Digestive Struggles That Go Unnoticed
For many people, digestive issues like bloating, constipation, acid reflux, and indigestion are a frustrating part of daily life. They learn to live with the discomfort, believing that these issues are just part of their reality. However, what if these problems are not just about the digestive system itself, but instead point to something deeper?
Digestive dysfunction can often be a sign of neurological imbalance—specifically, dysfunction in the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which controls digestion and many other vital functions.
Most people are not aware that their gut-brain axis, the communication network between their gut and brain, plays a critical role in digestion and overall health. A disruption in this connection can lead to chronic digestive issues and other neurological symptoms. What many fail to realize is that dysautonomia—the term for dysfunction in the ANS—could be the root cause of their digestive problems. This dysfunction can lead to a variety of symptoms, ranging from bloating and constipation to more complex issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or gastroparesis.
Dysautonomia and Neurological Imbalance
Imagine a traffic system where the signals are malfunctioning, causing constant gridlock. This is how the autonomic nervous system (ANS) works when dysautonomia is present. The ANS regulates involuntary functions in the body, like heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. It has two primary branches: the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the “fight or flight” response, and the parasympathetic nervous system, which governs “rest and digest” functions. When dysautonomia occurs, it disrupts the delicate balance between these two branches, which can significantly impair digestive function.
One of the most affected components in dysautonomia is the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for slowing the heart rate, stimulating digestive processes, and promoting relaxation in the gut. When this system fails to function properly, the digestive system can struggle with tasks such as food processing, nutrient absorption, and waste elimination. The result? Symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, and more.
But the dysfunction does not stop at the gut. The vagus nerve, which is the longest nerve in the parasympathetic system, serves as the primary communication link between the brain and the gut. The vagus nerve helps regulate several important functions in digestion, from the secretion of stomach acid to the movement of food through the intestines. If the vagus nerve is not working optimally—due to neurological dysfunction or stress—it can lead to a cascade of digestive issues, compounding the effects of dysautonomia.
The gut-brain axis, a complex network of biochemical signaling between the brain and the digestive system, becomes disrupted when the vagus nerve malfunctions or when autonomic nervous system dysfunction is present. This disruption can create a vicious cycle: neurological dysfunction leads to poor digestive health, and poor digestive health stresses the nervous system, exacerbating the problem.
Manual Visceral Mobilization for Digestive and Neurological Relief
The good news is that there are effective, non-invasive treatments that can help restore balance to the nervous system and improve digestive function. One such treatment is manual visceral mobilization, a hands-on technique designed to restore proper movement and function to the internal organs.
Manual visceral mobilization is a technique that gently manipulates the internal organs, including the stomach, intestines, and liver, to improve their mobility and function. This technique can be particularly helpful for individuals suffering from digestive issues caused by dysautonomia. By gently manipulating the organs, this treatment helps restore their proper alignment, enhances blood flow, and stimulates nerve function—particularly in areas affected by the parasympathetic nervous system and vagus nerve.
Visceral mobilization focuses on the gut-brain axis, helping to support the communication between the gut and brain. When the internal organs are properly aligned and functioning, the vagus nerve can more effectively communicate with the brain, helping to restore balance to the parasympathetic nervous system and promoting optimal digestion.
How Manual Visceral Mobilization Works to Relieve Digestive Issues
If you have been struggling with chronic digestive issues, understanding the role your nervous system plays is the first step toward finding relief. Manual visceral mobilization is an effective, hands-on treatment that can help you address the root cause of your digestive symptoms.
Here’s the plan:
- Consultation and Assessment: The first step is a comprehensive consultation with a professional who specializes in manual visceral mobilization. They will assess your symptoms and perform an evaluation to determine if dysfunction in your autonomic nervous system or the vagus nerve may be contributing to your digestive issues.
- Manual Visceral Mobilization: During the treatment, the practitioner will use gentle, precise movements to manipulate the organs, encouraging better mobility, circulation, and nerve function. This can help reduce symptoms like bloating, constipation, indigestion, and abdominal pain. By improving the functioning of the digestive organs, this technique also helps restore balance to the autonomic nervous system, particularly the parasympathetic branch.
- Restoring the Gut-Brain Axis: The goal of manual visceral mobilization is to improve communication between the brain and the gut. When the gut’s internal organs are functioning optimally, the signals sent to and from the brain via the vagus nerve are strengthened, leading to improved digestive processes and reduced symptoms of dysautonomia.
- Ongoing Care and Monitoring: Manual visceral mobilization is often most effective when combined with ongoing care. As your body responds to treatment, the practitioner will continue to monitor your progress and adjust the plan as needed. This approach not only helps relieve digestive symptoms but also promotes long-term neurological balance, leading to sustained improvements in your health.
Do Not Let Digestive Issues Control Your Life
Living with chronic digestive problems can feel like a constant battle. The discomfort, uncertainty, and frustration can take a significant toll on your well-being. But the good news is that you do not have to suffer in silence. Digestive issues that stem from neurological dysfunction are treatable, and manual visceral mobilization offers a powerful, non-invasive solution.
By addressing the root cause of your digestive problems—dysautonomia and vagus nerve dysfunction—you can restore balance to both your digestive system and your nervous system. This treatment can help reduce symptoms, promote healing, and improve your quality of life.
Do not wait any longer. If you are ready to find relief from chronic digestive issues and take control of your health, consider exploring manual visceral mobilization. Consult with a healthcare professional who specializes in this technique and start your journey toward better health today.
Restoring Balance Between Gut and Brain
The connection between digestive health and neurological function is complex, but understanding this relationship is the first step toward healing. Dysautonomia and vagus nerve dysfunction play a central role in many chronic digestive issues, and restoring balance in the autonomic nervous system can help improve both digestion and overall well-being.
Manual visceral mobilization offers a holistic, non-invasive way to support your gut and nervous system, helping to restore optimal function and reduce symptoms. By focusing on the gut-brain axis and improving vagus nerve activity, this treatment can provide lasting relief for those suffering from chronic digestive problems.
If you or someone you love is suffering from digestive problems and you would like to learn how chiropractic neurology can help, contact the team at Georgia Chiropractic Neurology Center today. We look forward to hearing from you.
Written by Sophie Hose, DC, MS, DACNB, CCSP
Peer-Reviewed Sources:
- Kaczmarek, I., & Górska, K. (2021). The Role of the Vagus Nerve in Modulating Gut Motility and Digestive Function. Frontiers in Neurology, 12, 603712.
- Eri, S., Saito, T., & Watanabe, T. (2020). Dysautonomia and its Impacts on Gastrointestinal Motility and Function. Gastroenterology Research and Practice, 2020, 7475012.
- Glover, C. (2018). Interoception: A Brief Introduction to the Role of the Gut-Brain Axis in Digestive Health. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 12, 460.
- Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K., & Glaser, R. (2017). The Interrelationship Between Stress, Gut Health, and Brain Function: Understanding the Gut-Brain Axis. Clinical Psychology Review, 57, 9-17.