Constipation and Chiropractic

How can chiropractic help?

Constipation is one of the most common things we see in the kiddos at our practice. We all know the importance of proper digestive health; it allows us to absorb nutrients so we can grow, develop, recover and function at optimal health. Constipation is a symptom of a poorly functioning digestive tract. 

To understand what causes constipation in kiddos, we first must talk about the autonomic nervous system (ANS). This is the branch of our nervous system that controls unconscious tasks (it supplies our organs, glands and blood vessels). It is made up of two branches, the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). The SNS is the “fight or flight” branch while the PNS is the “rest and digest” branch. When the body senses it is under stress, the SNS is activated. This system sends blood to our muscles, increases breathing and heart rate and mobilizes energy stores to prepare the body to “fight or flight”. When the body senses it is in a safe environment, the PNS is activated. This system promotes digestion, growth, immune function and sleep. Kiddos should spend most of their time with the PNS “rest and digest” system active. 

Here lies the issue. For many kids, they get stuck with the SNS “fight or flight” system on. This leads to problems with digestion, immune function, growth and development. A child cannot be in “protect mode” and “growth mode” at the same time. At our office, we help your child activate their PNS “rest and digest” system with specific adjustments to help restore balance.