Research Shows Chiropractic May Ease Suffering

ATLANTA, Georgia – 2025

Recent research reported in the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research an important new case study reporting on the resolution of ulcerative colitis symptoms following a course of chiropractic care. This publication highlights the potential role of chiropractic adjustments in co-managing inflammatory bowel conditions.

Click here to read the research.

This case highlights the potential of subluxation-based chiropractic care to support the body’s innate ability to regulate inflammation and respiratory function through improved neurological communication. The study reinforces the foundational chiropractic principle that the nervous system controls and coordinates all bodily functions, and that structural shifts in the spine, called vertebral subluxations, can obstruct this vital communication. By correcting these subluxations, chiropractic care enhances nerve supply and function, allowing the body to better adapt and heal.

A 48-year-old female presented with a confirmed diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. Her chief complaint was persistent abdominal pain that had begun two months earlier, accompanied by diarrhea, rectal bleeding, loss of appetite, and a 13-pound weight loss. Her symptoms disrupted sleep and daily activities, leaving her unable to work or participate in her usual activities.

A comprehensive history and examination were performed, including range of motion, neurological, and orthopedic testing. Palpation revealed restricted motion at T9 with tight paraspinal musculature, tenderness on left thoracic rotation, and posterior rotation of T6 on the right. Neurological and orthopedic exams were negative. X-rays showed decreased cervical disc space, mild thoracic degeneration, and anterior osteophytes. Functional Rating Index (FRI) score was 23%, indicating moderate disability, with mild pain, mild sleep disturbance, and moderate recreation limitations.

The patient was cared for with full-spine chiropractic adjustments two to three times per week for 10 weeks. As her condition improved, she transitioned to a wellness-based, as-needed schedule after approximately 24 visits.

By the fourth visit, she reported mild pain relief, and after 26 visits she achieved 80–100% improvement. Follow-up palpation revealed improved motion in the thoracic spine with decreased soft tissue tenderness. Her bowel urgency, frequency, and pain were significantly reduced, allowing her to return to normal work and recreational activities.

This case highlights the potential role of chiropractic care, including spinal adjustments and supportive therapies, in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life for patients with ulcerative colitis. Further research is recommended to explore chiropractic co-management as a complementary approach in inflammatory bowel disease.