Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week is occurring during the first week of December.  Awareness of these diseases is important, because as many as 1.6 million Americans are affected.  These diseases are known collectively as Inflammatory Bowel Disease. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is controlled through a complex system of nerves that communicate information between the GI organs, spinal cord, and brain.  This network of communication enables the muscles in the intestines and colon to contract normally to move food through, help absorb water and nutrients, and expel waste normally. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) occurs when the intestines become inflamed.  

When the communication between the brain and the GI tract is interrupted, the brain can no longer effectively control function in the GI system and the other systems that work with it.  In the case of IBD, the intestines become chronically inflamed as the immune system attacks harmless viruses, bacteria, and food. This inflammation can cause cramping, diarrhea, weight loss, loss of appetite and iron deficiency anemia.  Although the disease waxes and wanes, it has a significant impact on the quality of life.

Regular principled chiropractic care can support those living with IBD by maintaining the integrity of the complex systems that control the GI tract.  Principled chiropractic works to normalize the function of the nervous system by removing interference in the spinal cord and nerves that extend throughout the body.  Through gentle and specific adjustments to the spine, regular chiropractic care restores vital communication between the brain and GI tract, enhancing the body’s own ability to reduce inflammation, heal the intestines, and restore normal function.