Can osteopathy help stomach problems?

Written By Nerys Davies

I often feel bloated and tired and I don’t know why I have digestive problems? 

Firstly, I always advise that you seek the help of a GP prior to your appointment (even though it can be a challenge getting one) Sometimes patients experience distended or bloated tummies, have tension and wind that can be uncomfortable and make daily living awkward and painful. Consult your doctor if you experience any of the following:

  • Fever – temperature over 37.8C or higher

  • Heartburn that’s worsening over time

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Abdominal pain that has recently increased in intensity

  • Blood in stools or black stools

  • Diarrhoea

  • Vomiting

A bloated abdomen can indicate several things but usually, it’s a sign your digestive function overall is compromised. What we eat and drink has an enormous impact on our stomachs as well as the rest of the organs and connective tissue. Your abdomen holds many organs tissues and fat layers which allow the journey of food to flow through the digestive system. As food moves towards the stomach, the small intestine breaks it down further with the help of digestive juices. Movement (peristalsis) pushes it further forward and out along the large intestine where it eliminates waste.

The nerves that work during the transit have an enormous impact on your stomach and how it functions. We have all been in a situation in the past such as a job interview where our stomach suddenly goes berserk, and you must run to the bathroom several times. Two parts of the nervous system are at play: the central nervous system (CNS) and the enteric nervous system (ENS). The CNS is made up of the brain and spinal cord, whilst the ENS aids digestion by helping it work in an automatic way, so you don’t even know you are doing it. A very important nerve that connects both is called the Vagus and it has a multitude of functions within the digestive tract as well as the rest of the body. Breathing and swallowing are controlled by the Vagus and I have lots of experience in how to assess and help its function to positively influence your digestive activity.

Visceral Osteopathy can help the digestive organs in terms of its peristalsis by maintaining the rhythm of digestion, enabling the body to balance and get the transit functioning better. I work with layers of tissues in the tummy that protect the digestive organs, I feel for restrictions and sensitivities to correctly diagnose your issues as well as safely working to ease the areas if I can. My techniques include rhythmic myofascial release, trigger point therapy as well as acupressure. I can use them to help improve function by stimulating an overactive gut or calming and slowing an overactive one. Misalignment of the spine can also lead to complications in the gut as there are areas across the back which hold innervating nerves, I find specific points that can activate and release restrictions.

Some patients experience reflux and osteopathy can be enormously helpful in calming areas of stress and tension. Stress has a huge impact on the biomechanics of the body and can increase stomach acid production. I find if the diaphragm isn’t working correctly then generally reflux will occur as the contents of the stomach flow back up through the oesophageal sphincter, a barrier within. I work on the diaphragm very much like any other muscle in the body, I feel for restriction and pain, and I try to release it with gentle stretch and pressure. I get patients to help me out further with breathing exercises which also makes them relax and stretch simultaneously. Sometimes people apologise for their stomach gurgling during the session, but I always say it is an important thing to hear because it means it moves well…enjoy your peristalsis it means you are doing a good job digesting!

 Some causes of bloating:

  • Poor eating habits or eating too fast

  • Previous overuse of antibiotics resulting in SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth)

  • Ulcerative colitis

  • Crohns disease

  • Irritable Bowel Disease or IBS

  • Polyps

  • Constipation

  • Stress

  • Gastroparesis

  • Food intolerance such as lactose or coeliac

  • Giardiasis

  • Slow gut transit

Females may suffer from:

  • Peri menstrual pain

  • Ovarian cysts or cancer

  • Fibroids

 

Would you like further support?

I’d be happy to help with any questions you have. Get in touch using the button below.

Nerys Davies
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