Did you realise that your spine and abdominal organs are connected?
The abdominal organs (viscera) are connected to your spine via ligaments and nerves and can act as a pain producing structure in people who have spinal pain. If you have spinal pain and suffer from irritable bowel syndrome or have had operative procedures to your abdominal or pelvic area (eg hysterectomy, gall bladder removal), the chances are these two seemingly unrelated problems could be making each other worse.
Treating Injury with Visceral Mobilisation
Also, sustaining direct trauma to the abdomen or trunk (for eg, falling off a bicycle, being tackled in rugby) could cause altered visceral motion and lead to pain and dysfunction in the musculo-skeletal system.
A recent study (1) of over 38,000 Australian women has highlighted a strong association between back pain and gastrointestinal problems in women of all ages. Further research is currently being undertaken.
How Our Physiotherapists Can Help
Active Physiotherapy Newtown is one of a handful of practices in Australia with physiotherapists who are trained in assessment and treatment of the visceral and musculoskeletal connections which can cause chronic gastrointestinal or spinal pain (or both!).
We use gentle treatment techniques to release tension, scarring or restrictions through ligaments and connective tissue around your abdominal organs to realise normal motion and reduce pain in both the gastrointestinal tract and the adjoining musculo-skeletal system.
For more information, just call and ask to speak to John.
1. Smith MD, Russell A, Hodges P.W: How Common Is Back Pain in Women With Gastrointestinal Problems? Clin Journal of Pain 24 (3): 199-203, 2008.