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Pura Vida Chiropractic
Digestive Issues & IBS treatment at Pura Vida Chiropractic San Antonio

Digestive Issues & IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome and chronic digestive dysfunction have a strong neurological component — the gut-brain axis runs through the spine. Chiropractic care at Pura Vida restores the nerve supply that coordinates normal digestive function.

What Is Digestive Issues & IBS?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other functional digestive disorders involve dysregulation of the enteric nervous system — the complex nerve network governing the gastrointestinal tract. This system is controlled by the vagus nerve and the thoracolumbar sympathetic nervous system, both of which are profoundly influenced by spinal health. Subluxations in the thoracic and lumbar spine alter the autonomic input to the gut, disrupting normal motility, secretion, and visceral sensitivity. The result is the hallmark IBS symptoms of alternating constipation and diarrhea, bloating, cramping, and pain. Spinal correction normalizes this nerve supply and helps restore digestive balance.

Common Symptoms

  • Alternating constipation and diarrhea
  • Abdominal cramping and bloating
  • Excessive gas and flatulence
  • Urgency and frequency of bowel movements
  • Mucus in the stool
  • Symptoms worsened by stress or certain foods

Common Causes & Contributing Factors

  • Thoracolumbar subluxation disrupting gut autonomic nerve supply
  • Vagal nerve insufficiency impairing gut-brain signaling
  • Gut microbiome dysbiosis
  • Chronic stress activating the sympathetic nervous system
  • Food sensitivities (gluten, dairy, FODMAPs)
  • Post-infectious gut hypersensitivity

The Pura Vida Protocol: Chiropractic Care for Digestive Issues & IBS

Dr. Foss targets the thoracic spine (T10–L2) and upper lumbar spine — the primary spinal levels controlling autonomic nerve supply to the small and large intestines. SOT corrections at these levels restore normal sympathetic and parasympathetic balance to the gut, improving motility and reducing visceral hypersensitivity. Upper cervical adjustments address vagal nerve function, which governs peristalsis and digestive secretion throughout the GI tract. Patients with chronic IBS often experience the most improvement when they commit to a consistent course of spinal care combined with dietary modifications.

At Pura Vida Chiropractic, Dr. Foss uses Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) — a gentle, category-based system that addresses the spine, pelvis, and craniosacral rhythm as one integrated unit. SOT restores proper biomechanics, reduces nerve interference, and creates the neurological environment your body needs to heal itself.

Advanced Therapies We Combine With Chiropractic

For many patients, combining spinal correction with regenerative therapies produces faster and more lasting results. Depending on your condition, Dr. Foss may incorporate one or more of the following:

Class IV Laser Therapy

Photobiomodulation with a 10–15W Class IV laser delivers therapeutic light energy deep into tissue, reducing inflammation, blocking pain signals, and speeding healing at the cellular level.

Why Choose Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio?

Pura Vida Chiropractic is a family-friendly, bilingual (English/Spanish) clinic serving San Antonio, TX. Dr. Dan Foss is trained in Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT), a comprehensive chiropractic system that addresses the whole body — not just the area of pain. We combine hands-on spinal correction with the latest regenerative technology to help patients resolve the root cause of their condition rather than masking symptoms.

We are insurance friendly with most insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, Ambetter, Oscar Health, Community First, and Molina Healthcare. New patient appointments are available promptly.

Ready to Get Relief from Digestive Issues & IBS?

Schedule your new patient appointment with Dr. Foss at Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio, TX. We'll identify the root cause and build a personalized care plan.

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