Digestive Discomfort and Chiropractic Care in Edmond, OK

Stomach trouble is easy to put up with and hard to ignore. Bloating after meals, cramping, heartburn, and irregular bowels wear on you over time. Most people try an over-the-counter remedy first, and sometimes the remedy helps. At Hanson Chiropractic Center, we look at digestive discomfort and back pain in Edmond, OK, from the rib and posture side, and we work alongside your doctor or gastroenterologist.

Why digestive discomfort and back pain sometimes travel together

Your digestive system sits right in front of your spine, and the muscles of your abdomen, ribs, and back all work around the gut. When you slump over a desk for hours, your belly folds and your breathing gets shallow. Many people feel fullness or pressure after meals in this position, and standing up straight often brings relief. A stiff mid-back and tight ribs also cause pain which feels as if the stomach is the source.

Pain under the ribs or across the mid-back sometimes gets blamed on the stomach. An exam helps sort out whether the source is a joint, a muscle, or something your physician should check.

Stress adds another layer. Tension in your body and gut discomfort tend to rise and fall together, which is one reason both deserve attention.

What we offer for digestive discomfort and back pain

Chiropractic care doesn't replace medical care for digestive conditions. What we do is look at your spine, ribs, and posture, and ease the stiffness and tension we find. Some patients tell us they feel better in their digestive comfort alongside progress with their back or neck. Every person responds differently.

After your exam, our chiropractors explain what they found and which options fit. We use gentle chiropractic adjustments to restore movement in stiff joints of the mid-back and ribs. Our massage therapist works on tight muscles in the back and abdomen area when massage fits your plan, and many people find the sessions relaxing. We also look at how you sit, stand, and breathe, because small posture changes sometimes take pressure off the abdomen.

Habits which support your digestion

Eat slowly, and sit up straight at meals. A short walk after eating helps many people. Drink water through the day, and notice which foods bother you. Keep a simple food and symptom log for two weeks, since your physician finds patterns in the notes. We don't give diet plans for medical conditions, but we're glad to talk through everyday habits.

Pay attention to how you breathe. Slow breaths into your belly, not your upper chest, help your ribs and diaphragm move. Try five slow breaths before each meal. Loose clothing around the waist helps too. If you sit for work, stand and walk for a few minutes every hour so your belly isn't folded for long stretches. Tell us which positions feel better or worse, since those clues guide our exam.

Your first visit

First, we ask about your symptoms, your past testing, and what your physician has told you. Then we examine your back, ribs, and posture. Before you leave, we explain what we found and what we recommend. Fill out your new patient paperwork ahead of time, and see who you'll meet on our team page.

Symptoms which need a physician first

See your physician promptly for blood in your stool or vomit, black or tarry stools, trouble swallowing, or unexplained weight loss. Persistent vomiting, a fever with stomach pain, or pain which wakes you at night also needs a medical visit. Call 911 for severe abdominal pain, chest pain, or a rigid, swollen belly. Digestive symptoms have many causes, and proper testing matters. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases has topic pages on common digestive conditions if you want to read more.

Questions about digestive discomfort and back pain in Edmond

Does chiropractic care help digestion?

We look at the back, rib, and posture side of digestive discomfort. Some patients tell us they feel better in their digestive comfort as their back improves. We don't treat digestive conditions, so your physician stays in charge of those.

Do you treat acid reflux, IBS, or other conditions?

No. Those conditions belong with your physician. We help with the back, rib, and posture problems which sometimes come along with them.

Is my back pain tied to my stomach pain?

Sometimes. Pain in the mid-back or under the ribs has several causes, so an exam sorts out the source. Read about our low back pain care for related symptoms.

What posture helps after meals?

Sit tall with your feet flat and your shoulders back. Avoid lying down right after you eat, and take a short walk if your doctor approves. Slouching on the couch folds your belly and adds pressure.

Should I stop my medication?

No. Keep taking medications as your physician directs, and tell us what you take so we plan your care around your medications.

This page gives general information and does not replace advice from your physician. Individual results vary. Read about other concerns we help with on our Conditions We Treat page.