• (828) 485-2990​
  • [email protected]
HEALTHY LIVING SPINAL CARE | Hickory, North Carolina
  • Home
  • About
  • How We CAn Help You
  • Our TEAM
  • CONTACT US
  • TEST 2
  • Health Conditions
  • Home
  • How We Help
  • Our Team
  • Health Conditions
    • Asthma and Allergies
    • Back Pain
    • Digestive Disorders
    • Fibromyalgia
    • Migraine Headaches
  • Reviews
  • Contact
  • UC Documentary
  • Home
  • How We Help
  • Our Team
  • Health Conditions
    • Asthma and Allergies
    • Back Pain
    • Digestive Disorders
    • Fibromyalgia
    • Migraine Headaches
  • Reviews
  • Contact
  • UC Documentary

Digestive Health and the Benefits of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care

12/2/2024

0 Comments

 
Digestive Health and the Benefits of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care
Digestive health is a cornerstone of overall well-being, impacting everything from nutrient absorption to immune function. While dietary choices and lifestyle habits play essential roles in supporting a healthy digestive system, an often-overlooked factor is the role of the nervous system, particularly the upper cervical spine, in digestion.

Upper cervical chiropractic care, which focuses on aligning the upper spine, offers a holistic approach to enhancing digestive health by ensuring the optimal function of the nervous system. Dr. Joey Miles at Healthy Living Spinal Care in Hickory, NC, explains how upper cervical chiropractic care may support digestive health by addressing misalignments that can interfere with the body’s ability to process and absorb nutrients effectively.
​

Understanding the Connection Between the Nervous System and Digestive Health


The nervous system plays a vital role in controlling and regulating digestive functions. The vagus nerve, a critical component of the parasympathetic nervous system, connects the brain to the digestive organs, helping to regulate functions such as stomach acid production, peristalsis (the movement of food through the digestive tract), and enzyme secretion.

The brainstem, located at the base of the skull, is a crucial relay center for signals between the brain and the digestive system.

Misalignments in the upper cervical spine, particularly in the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae, can interfere with these vital nerve signals, affecting the communication between the brain and digestive organs.

This interference may contribute to digestive issues such as acid reflux, bloating, constipation, and even irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). By focusing on upper cervical alignment, chiropractic care aims to reduce nerve interference, promoting healthier digestion.
​

How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care Supports Digestive Health


Here’s how upper cervical chiropractic care can help support digestive health:
​
  • Improving Nervous System Function: When the upper cervical spine is properly aligned, it reduces pressure on the brainstem and allows for smoother transmission of nerve signals, including those to and from the digestive system. This supports efficient digestion, nutrient absorption, and waste elimination.
  • Enhancing Vagal Tone: The vagus nerve controls many digestive processes, including peristalsis and secretion of digestive enzymes. Chiropractic adjustments can help improve vagal tone, which plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy digestive function and reducing symptoms like bloating and acid reflux.
  • Reducing Inflammation: Misalignments in the spine can lead to physical stress, resulting in inflammation that can exacerbate digestive issues. By correcting these misalignments, chiropractic care helps reduce systemic inflammation, which can improve digestive comfort.
​

Benefits of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care for Digestive Health


Patients receiving upper cervical chiropractic care for digestive health often report a range of benefits beyond symptom relief, including:
​
  • Improved Bowel Regularity: Proper nervous system function supports healthy peristalsis, reducing constipation and promoting regular bowel movements.
  • Reduced Symptoms of Acid Reflux: Chiropractic care can alleviate pressure on the nerves that influence acid production, helping to reduce symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn.
  • Enhanced Nutrient Absorption: By promoting optimal digestive function, chiropractic care supports the body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients from food.
​

Scientific Support for Chiropractic Care and Digestive Health

Scientific Support for Chiropractic Care and Digestive Health

Research into the relationship between chiropractic care and digestive health is still developing, but there are promising findings. A case study published in The Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research documented improvements in patients with digestive issues after receiving upper cervical adjustments.

Another study published in
Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine observed that patients with irritable bowel syndrome experienced symptom relief and improved quality of life after receiving chiropractic care, suggesting that spinal alignment can positively impact digestive health.


These studies underscore the importance of spinal health in supporting the nervous system’s role in digestion, highlighting upper cervical chiropractic care as a natural, complementary approach to managing digestive issues.
​
​

Integrating Chiropractic Care with Other Digestive Health Practices


While upper cervical chiropractic care offers significant benefits for digestive health, it is most effective when combined with other lifestyle practices that support a healthy digestive system.

Here are some additional strategies:
​
  • Eat a Balanced Diet: Include fiber-rich foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats to support digestion and prevent constipation.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water is essential for maintaining digestive function and preventing issues like constipation.
  • Practice Stress Management: Chronic stress can negatively impact digestion. Techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can support digestive health.
​

Practical Tips for Supporting Digestive Health


In addition to chiropractic care, here are some practical tips to help you maintain a healthy digestive system:
​
  1. Chew Your Food Thoroughly: Proper chewing aids in digestion by breaking down food particles and mixing them with digestive enzymes in saliva.
  2. Avoid Overeating: Eating in moderation helps prevent digestive discomfort and allows the body to process food more efficiently.
  3. Limit Processed Foods: Processed foods can disrupt the balance of good bacteria in the gut, so focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods whenever possible.
​

Community Impact


Healthy Living Spinal Care serves not only the residents of Hickory but also nearby communities such as Lenoir, Conover, Lincolnton, and Statesville. Dr. Joey Miles’s commitment to providing high-quality chiropractic care has made him a trusted resource for individuals seeking natural, non-invasive solutions to digestive issues and overall wellness.
​

A Path Forward for Better Digestive Health


For individuals struggling with digestive discomfort, upper cervical chiropractic care offers a natural and promising approach to supporting the body’s ability to process and absorb nutrients effectively. By addressing spinal misalignments and promoting optimal nervous system function, chiropractic care can enhance digestive health and improve quality of life.

If you’re seeking a holistic approach to manage digestive issues, upper cervical chiropractic care may be a valuable addition to your wellness routine.
​

Medical Disclaimer:


This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any new treatment or therapy, especially if you have existing health conditions or concerns.

​Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care or treatment for serious conditions. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your specific needs.
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

How To Manage A Pinched Nerve With A Chiropractor for Migraines In Hickory

Neck pain in Hickory, or soreness in other parts of your body, can come from a variety of different sources. These range from arthritis to tendonitis to torn cartilages in your joints. This also doesn’t include the variety of other conditions that have back pain in Hickory as a common symptom. One common such example is getting a pinched nerve in the upper part of the spine, also known as cervical radiculopathy. This generally occurs when bone spurs start to appear around the discs in the spine. When everything is working well, the discs should absorb the shocks between each individual vertebra. A bone spur is a small bit of bone that is formed as we age and discs get weaker. When things go properly, bone spurs support the vertebrae as they get weaker, However, in some cases, those spurs press on nerve roots, leading to other symptoms.
 
Symptoms of Pinched Nerves
How do you tell that the soreness you are dealing with stems from a pinched nerve? No matter what area it’s in, you’re going to need to have an in-depth exam of the affected area to be absolutely certain. As an example, a pinched nerve is generally localized in one area. Another thing to note is that these are normally very sharp soreness. By comparison, if you simply overexerted a muscle, the sensation would likely be a duller strain. In some cases, a pinch may never have any other symptoms. Some people feel a sensation of pins and needles in a certain area. Others may feel numbness or weakness when trying to lift something.
 
Depending on where you feel your symptoms and the exact nature of them, your medical professional may be able to determine if it is a pinched nerve or not quite quickly. Generally, though, an exam will still be administered. These start by testing sensitivity, strength, and reflexes. You may be told to do different stretches and movements to determine what leads to symptoms and what relieves them. You’ll also likely need to provide details about your pain. For example, be sure to have a record of when the pain started, and any activities that you do that cause soreness to flare up. If it is soothed by certain activities, be sure to mention those as well. Your doctor might also ask if you have had other health changes or recently increased your physical activities. If the spinal nerves are impacted, they can manifest in surprising ways, like bladder and bowel issues.
 
Say that your standard exam isn’t enough to get to the root of these issues. Your doctor may instead decide to do imaging tests to figure out what’s causing the pinched nerve and where it is. This is mostly administered through X-rays or MRI scans. An X-ray can showcase details going on with your bones, but won’t show your discs and nerves. With this said, they can be useful for determining if you have narrow vertebrae or bone spurs. An MRI is able to do more, showing how healthy your nerves and discs are in detail. In some cases, an X-ray may be done to a certain area to check for bone injury. Lastly, if the issue is due to injured ligaments or tendons, an ultrasound may be needed.
 
Working With Your Fibromyalgia Chiropractor In Hickory
So, if you suspect that a pinched nerve is behind your soreness, or know it for a fact, what can you do? One asset that you have is doing a posture adjustment. To start, try and find a position that helps you feel comfortable with your soreness. After this, you can adapt your lifestyle and living spaces to help you stay in that posture as much as possible. For a lot of people, doing this in the workplace is a major source of problems. One way to get around this is by using a standing workplace. These help prevent pinched nerves, treat existing ones, and just lower overall soreness. You can either ask the HR department to modify your existing space or buy your own.
 
Another thing to note is that whenever you are dealing with a pinched nerve, you want to make sure that you are as rested as possible, along with lowering any activity that leads to soreness. Try and keep the cycle of rest going until your symptoms subside. After this, you can begin to start testing things together. For certain types of issues, like carpal tunnel syndrome, you may be able to use a splint to protect your wrist.
 
You have a lot of options that you can do at home to help lower soreness from pinched nerves. For example, a gentle stretch can help provide relief, but you don’t want to overextend yourself. Focus on smaller movements, and if you find yourself getting sore again, try and do something less intensive. Think about applying heat to your muscles in the affected area to help them loosen. Heat also supports healing by promoting blood flow. Generally, you want to apply it for 10-15 minutes at a time. You can also do ice instead if you prefer. Simply get some ice, wrap it in a washcloth, and apply it to the area for 10-15 minutes as well.
 
If you want additional help, consider looking into NSAIDs. These can help quite a bit with mild soreness and can be brought over the counter. With that said, just make sure that you read and stick to the recommended dosage. These aren’t going to be able to provide total coverage as well. If you find that you’re dealing with consistent, extreme, or repeated soreness, reach out to a medical professional. On top of performing the exams before, they may be able to provide a prescription for more powerful medication. They may also recommend a specialist like a chiropractor in Hickory. This will help you get the treatment you need.

Healthy Living Spinal Care
1055 13th St., SE , Hickory, NC 28602

828-485-2990

Office Hours:
Monday: 9:00am - 6:00pm
Tuesday: 10:00am - 3:00pm
Wednesday: 9:00am - 6:00pm
Thursday: By Appointment Only
Friday: 8:30am - 2:00pm

Our Office in Hickory, NC


CONTACT US  |  REVIEWS  |  MINDSET  |  SPINAL CARE  |  HABITS  |  NUTRITION  |  MOVEMENT  |  DETOX   |   HOW WE CAN HELP   |   OUR TEAM   |   ASTHMA & ALLERGIES    |   BACK PAIN   |   DIGESTIVE DISORDERS   |   FIBROMYALGIA   |   MIGRAINE HEADACHES   |   BLOG   |   UPPER CERVICAL DOCUMENTARY
Order Supplements (Doctor Code: NCMI10)

Voted by the Community of Catawba County - Best Chiropractor
Best of Catawba Valley
​Website developed by Healthy Chiropractice

Chiropractic Clinic  •  Chiropractor for Digestive Disorders  •  Asthma Chiropractor  •  Fibromyalgia Chiropractor  •  Low Back Pain
© 2020 Healthy Living Spinal Care, Inc.