Unlock Comfort: Chiropractic Therapy And Ulcer Pain

Ulcers—particularly those that develop in the lining of the stomach or small intestine—can be an absolute nightmare to live with. While conventional treatments like proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers and antibiotics (for H. pylori infections) are the primary approach, many people are looking for ways to manage their symptoms beyond those traditional methods. One alternative approach some patients consider is chiropractic therapy. This article looks at the potential role of that therapy in managing ulcer pain, the science behind it and what patients need to think about.

Ulcers the Philippine Connection 

In the Philippines, peptic ulcer ranks among the top 11 occupational diseases. Workers in the country are particularly vulnerable to this condition—open sores on the inner lining of the stomach and small intestine—due to the high stress environments, irregular meal schedules and poor dietary habits that come with certain jobs. Think business process outsourcing (BPO), manufacturing and transportation. Those high-pressure industries are especially hazardous to workers’ digestive health. The widespread use of pain medications among laborers and shift workers only makes things worse—those medications can damage the digestive tract’s protective lining. That’s why you see ulcer disease so high on the list of occupational health concerns in the Philippines. It really highlights the need for workplace health programs that address both physical and psychological factors in occupational health.

Understanding Ulcers and Their Conventional Treatment

Ulcers are open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach and the top of the small intestine. The most common causes are Helicobacter pylori bacterial infection and long term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Symptoms are burning stomach pain, feeling full, bloating, heartburn, nausea and intolerance to fatty foods.

Conventional medical treatment is to eliminate the cause and promote healing. This means antibiotics to kill the H. pylori bacteria, acid reducing medications and protective medications that coat the ulcer to promote healing. This has worked for many people.

The Chiropractic Perspective on Ulcer Pain

Chiropractic care is associated with musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those of the spine. But some chiropractors believe their care can benefit internal conditions like ulcers through the nervous system.

The idea behind chiropractic care for ulcer pain is that misalignments in the spine (subluxations) can interfere with proper nervous system function. Since the nervous system controls all bodily functions including digestive functions, chiropractors think that correcting these misalignments can positively affect digestive health.

Specifically chiropractors focus on adjusting the thoracic spine (mid-back) which has nerves that go to the stomach and small intestine. The theory is that proper alignment in this area can improve nervous system communication with the digestive organs and reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Scientific Evidence: What Do the Studies Say?

The potential of chiropractic therapy when it comes to treating ulcers is promising. Some studies and case reports have shown potential benefits of spinal manipulation for certain gastrointestinal conditions. For example research has looked at the effects of spinal manipulation on functional digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome and some have shown modest improvements in symptoms. But well designed clinical trials on chiropractic treatment of peptic ulcers are hard to find.

The benefits reported by some patients might be due to:

• Stress reduction: Chiropractic adjustments may reduce physical stress on the body which in turn may lower the production of stress hormones that can exacerbate ulcer symptoms.
• Improved nerve function: Better communication between the brain and digestive organs may support healing.
• Complementary advice: Many chiropractors also give nutritional and lifestyle advice that can benefit patients with ulcers.

Complementary Approach Rather Than Replacement

Healthcare professionals agree that chiropractic care shouldn’t replace medical treatment for ulcers. Medical approaches address the root causes of ulcers and have clinical evidence to back them up.

Instead chiropractic care might be considered as an adjunct for some patients when:

• Conventional treatment isn’t providing full relief
• Stress is a big factor in symptoms
• The patient has musculoskeletal issues along with ulcer symptoms

A treatment plan developed in conjunction with a gastroenterologist and a chiropractor might be the best for some people.

Potential Risks and Considerations

As with any treatment there are considerations and risks with chiropractic care for ulcer patients:

• Delayed proper treatment: Relying solely on chiropractic care without medical treatment could allow an ulcer to get worse and potentially lead to bleeding or perforation.
• Contraindications: Some spinal manipulations are contraindicated for people with certain health conditions such as severe osteoporosis, spinal cancer or high risk of stroke.
• Medication interactions: Some supplements recommended by chiropractors may interact with ulcer medications.
• Cost: Insurance coverage for chiropractic care varies widely and multiple sessions may be required.

When to Consider Chiropractic Care

Patients may consider adding chiropractic care to their ulcer treatment plan when:

• They’ve already started medical treatment under a doctor’s care
• They want to try complementary approaches to manage symptoms
• Their ulcer symptoms are triggered by stress or posture
• They have back pain or other musculoskeletal issues along with their ulcer

Chiropractic Therapy and Ulcer Pain Management

Chiropractic care shouldn’t replace medical treatment for ulcers but may be beneficial for some patients as part of a whole approach to managing ulcer pain. The mechanisms include stress reduction, nervous system function and lifestyle guidance.

The scientific evidence for chiropractic care for ulcers is limited so more research is needed in this area. Patients interested in trying this should keep open communication with all their healthcare providers and continue with proven medical treatment for their condition.

As with many complementary approaches, results will vary. Some patients report significant relief from combining medical and chiropractic care while others may not notice much difference. A personalized approach with qualified healthcare professionals is the best way to manage ulcer pain.Ready to discover if chiropractic therapy could help improve your digestive health? Book an appointment at Posture Perfect Chiropractic and take a proactive step toward comprehensive wellness. Our highly-trained doctors can help you get started on your ulcer healing journey.

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