Chiropractic Care for Gastroparesis

Chiropractic care is one of the most effective treatments for gastroparesis. People with gastroparesis are at risk of developing other related conditions. It also interferes with their everyday life.

What do you need to know about treating gastroparesis with chiropractic care?

Understanding Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis interferes with the normal spontaneous movement of the muscles in the stomach. Stomach contractions are responsible for moving food through the digestive tract. When someone has gastroparesis, motility slows or it doesn’t happen at all. The stomach is unable to empty. As a result, people develop problems with their overall nutrition and blood sugar levels. 

Symptoms of gastroparesis include:

• Nausea or vomiting of digested or undigested food
• Abdominal pain and bloating
• Full feeling after just a few bites
• Acid reflux
• Lack of appetite
• Weight loss
• Malnutrition

Causes and Complications

Gastroparesis is caused by damage to the nerve that controls the stomach muscles (vagus nerve). The exact cause of this damage is not always known. There might be multiple causes, and the reason someone develops gastroparesis is often never determined. It might be a complication of diabetes in some people, or it could develop following surgery. There is also evidence that certain medications could lead to digestive issues, including gastroparesis.

The following increase your risk of developing gastroparesis:

• Infection
• Diabetes
• Abdominal or esophageal surgery
• Medications, especially narcotics
• Underactive thyroid
• Nervous system disease, including multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease
• Scleroderma

People who develop gastroparesis are at a higher risk of certain related complications, including:

• Dehydration from frequent vomiting
• Malnutrition
• Bezoars, potentially life-threatening solid masses in the stomach
• Blood sugar changes
• Decreased quality of life

How the Nervous System and Digestive System Are Connected

The digestive system is linked with a network of nerves, neurotransmitters, and neurons responsible for communicating with your brain; the two systems control digestion together. These systems must work together to maintain stability and balance (homeostasis). When something interferes with this homeostasis, it can affect overall health.

Treating Gastroparesis With Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic adjustments are one of the most effective treatment options for gastroparesis because they support a healthy nervous system. The benefits of seeing a chiropractor when you have gastroparesis include the following:

• Improved nerve function
• Reduced inflammation
• Improved immunity
• Reduced stress
• Improved digestive function
• Improved overall healthy lifestyle

Preventing and Managing Gastroparesis 

One of the best things you can do to prevent or treat gastroparesis once it develops is to change your diet. Not only does this help you manage symptoms, but it also ensures you get enough nutrition. Dietary changes might include:

• Eating smaller meals more often
• Cooking fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating
• Chewing food well
• Avoiding the most fibrous fruits and vegetables
• Eating mostly low-fat food
• Drinking plenty of water every day
• Exercising daily
• Avoiding carbonated drinks
• Smoking cessation
• Avoiding alcohol
• Taking a multivitamin
• Avoiding lying down for at least two hours after eating

Foods that are better for people with gastroparesis include:

• Pasta
• Rice
• White bread or whole wheat bread without seeds or nuts
• Pancakes
• Potatoes
• Cream of Wheat
• Lean proteins
• Cottage cheese
• Eggs
• Pureed fruits and vegetables
• Cooked beets, mushrooms, carrots
• Vegetable juices
• Applesauce
• Bananas

This list is not comprehensive. You and your doctor and/or chiropractor should work together to develop an ideal diet and comprehensive care plan that suits your needs.

The following increase your risk of developing gastroparesis:

• Infection
• Diabetes
• Abdominal or esophageal surgery
• Medications, especially narcotics
• Underactive thyroid
• Nervous system disease, including multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease
• Scleroderma

People who develop gastroparesis are at a higher risk of certain related complications, including:

• Dehydration from frequent vomiting
• Malnutrition
• Bezoars, potentially life-threatening solid masses in the stomach
• Blood sugar changes
• Decreased quality of life

How the Nervous System and Digestive System Are Connected

The digestive system is linked with a network of nerves, neurotransmitters, and neurons responsible for communicating with your brain; the two systems control digestion together. These systems must work together to maintain stability and balance (homeostasis). When something interferes with this homeostasis, it can affect overall health.

Treating Gastroparesis With Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic adjustments are one of the most effective treatment options for gastroparesis because they support a healthy nervous system. The benefits of seeing a chiropractor when you have gastroparesis include the following:

• Improved nerve function
• Reduced inflammation
• Improved immunity
• Reduced stress
• Improved digestive function
• Improved overall healthy lifestyle

Dr. Darren Faherty D.C.

In 2004, Dr. Darren Faherty graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from UWEC - University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. Dr. Darren continued education at the highly esteemed University of Western States (formerly Western States Chiropractic College) where he obtained his chiropractic degree in 2007. He has been helping people recover from injuries and return to their normal lifestyles ever since.