Weeeelllll poop!

Constipation is defined by the Mayo Clinic as fewer than three bowel movements per week. Though we would say if you are not eliminating daily, you should explore why that is.

Symptoms of constipation may include:

• Hard, dry or lumpy stool

• Fewer than 3 bowel movements per week

• Painful or straining during bowel movements

• Feeling like there is more stool needing to pass

Chronic constipation is when two or more of the above symptoms are present for more than a couple months.

There can be a few different causes of constipation:

• Medications

• Diet (not enough fiber, water, etc)

• Lack of consistent exercise

Is it time to go see your doctor? Yes, if:

• Symptoms have been present for longer than three weeks

• Blood in stool or on toilet paper

• Symptoms interfere with regular daily activities

• Stomach pain that does not cease with time

• Weight loss without effort

• Changes in stool shape or texture

What should poop look like?

NOT like the emoji above. Definitely call someone if that’s what you’re experiencing. The following graphic can be helpful to analyze your own situation.

Can chiropractic care help constipation?

Here at PCW, we use the Zone technique to help in determining the health of the spine. Poor alignment in any of these spinal levels will cause disruption in signals from the central nervous system to the associated body function.

Zone 2 is the Eliminative zone. Spinal levels affected are C2, T3, T12 and L2.

Zone 4 is the Digestive zone and corresponds with spinal levels C4, T4, T8 and L4:

We’ve had numerous mother’s tell us their baby’s constipation issues were greatly relieved after an adjustment. One patient gave us a testimonial we posted recently that her baby had a massive blow out after having been plugged up for quite some time. Needless to say, once everyone was all clean, everyone was happy and thriving again!

We also have had adults improve their digestion and elimination functions through chiropractic adjustments! For those more severe cases, adding a probiotic along with magnesium and diet changes has complemented the healing process as well.

Let us know if we can help get you on the track to better health, comfort, and ease in the bathroom!

Share this newsletter with a friend or family member who might be struggling. YOU could help change their life!!

Stay warm out there this week!

In Health,

Dr. Shawn, Dr. Kayla, Maddy, Malarie, Charlene