• Nardi J

• Adult
• Affiliation / Private Practice of Chiropractic
• Affiliation(G) / United States / Alaska / Juneau
• Female
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Upper Cervical Techniques

Objective: To describe the upper cervical chiropractic care of a patient presenting with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), depression, and anxiety.

Clinical Features: A 32-year-old female who suffered from IBS daily and depression for ten years presented for care. Symptoms included painful, runny bowel movements every morning upon rising. Discomfort and bloating were noticed most of the day. Symptoms were exacerbated by alcohol consumption, stress, large meals, and fatty foods.

Intervention & Outcomes: Specific upper-cervical adjustments were delivered at the atlanto-occiptial area in the knee-chest position to correct vertebral subluxation. Criteria used to determine whether or not an adjustment was given on a visit were based on paraspinal thermography. The patient also reported depression and anxiety previously diagnosed by her primary care physician. Following care the patient stated that bowel function was restored to normal and noted a decrease in incidence of depression and anxiety.

Conclusion: Upper-cervical chiropractic care of a patient with IBS is presented. Resolution of bowel symptoms was attained with reduction of cervical subluxation. Additionally, a reduction of the frequency and intensity of symptoms related to depression and anxiety was seen.

Author Keywords: Irritable Bowel Syndrome, upper cervical, vertebral subluxation, Knee Chest Technique

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