A chiropractic adjustment involves a trained professional using their hands or specialized instruments to apply controlled force to joints, most commonly those in the spine. The primary aim of this therapeutic approach is to improve spinal motion, correct alignment, and enhance overall physical function by addressing musculoskeletal concerns. While chiropractic care focuses on the spine and nervous system, experiencing diarrhea directly and commonly as a result of an adjustment is not a typical outcome.
Understanding Chiropractic and Digestive Health
Chiropractic care primarily targets the musculoskeletal system, aiming to optimize spinal function. However, the nervous system, which includes the spine, plays a significant role in regulating numerous bodily functions, including digestion. The digestive system operates under the influence of the autonomic nervous system, which has two main branches: the sympathetic, associated with “fight or flight” responses, and the parasympathetic, responsible for “rest and digest” functions.
The parasympathetic nervous system, largely mediated by the vagus nerve, directly influences gut motility and digestive processes. While chiropractic adjustments can stimulate parts of the nervous system, a direct, commonly recognized mechanism by which such an adjustment would cause diarrhea is not established. Any digestive changes observed after an adjustment are rare and not a standard physiological response.
Potential Physiological Responses
The vagus nerve, a major component of the parasympathetic system, extends from the brainstem to the large intestine and plays a role in controlling involuntary functions like digestion, including gut motility and secretion. Spinal adjustments can influence the nervous system, potentially leading to temporary shifts in autonomic activity. An adjustment might, in some rare instances, stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which could theoretically influence gut motility. Some theories suggest that adjustments may lead to a temporary “toxic release” as the body adjusts to changes, which some interpret as a cause for temporary digestive upset. However, diarrhea is an infrequent and extreme manifestation of these subtle and often temporary physiological effects.
Other Factors and Considerations
When digestive upset, such as diarrhea, occurs after a chiropractic adjustment, it is often due to factors unrelated to the adjustment itself, such as dietary choices, a mild infection, or other environmental factors that happened to align with the timing of the appointment. The body’s own stress response can also influence digestion. Anxiety about the adjustment, or pre-existing health concerns, can activate the “brain-gut axis,” potentially leading to symptoms like nausea, cramping, or diarrhea. Undiagnosed or pre-existing digestive conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), might coincidentally flare up around the time of an adjustment. Changes in diet or hydration around the time of the visit could also contribute to temporary digestive changes.
Guidance for Post-Adjustment Symptoms
If you experience diarrhea following a chiropractic adjustment, monitoring your symptoms is a practical first step. It is important to stay well-hydrated to replenish fluids and electrolytes lost. You should contact your chiropractor to inform them of your symptoms, as they can offer guidance and document the response. While mild, temporary digestive changes are usually not serious, certain symptoms warrant prompt medical attention. Seek immediate medical evaluation if you experience severe abdominal pain, fever, notice blood in your stool, or if the diarrhea is persistent or accompanied by signs of dehydration such as excessive thirst, infrequent urination, or dizziness.