By Tej Kumar

If claims on social media are to be believed, gastrointestinal problems can be cured through Chiropractic therapy. A viral video shows a person doing some muscle manipulation and stretches to remedy gas and acidity problems. (Archive link) 

Does that work? Not really, according to the available scientific evidence. A study finds that “there is no supportive evidence to show that chiropractic treatments are effective for gastrointestinal problems”. 

Another study concludes that there is not enough evidence to reach concrete conclusions regarding the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment on gastrointestinal disorders. It suggests that since “there were no reports of either worsening of symptoms or other adverse reactions by patients”, chiropractic treatments may be used as “adjunct treatment”.

Gastrointestinal problems refer to any condition or disease that occurs within the gastrointestinal tract, such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome and colon cancer, to name some. 

Chiropractors, typically, use their hands or a small instrument to apply a controlled, sudden force to a spinal joint. The goal of the spinal manipulation is supposedly to improve spinal motion and the body’s physical function.

“Gastrointestinal problems cannot be cured with muscle manipulation or stretches. Such procedures may provide temporary relief, but they cannot treat the cause of the gastric problem and that may create further problems,” cautions Dr Bharatashree VM, a physician based in Yellapur, Karnataka, India. 

It's important to consult a qualified medical practitioner and diagnose the gastrointestinal disorder in time for a speedy recovery. 

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