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Acid Reflux, Bloating, Constipation, Diarrhea, Chrons Disease, Nausea
Digestive disorders are a broad umbrella category that includes conditions like acid reflux, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, chrons disease, nausea, and many others. In this article, we will explain the digestive process itself and then explain what controls all aspects of digestion and what can interfere with its normal function. Our system of health care is obsessed with the treatment of symptoms. This article is an attempt to explain that many diseases and symptom processes in the body relate back to central nervous system interference. Georgia Upper Cervical Chiropractic has the goal of normalizing nervous system function-getting at the root cause.
What happens during digestion?
The process of digestion first starts in the mouth. When we put food in our mouth and start to chew, digestion begins. Mastication of food breaks down food into smaller pieces and at the same time mixes saliva which is full of enzymes. When we swallow an automatic process called peristalsis, a rhythmic contraction pushes food down the esophagus. Once food enters the stomach a sphincter (the muscle between the esophagus and stomach) locks down to prevent acid from “refluxing” back into the esophagus.
The food then mixes with stomach acid to further break down the food and is then ejected into the small intestine. In the small intestine pancreatic digestive enzymes are injected into the broken-down food to metabolize it further. In the small intestine, small nutrient particles are then absorbed directly into the bloodstream to be transported to tissue cells to sustain function, repair, and life. Once most of the nutrition is extracted in the small intestine peristaltic action continues to push the digested food towards its final destination, the rectum. The large intestine's main function is water extraction into the bloodstream and its final job is to excrete the waste to the exterior.
The entire digestive tract is controlled by the autonomic nervous system. The only part of digestion that is under your conscious control is chewing and swallowing. The rest is an “automatic” process that is monitored and controlled by the central nervous system. If there are digestive problems occurring irritation to the central nervous system can be a ROOT CAUSE. Often times injury to the neck in prior years can cause central nervous system disturbance that later in life can be the underlying cause of many digestive disorders.
Digestive Disorders, Possible Causes, and Mechanisms of Cause – Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is the result of a lack of tone in a muscle that blocks acid from the stomach from backing up into the esophagus. Traditional medical treatment is to reduce the acid levels of the stomach so the backing up of stomach acid is not as irritating to the esophagus. Antacids do NOT cure the root cause they treat the symptom. Lower stomach acid reduces the digestive capabilities of the body and lowers nutrient delivery into the bloodstream. The autonomic nervous system is responsible for controlling the tone of the sphincter between the stomach and the esophagus. Many times, the root cause of this problem is the nerve message, or “autonomic tone” being disrupted upstream due to a structural impediment interfering with central nervous system function. Our office quite regularly sees patients recover following Georgia Upper Cervical Chiropractic care from acid reflux disease.
Constipation and Diarrhea
Both constipation and diarrhea are conditions of too much or too little. Sometimes constipation is due to a lack of water intake or low fiber in the diet. However, it also can be due to a lack of peristaltic action in the bowel. Diarrhea is too much bowel activity. Sometimes it is due to an allergy such as gluten intolerance or a dairy allergy. Sometimes it is due to an overactive autonomic nervous system. Increased autonomic activity can have its roots in an “irritated” nervous system.
Nausea
Nausea can be a stand-alone symptom but also can be closely associated with vertigo, Meniere’s Disease, and other conditions. Listen to what one patient says about his battle and recovery with chronic long-term nausea following Georgia Upper Cervical Chiropractic care in our office.
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Mar 30, 2017Georgia Upper Cervical Chiropractic – Digestive Disorders
What is Georgia Upper Cervical Chiropractic and how does it relate to digestive disorders? It is well documented that the brainstem is the seat for autonomic nervous system control. Therefore, what controls all digestive functions is the brainstem. Injuries to the upper cervical spine can cause interference to brainstem function through the dentate ligament theory, dysafferentation theory, and myodural bridge. Any irritation to the brainstem can have far-reaching effects on how your body works including digestion.
Georgia Upper Cervical Chiropractors are well trained to locate spinal misalignments in the upper neck that are causing brain stem interference. Once located precise imaging is used to locate the exact direction and angle of the joint that is involved. Once determined the precise information from the imaging is used to make a spinal correction. A Georgia Upper Cervical Chiropractic spinal correction does not involve any twisting popping or pulling of the neck. Once corrected the central nervous system can return to normal and over time healing occurs throughout the body.
Dr. Nick Tedder is located in Dacula GA and services the communities of Atlanta, Auburn, Austell, Braselton, Buford, Cumming, Dacula, Duluth, Dunwoody, East Point, Flowery branch, Gainesville, Grayson, Hoschton, Hamilton Mill, Johns Creek, Lanier Islands, Lawrenceville, Lilburn, Norcross, Suwanee, and Winder.
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