Coccyx: Rectum, Anus

Coccyx: Rectum, Anus

Nearly 5% of Americans suffer from hemorrhoids. There are several causes, but several can relate to chiropractic problems affecting the nervous system.

Portal Vein Congestion - T5

A third of the veins from the rectum travel to the liver via the portal venous system. If pressure in the portal vein increases from liver congestion this can dilate the rectal veins to create hemorrhoids. Any impairment of the liver might be contributory to hemorrhoids. So with hemorrhoids we could be looking at not only trouble in the coccyx, but also at T5 which is where we find a large number of nerves supplying the liver. Read more on T5: Liver.

Constipation - L1

Also, constipation can lead to increased pressure in the rectum. In these cases the upper lumbar spine (L1) is often involved. Hemorrhoids can also lead to a viscious cycle of constipation due to the irritation of the anus which can cause reflex spasm of the sphincters. Read more on L1: Ileocecal Valve..

Stress - T9

Another underlying cause is stress. And the effects can manifest through overstimulation of the adrenals (T9) which lead to excess release of glucocoriticoid hormone. This hormone causes leaching of amino acides (protein building blocks) from the body in order to convert them to glucose for increased energy needs related to stress. Stress also has an inhibitory effect on the parasympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic nervous system facilitates bowel motility. Inhibition of this system can lead to constipation which can further aggravate the situation. Read more on T9: Adrenal..

Nutritional deficiency

Nutritional deficiency, particularly protein and fiber deficiency, weakening of the connective tissue, increasing the tendency to constipation, and leading to hemorrhoids. This is very common in a diet high in refined foods where quality protein and fiber sources are sparse.

Obesity

And of course, overeating and obesity increases intra-abdominal pressure and can contribute to hemorrhoids as well.

It's important when dealing with hemorrhoids to distinguish between managing the symptoms and getting to the cause. There are clearly surgical solutions which can be extremely painful and carry the possibility of dangerous complications. It's always better, when possible, to facilitate the bodies natural recovery. Hemorrhoids can be an embarrasing topic for many people. Rest assured it is a very common condition, so please feel comfortable to talk to Dr. Greenwood about your condition.

Nutritional