal the body that it’s time for sleep.
Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol Before Bed
These substances make it harder for the mind and body to fall or stay asleep.
Food As Medicine
References
Chabé, Magali et al. “Gut Protozoa: Friends or Foes of the Human Gut Microbiota?.” Trends in parasitology vol. 33,12 (2017): 925-934. doi:10.1016/j.pt.2017.08.005
Deng, Feilong, et al. “The gut microbiome of healthy long-living people.” Aging vol. 11,2 (2019): 289-290. doi:10.18632/aging.101771
Gut Bacteria Research: Physicians’ Committee for Responsible Medicine. (2019). “Gut Bacteria: Optimize Gut Health With a Plant-Based Diet,”
Ianiro, Gianluca, et al. “How the gut parasitome affects human health.” Therapeutic advances in gastroenterology vol. 15 17562848221091524. 30 Apr. 2022, doi:10.1177/17562848221091524
Lozupone, Catherine A et al. “Diversity, stability and resilience of the human gut microbiota.” Nature vol. 489,7415 (2012): 220-30. doi:10.1038/nature11550
Sleep and Gut Microbiome Study: PLoS One. (2019). “Gut microbiome diversity is associated with sleep physiology in humans.
Sleep Hygiene Information: National Sleep Foundation. (2019). “Sleep Hygiene.”
Vaishnavi, C. “Translocation of gut flora and its role in sepsis.” Indian journal of medical microbiology vol. 31,4 (2013): 334-42. doi:10.4103/0255-0857.118870
Spring allergies are reactions by an individual’s immune system to flowering buds, blooming trees, pet dander, weeds, etc. When coming into contact with the allergen, the immune system’s reaction can inflame the skin, sinuses, airways, or digestive system. The severity of allergies varies from person to person. The spine and brain communicate with various body parts, including those that affect the immune system and how the body reacts to allergens. Chiropractic adjustments for allergy treatment can help regulate histamine and cortisol levels and offer spring allergy tips for prevention.
Spring Allergy Tips
An allergy occurs when the body’s immune system sees a substance as harmful and overreacts (inflammation). The immune system produces substances known as antibodies. A lack of communication between the spine, brain, and other parts of the body can lead to lower immunity meaning the body has a harder time reacting to stressors.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary, but the most common include:
Itchy, red, and watery eyes
Nasal congestion
Sneezing
Runny nose
Itching nose
Post-nasal drip
Coughing
The recommended way to determine whether or not seasonal allergies are causing symptoms is to visit a primary care physician and undergo allergy testing. A physician may recommend an allergist for further evaluation to identify specific allergies.
Prevention
Reduce exposure to triggers
Try to stay indoors on windy days.
Wind and dry air can make allergy symptoms worse.
Closing windows can help keep pollen from blowing inside.
Remove clothes worn outside and shower to rinse pollen from your skin and hair.
Wear a dust mask when lawn mowing, weed pulling, and doing other chores.
Don’t hang laundry outside; pollen can stick to clothes, sheets, and towels.
Seasonal allergy signs and symptoms can flare up with a high pollen count. Certain steps can help reduce the exposure:
Check local TV, radio, or the internet for pollen forecasts and levels.
If high pollen is forecasted, take allergy medications before symptoms begin.
Close doors and windows when pollen counts are high.
Try to avoid outdoor activity when pollen counts are highest.
Indoor Air Quality
Various products can help remove allergens from the air in the home:
Use air conditioning in the house and car when applicable.
Use high-efficiency filters and follow regular maintenance schedules for heating and air conditioning.
Vacuum all floors regularly with a cleaner that has a HEPA filter.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic treatment is highly effective in relieving allergy symptoms and even stopping allergies at their source. The treatments restore balance, so the body is ready to combat allergies. When the spine is out of alignment (which can occur from the coughing and sneezing), it impacts the nervous system, leading to various problems, including allergies and immune system malfunction. A chiropractor can relieve the stress on the nervous system by realigning the spine, taking the pressure off nerves, and allowing the immune system to function at optimal levels. And it makes it easier for the body to fight off infections while recognizing allergens as harmless.
Food Allergies, Hypersensitivity, and Intolerances
References
Balon, Jeffrey W, and Silvano A Mior. “Chiropractic care in asthma and allergy.” Annals of allergy, asthma & immunology: official publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology vol. 93,2 Suppl 1 (2004): S55-60. doi:10.1016/s1081-1206(10)61487-1
Bruton, Anne, et al. “Physiotherapy breathing retraining for asthma: a randomized controlled trial.” The Lancet. Respiratory medicine vol. 6,1 (2018): 19-28. doi:10.1016/S2213-2600(17)30474-5
Bruurs, Marjolein L J et al. “The effectiveness of physiotherapy in patients with asthma: a systematic review of the literature.” Respiratory medicine vol. 107,4 (2013): 483-94. doi:10.1016/j.rmed.2012.12.017
Jaber, Raja. “Respiratory and allergic diseases: from upper respiratory tract infections to asthma.” Primary care vol. 29,2 (2002): 231-61. doi:10.1016/s0095-4543(01)00008-2
Wu, Shan Shan et al. “Rhinitis: The Osteopathic Modular Approach.” The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association vol. 120,5 (2020): 351-358. doi:10.7556/jaoa.2020.054
What happens to the body after eating healthy? Individuals report the effects of healthy eating, feeling mentally clearer and more focused, increased energy levels, experiencing decreased junk food cravings and hunger pangs, improved sleep, and the benefits of strong bones, cardiovascular health, and disease prevention. The Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic Team can assist individuals working on making healthy lifestyle adjustments to make the transition easier and with professional support to streamline the process, allowing the individual to focus on getting healthy.
What Happens To The Body After Eating Healthy
It can take a little while for the body to adjust to a new nutrition plan. A healthy diet includes nutrient-dense foods from all the major food groups, including lean proteins, whole grains, healthy fats, and fruits and vegetables of various colors.
Benefits
The benefits of healthy eating include the following.
Decreases the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
Helps achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
One Week
Experience decreased food cravings throughout the day.
Junk food cravings decrease.
The body begins shedding all the excess water from a high sodium intake and processed foods.
Hunger starts to stabilize.
Experience decreased hunger pains, making losing weight a little easier.
Improved sleep.
Improved control over food choices.
Higher mental focus and clarity – brain fog or low concentration symptoms begin to clear.
Energy levels are higher, making completing daily activities and exercise easier.
The body will become regular with a lower amount of bloating and discomfort.
Moods become stable with fewer ups and downs throughout the day.
One Month
Improved skin health.
A steady rate of weight loss, depending on the approach and starting point.
Clothing begins to feel looser.
Pre-existing health problems like migraines, joint pain, irritable bowel issues, etc., may begin to clear up.
Eating right starts to become more habitual.
Making healthy choices starts to become second nature.
Improved physical performance.
Feel stronger and notice that the body recovers much faster.
Improved metabolism.
Can eat more without gaining body weight.
Six Months
A decrease in overall cholesterol levels if they were high before.
Blood pressure improvement, lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Strengthened skeletal system reducing the risk of stress fractures and breaks.
Improved blood glucose levels, reduced blood sugar fluctuations, and lowered risk factors for diabetes or symptoms are easier to manage.
All the positive changes will lead to staying naturally motivated, where eating healthy is just something you do, and you have learned to indulge wisely. All the benefits will persist for as long as you eat healthily. Target goals can be achieved with a body weight that makes you feel healthy, strong, and confident.
Basal Metabolism
References
Bradbury, Kathryn E et al. “Fruit, vegetable, and fiber intake in relation to cancer risk: findings from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC).” The American journal of clinical nutrition vol. 100 Suppl 1 (2014): 394S-8S. doi:10.3945/ajcn.113.071357
Carlson, Justin L et al. “Health Effects and Sources of Prebiotic Dietary Fiber.” Current developments in nutrition vol. 2,3 nzy005. 29 Jan. 2018, doi:10.1093/cdn/nzy005
Hills, Ronald D Jr, et al. “Gut Microbiome: Profound Implications for Diet and Disease.” Nutrients vol. 11,7 1613. 16 Jul. 2019, doi:10.3390/nu11071613
Zohoori, F Vida. “Chapter 1: Nutrition and Diet.” Monographs in oral science vol. 28 (2020): 1-13. doi:10.1159/000455365
Digestive disorders affect millions of individuals and cover a variety of diseases ranging from mild to severe. These conditions involve the digestive tract, also known as the gastrointestinal or GI tract. The digestive disorders of heartburn, acid reflux, and gastroesophageal reflux disease/GERD are related and have similar symptoms but are different. Accurately diagnosing digestive disorders involves a thorough medical history, imaging and lab tests, and physical examination to develop the proper treatment plan.
Digestive Disorders
The gastrointestinal tract includes the esophagus, liver, gallbladder, stomach, pancreas, and large and small intestines.
Heartburn
Heartburn has nothing to do with the heart but describes a burning sensation in the chest. Individuals experience heartburn when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. Occasional heartburn after eating spicy foods or foods an individual is not used to is common and is no cause for alarm. Most can manage the discomfort symptoms with lifestyle adjustments and over-the-counter medications. Chronic heartburn that interferes with daily/nightly routines could indicate a more serious condition requiring medical care. Symptoms include:
The burning discomfort sensations in the stomach and chest regions are usually worse after eating a meal, bending down, at night, and when lying down.
A bitter or acidic taste.
Acid Reflux
The esophagus comprises mainly smooth muscle that extends from the throat down through the chest cavity and past the abdomen, where it connects with the stomach. When swallowing, the esophagus opens and squeezes food down to the bottom, where a valve (lower esophageal sphincter LES) separates it from the stomach. The valve is normally closed. When swallowing, it opens so that food can pass through and then closes up. Acid reflux is a disorder that causes the valve to open when it’s not supposed to. This allows stomach contents like acid, digestive juices, enzymes, and food to flow backward from the stomach into the esophagus, causing heartburn symptoms. This usually happens when the lower esophageal sphincter is under added pressure, weakened, or malfunctioning. Symptoms can be caused by:
Overeating.
Eating spicy or acidic foods that can trigger symptoms.
Eating right before going to bed.
Medications.
Over alcohol consumption.
Exercising after eating.
Pregnancy.
Smoking.
Acid reflux and heartburn affect everyone, but most can handle the discomfort by taking antacids and avoiding the foods that brought it on. Occasional acid reflux can be treated with over-the-counter medication, including:
Acid reflux can potentially progress to gastroesophageal reflux disease, a more serious form of acid reflux that lasts longer. GERD is frequent heartburn that happens two or more times a week. Other signs and symptoms can include:
Some individuals with digestive disorders may need more extensive diagnostic evaluations, including GI endoscopy, laboratory tests, and imaging.
Chiropractic Treatment
Body misalignments, unhealthy posture, and restrictive positions can contribute to digestive disorders that put pressure on the stomach and chest, triggering symptoms. A chiropractor can realign the body and take the stress off the joints and spine, relieving the pressure on the nerves. They can also strengthen the muscles through adjustments that help alleviate pressure on the stomach. A chiropractor designs a treatment plan that suits the individual’s needs, including stretches and exercises, nutrition, and health coaching to achieve and manage a healthy weight.
Chiropractic Precision
References
Carvalho de Miranda Chaves, Renata, et al. “Respiratory physiotherapy can increase lower esophageal sphincter pressure in GERD patients.” Respiratory medicine vol. 106,12 (2012): 1794-9. doi:10.1016/j.rmed.2012.08.023
Harding, Susan M. “Acid reflux and asthma.” Current opinion in pulmonary medicine vol. 9,1 (2003): 42-5. doi:10.1097/00063198-200301000-00007
Kahrilas, Peter J. “Regurgitation in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.” Gastroenterology & hepatology vol. 9,1 (2013): 37-9.
Pope, C E 2nd. “Acid-reflux disorders.” The New England journal of medicine vol. 331,10 (1994): 656-60. doi:10.1056/NEJM199409083311007
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