What Is Constipation?

What Is Constipation and How Can Osteopathy Help?

What is constipation?

Generally, this is not a topic of social conversation, but constipation is actually a common problem affecting both adults and children alike. Constipation is the passing of hard bowel motions with discomfort. It may also be identified as emptying the bowels less than 3 times per week.

What are the common symptoms of constipation?

Constipation can make you “feel” bloated and uncomfortable. Constipation may present in different ways. Common symptoms of constipation include:

•  Pain or discomfort with bowel motions

•  Passing of hard stools

•  Bloating

•  Stomach cramps that come and go

•  Loss of appetite

•  Feeling of incompletely emptying the bowels

•  Anal fissures

•  Change of normal bowel emptying habits

What causes constipation?

The cause of constipation varies depending on the individual. Some possible causes of constipation include:

•  Dehydration

•  Lack of dietary fibre

•  Lack of regular exercise

•  Medications

•  Microbiome imbalance of the bowel

•  Holding on behaviour

•  Anxiety or negative toilet associations

•  Disease of the bowel

How can an Osteopathy help?

A Osteopath will established a diagnosis based on your history and clinical presentation. This may include palpation of the abdomen and spine. Your Osteopath will likely use manual therapy techniques to improve the functional movement of the bowel. This may include gentle massage of the abdomen and mobilisation of the spine. They may also use other gentle techniques to release restrictions affecting blood flow to the bowel.

How long does it take to get better?

This will depend on the individual and causative factors. An Osteopath will establish a clinical picture of what may be causing the problem and what contributing factors may need to be addressed. Your Osteopath will provide you with a personalised management plan to help navigate your journey to better bowel health. With treatment you can expect to see improvement in 4-6 weeks.

Suggestions to help you establish regular easy bowel motions?

Here are a few suggestions to help you establish healthy bowel habits:

• ◦Follow a healthy diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables.

•  Consume adequate clear fluids throughout the day.

•  Encourage positive behaviour’s around using the toilet, ie toilet sits after meals.

•  Encourage good bowel habits, ie using the toilet when the urge arises.

•  Address anxious thoughts around using the toilet in different environments, ie school

•  Maintain regular daily exercise.

If you would like some help with establishing regular easy bowel motions, please call Natasha on 0409177159.