IRRITABLE BOWEL, THE IMPORTANCE OF MANUAL THERAPIES

“Irritable bowel syndrome” or “spastic colitis” is a chronic disorder of gastrointestinal function that mostly affects women between the ages of 20 and 50 and manifests itself with pain, swelling or abdominal distension that improves after evacuation and presents alternating constipation and diarrhea, recurring several times during the day and possible mucous stools.

The etiology appears to be multifactorial and, although there is no certainty about the triggering causes, the intake of particular foods, excessive stress, hormonal changes and any previous infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract appear to be the main causes that can lead to irritable bowel syndrome.

Often, those who suffer from this disorder also have migraines, pain throughout the spine, anxiety, gastroesophageal reflux, dyspepsia (sensation of pain, burning, discomfort in the epigastrium), depression, insomnia, chronic fatigue, cystitis, chronic pelvic pain, fibromyalgia, etc.

There is no specific test to diagnose this disorder.

The diagnosis, exclusively medical, is based on the classification of the patient's symptoms and consequently on the exclusion of other problems with similar symptoms.

Only in the most complex cases will we opt for in-depth diagnostic tests to exclude other pathologies.

Standard medical therapy focuses on treating the symptoms reported by the patient, therefore it is recommended to follow an adequate diet with a reduction in foods that ferment and produce meteorism (carbonated drinks, legumes, fruit at the end of meals, lettuce, vegetables, etc.);

take fiber supplements, laxatives, probiotics; use any antidiarrheal, anxiolytic and antispasmodic drugs to relieve pain, spasms and to relax the intestinal muscles; use antidepressant drugs to promote the increase of serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible not only for good mood, but also for the control of intestinal motility and well-being.

In fact, there is a strong correlation between the brain and the intestine, so much so that the latter is defined as our second brain: these structures influence each other, therefore the rebalancing of these two spheres can certainly bring a great benefit in synaptic and emotional communication between the two systems.

Osteopathic massage and visceral treatment affects the motility of the colon by improving the peristaltic rhythm in favor of the regularization of intestinal transit, thus bringing about a general and functional rebalancing of the viscera and diaphragmatic portions that cooperate with each other, alleviating the symptoms of the tract in question.

The treatment also aims to drain the venous and lymphatic system, improves blood perfusion, mobilizes muscle bands, eliminates spasms, alleviating anxiety and agitation.

Consistency in undergoing manual treatments, combined with changes in some eating habits and lifestyle, also helps reduce intestinal hyperalgesia and encourages hormonal and neurotransmitter regulation as it acts indirectly on the innervations of the intestinal muscles for propulsive purposes and restoring balance to the autonomic nervous system.

There are additional methodologies that can benefit people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome such as acupuncture, cognitive-behavioral therapy, autogenic training, sports activities…

Given the objective frenzy in which we live, irritable bowel syndrome remains a very common and debilitating pathology that requires prolonged treatments over time precisely to counteract its chronic effects, but the combination of classical medicine and manual therapies such as massage therapy and osteopathy allows us to improve and manage this pathology in its daily life with excellent results.

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