Poop, there it is: The stink about constipation

Poop, there it is! 💩

Let's talk constipation: what is it? what causes it? is it normal? And how can Chiropractic help? 

What is constipation?

Constipation is defined as infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stool. 

As a general rule, 3 days or more between bowel movements would be considered constipated. This differs slightly based on age, diet and a couple other factors. 

Slow passage and changes in texture of stool is also considered signs of constipation. In infants, bowel movements that resemble a pebble-like consistency are considered common constipation signs. In adults, the feeling of needing to have a bowel movement but the inability to pass stool would be considered constipation. Abdominal pain, bloating, and needing to bear down to pass stool are common in all ages.

What causes constipation?

There are a few reasons you or your child may be constipated: dehydration, physical inactivity, diet, medical side effects or neurological stress.  As doctors of the nervous system, stress's impact on the body is one of the most overlooked causes of GI dysfunction and symptoms like constipation. Neurologic stress can present itself starting at birth and into adolescence with rigidity of the muscular system, inability to be soothed, and altered GI function. This may make it difficult to relax the pelvic muscles to void or slow down the smooth muscles in the digestive tract, causing some discomfort from stored stool. 

Is constipation normal? 

Going long periods between bowel movements are NOT normal. While constipation can be common during some transition periods of life, it is not considered normal. Often times bowel movements can slow during the transition period from breastmilk to solids, and during growth spurts in adolescence. Adults can experience changes in bowel frequency during adjustments to their diet, introduction of new supplements, or times of stress.

How can Chiropractic care help?

Nervous system focused chiropractic care helps improve the communication pathways between the brain and body. This aids in proper absorption, detoxification, stress regulation and normal excretion.