Chiropractic Helps with Ulcerative Colitis
A 48-year-old female presented with a confirmed diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. Her chief complaint was persistent abdominal pain that had begun two months earlier, accompanied by diarrhea, rectal bleeding, loss of appetite, and a 13-pound weight loss. Her symptoms disrupted sleep and daily activities, leaving her unable to work or participate in her usual activities.
A comprehensive history and examination were performed, including range of motion, neurological, and orthopedic testing. Palpation revealed restricted motion at T9 with tight paraspinal musculature, tenderness on left thoracic rotation, and posterior rotation of T6 on the right. Neurological and orthopedic exams were negative. X-rays showed decreased cervical disc space, mild thoracic degeneration, and anterior osteophytes. Functional Rating Index (FRI) score was 23%, indicating moderate disability, with mild pain, mild sleep disturbance, and moderate recreation limitations.
The patient was cared for with full-spine high-velocity low-amplitude (HVLA) chiropractic adjustments two to three times per week for 10 weeks. As her condition improved, she transitioned to a wellness-based, as-needed schedule after approximately 24 visits.
By the fourth visit, she reported mild pain relief, and after 26 visits she achieved 80-100% improvement. Follow-up palpation revealed improved motion in the thoracic spine with decreased soft tissue tenderness. Her bowel urgency, frequency, and pain were significantly reduced, allowing her to return to normal work and recreational activities.
This case highlights the potential role of chiropractic care, including spinal adjustments and supportive therapies, in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life for patients with ulcerative colitis. Further research is recommended to explore chiropractic co-management as a complementary approach in inflammatory bowel disease.
FACTS: Vertebral Subluxation, Ulcerative Colitis, and How Chiropractic Helps
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the lining of the large intestine and can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, fatigue, and unplanned weight loss. These flare-ups can disrupt daily life and impact a person’s overall well-being. While conventional medical care often focuses on reducing inflammation with medications or surgery, many people look for additional ways to support their health and manage symptoms naturally.
The nervous system controls and coordinates all functions of the body and structural shifts in the spine can occur that obstruct the nerves and interfere with their function. These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct. By removing the structural shifts, chiropractic improves nerve supply and function. Because the nerves in the spine also communicate with the organs of the digestive system, addressing these subluxations can play a role in helping the body work better as a whole.
In a recent case, a 48-year-old woman with ulcerative colitis received chiropractic care that included specific spinal adjustments. Over a period of several weeks, she experienced significant improvements, including reduced abdominal pain, fewer urgent bowel movements, better sleep, and the ability to return to normal work and recreational activities. Her overall function and quality of life improved dramatically.
Chiropractic care does not treat ulcerative colitis directly but works to restore proper communication between the brain and body, supporting natural healing processes. For many people living with inflammatory bowel conditions, chiropractic can be a safe, drug-free option to include as part of a comprehensive wellness plan. Research continues to explore how spinal adjustments may positively influence immune function, inflammation, and overall health.
If you or someone you love is struggling with ulcerative colitis, a chiropractor can perform a thorough evaluation to check for vertebral subluxations and recommend an individualized plan to help restore balance to the nervous system and improve quality of life.
Reference
Resolution of Symptoms Following Chiropractic in a Woman Suffering From Ulcerative Colitis: A Case Study. Steve Bearden, DC & Dana Mahan, DC. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research ~ Volume, 2025.
