Crohn's and Chiropractic Adjustments

Was wondering if anyone has ever consulted a chiropractor for treatment of crohn's. A friend of mine called me last night raving about how this chiro he had seen was really helping his long term back problems. In talking to my friend the chiro had mentioned some of the other ailments he treats, one being crohn's disease. He explained it roughly as the brain not being able to relay the right signals to the right parts of the body through the nervous system, due to spinal misalignment. Basically saying that certain sections of the spine correspond with different functions of the body( digestion, immune system) and when the pathway of information from the brain to that part of the spine, and from the spine to the corresponding part of the body is interrupted, problems start to arise and the body can't properly heal itself.
I haven't looked to deeply into it yet or called the doc myself, but in looking around a little on the internet it seems to have some positive results for some people who have tried it.
I for one, am open to any alternative or non conventional treatment options out there just due to the fact that with crohn's, the Dr's don't have the answer. I know the body has an amazing ability to repair itself if given the right conditions.
Anyway, if anyone has any info it'd be greatly appreciated. Just started an 8 wk round of pred due to my Humira not working after 6 months. Keeping me on the H to see if the pred might kick it in. But I have to say, I'd rather just get a massage.

Hi there :) I'm from the Uc forum but I seen this and I thought I would share my experience with chiro's. I was really really skeptical about seeing one but I have suffered from back pain for years. After having no doc be able to tell me what is wrong I finally gave in and seen one at the insistence of my SIL.

He explained to me the same that you said. That many of the nerves in the spine control various parts of the body. I seen him roughly for 6 months. And I came out feeling like a new woman :) BUT I can honestly say that it has not helped my Uc. But then again, I didn't really ask him to find the culprit. He knew I had it though. On another note, I was having some urination issues - hesitancy and slow going. So he pinched the side of my feet by my ankles. Hurt like crazy at first but after each time he did it. It didn't hurt as bad. Slowly my body "repaired" whatever was wrong (yes, I even went to a urologist for this first).

So I agree. Try it and see if he/she can help you. But be sure to find one that has a good reputation. I go to www.ratemds.com to find docs and chiro's are on there too. I looked for one with 5 stars.

I am going to start with the fact that I have never been a big supporter of the chiropractic field.  Just being honest and want you to know that my opinions are based on care I have seen and received.  I will not go back to a chiropractor ever again as the last one caused me long term pain and made my back problems worse (long story).

However, I find massage and physical therapy helpful for my emotional wellness which in turn helps my Crohns status.  If it works for you and does not cause any additional pain, it is worth that $35 visit.

I used to work for a chiropractor several years ago. It certainly doesn't cure Crohn's, but I was at my absolute best (Crohn's related) when I was being adjusted by a chiropractor on a regular basis. For exactly the reason everyone else mentioned regarding the spine and nerves. I'm a big advocate on Chiropractic. Give it a try!

Mike, I think you may be missing the point. I realize there is no direct connection with the physical aspect of having an adjustment of the spine when related to crohn's. The idea being that the adjustments give the brain an opportunity to relay the necessary signals to the right part of the body, uninterrupted by spinal misalignment. Therefore giving the body a chance to correct its own problem.. that being a dysfunctional immune system. The only organs completely encased in bone in the body are the brain and spinal column. The brain being the central control, and the spinal column being the pathways the brain uses to control and monitor all systems of the body. When there's a kink in the line, then you get problems...allegedly. Like I said, I don't know about this either but I think it's worth looking into.

Good point about the weakened bone density with steroids. I'd hate to go in and have him snap my spine in half! Although I don't think I'm to that point with steroid use, but definitely something for people to consider.