Expert: J.R. Strecker, B.S., D.C. - 7/1/2008

Question
I am asking this question on behalf of my 22 year old son.  He developed
intermitant discomfort in his upper left abdomen region (about 4 inches left
of navel) about 6 months ago.  No change in bowel habits, no dectable lumps
or masses, nothing else unusual.  He saw our family physician who prescribed
an anti-spasmodic, but that hasn't done much.  The doctor doesn't think
anything is seriously wrong, but he prescribed an abdominal ultrasound,
which he will have in the next few days.   I wonder if he should also
investigate chiropractic treatment.   He needed lower back adjustment several
times for back pain from sports and heavy-lifting activities.   Additionally,
there was a time when I had pain in my abdominal and chest region, and my
chiropracter indicated there the innervation of those regions can be
compromised by vertebrae misalignment.  My adjustments took care of the
problem, and I'm wondering if my son's problem could actually be the result
of vertebrae misalignment, and that we should see the chiropracter?  (He will
still get the ultrasound, too).

Thanks for your help!

Answer
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Hello L.,

Your question is very philosophically based, as well as a very fair question.  To keep it simple, I would say go to the chiropractor to get treatment and keep your appointment for the ultrasound.  However, that oversimplifies matters just a bit.  

Chiropractic has been thoroughly and extensively documented for its efficacy for treating musculoskeletal pain (ie-back pain), but research is still conflicting for its efficacy of visceral conditions.  There is no way to know if your son's tummy problems are going to clear up with the chiropractic adjustments.  For as many people that are helped by chiropractic with visceral problems there are probably nearly as many that are not helped.  But the advantage of chiropractic is that it is natural and safe.  With anything, there are risks of side-effects, but the most common risk of side-effects of chiropractic adjustments in the areas that affect the intestines is soreness after an adjustment.  So that's basically the good news.  You really don't have much to lose if you are going to try chiropractic for treatment.  I would say if the ultrasound shows something abnormal, then it may be best to have your son's case managed by a medical doctor or co-managed with a chiropractor.  If the ultrasound comes back negative, I would definitely say consider the chiropractic treatment.  In addition, if the ultrasound is negative, consider a second medical opinion, as well as talk to a certified nutritionist or preferably a naturopathic doctor to assess any nutritional causes for your son's tummy pain.

I cannot really go into too much detail because you are still waiting for a diagnosis from your doctor.  Once you have a diagnosis, it becomes much easier to know the most suitable treatment.  If after many consultations a clear diagnosis is not made, then I would even more highly recommend your son to try alternative treatments.  

I hope this helps sort out a plan of action for you just a bit.  Best of luck!

Dr. J.R. Strecker, D.C.