When you think of digestive issues—bloating, constipation, reflux—your spine probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But what if we told you that poor spinal function might be interfering with your gut health?
At Limitless Chiropractic here in Wellington, we often help people who have “tried everything” for their digestive discomfort—except addressing their nervous system. And that’s the key. Let’s explore how chiropractic care can help support your digestion from the inside out, with evidence-backed insight every step of the way.
🧠 The Spine-Gut Connection: It’s a Real Thing
Your digestive system is under the control of your autonomic nervous system, particularly a specialised branch called the enteric nervous system—often referred to as your “second brain.” These two systems communicate constantly, sending messages through the vagus nerve and spinal nerves.
As described in a review published in Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology (Furlano et al., 2018), this brain-gut axis is critical for coordinating enzyme release, gut motility, and nutrient absorption. Any disruption in that communication—such as interference caused by joint dysfunction in the spine—can result in misfiring signals to your gut.
So, if your spine isn’t moving or functioning properly, your gut may not be either.
🌀 What Can Go Wrong? Nerve Interference and Digestive Dysfunction
Many digestive problems have been linked to poor nervous system regulation. We’re talking about:
- Constipation
- Acid reflux
- Bloating
- IBS
- Slow digestion
A review by Whedon et al. (2015) in Chiropractic & Manual Therapies highlights the impact of spinal manipulation on visceral functions, including digestive organs. They concluded that spinal adjustments may influence the autonomic nervous system and improve organ function—not by treating the organs directly, but by improving the nerve signals that control them.
That’s the chiropractic difference: We don’t treat the symptom—we address the cause.
👶 Even Kids Feel It: Digestive Relief Through Adjustments
It’s not just adults who experience the gut-spine connection. Studies have shown that chiropractic adjustments can help infants with reflux, colic, and constipation.
In one case study published in the Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics (Fossum et al., 2009), an infant with symptoms of acid reflux showed measurable improvement after receiving chiropractic care. Similarly, Alcantara et al. (2009) documented multiple cases where children with constipation experienced significant relief following chiropractic adjustments.
This demonstrates how vital spinal alignment and nervous system clarity are—even from the earliest stages of life.
🔍 The Chiropractic Approach: Adjust the Cause, Not Just the Symptoms
At our Wellington chiropractic clinic, we focus on locating and correcting joint dysfunction, particularly in areas of the spine that influence digestion—namely, the thoracic (T5–T12) and sacral spinal levels.
By restoring proper motion and removing stress on the nervous system, we often see people report improvements in:
- Bowel regularity
- Gas and bloating
- Heartburn
- Appetite regulation
- Energy levels
These aren’t “side effects”—they’re signals that the body is finally working the way it was designed to.
A Natural Solution for a Widespread Problem
Digestive discomfort affects up to 20% of Kiwis, according to data from the New Zealand Society of Gastroenterology and echoed by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, 2023). Medications may manage symptoms, but they don’t address why your body isn’t digesting well in the first place.
At Limitless Chiropractic in Miramar, Wellington, we take a different approach—removing interference and supporting your body’s natural healing ability. We believe your health shouldn’t be managed. It should be restored.
🙌 Trust Your Gut—And Take Care of Your Spine
If you’ve been stuck in a cycle of diets, discomfort, and dead ends, it’s time to look deeper. Chiropractic care can help restore the brain-body connection that powers healthy digestion—safely, naturally, and effectively.
When your spine moves better, your nervous system works better. And when your nervous system works better… your digestion might just surprise you.
🧾 References
- Furlano, R. I., et al. (2018). The enteric nervous system and its modulation by the central nervous system. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41575-018-0054-7
- Whedon, J. M., et al. (2015). The effect of spinal manipulation on visceral functions: A review of the literature. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 23(1), 19. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12998-015-0064-3
- Fossum, C., et al. (2009). Chiropractic care of a pediatric patient with symptoms associated with infantile colic and acid reflux. Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics, 10(1).
- Alcantara, J., Ohm, J., & Kunz, D. (2009). Chiropractic care of children with constipation: A case series. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 32(6), 511–514. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmpt.2009.05.007
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2023). Digestive Diseases Statistics for the United States. https://www.niddk.nih.gov
Experience Limitless Movement Chiropractic Care in Wellington
If you’re in Wellington and looking for expert chiropractic care, we’re here to help. At Limitless Chiropractic, we focus on helping you move better, feel stronger, and live without limits. Book your appointment today and take the first step toward a healthier, more mobile you!
Ready to begin or continue your healing journey? Let’s work together to unlock your body’s natural potential for wellness.
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or call us at (04) 891 0911