7 Major Symptoms of Colon Cancer Demystified

The symptoms of colon cancer are not necessarily present in the initial stage of the problem. Most of the times they do not appear or are hard to detect until the problem reach to an advanced stage.

However, it is always better to know about those which can be detected. Mentioned below are some known symptoms of colon cancer. In case if any of the mentioned symptoms is present for more than a week, do seek advice of your physician about the screening for colon cancer.

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Change in Bowel Habits

7 Major Symptoms of Colon Cancer Demystified

Tumor in the bowel brings an observed change in the habits like defecating. With the growth of tumor, you may feel the need of defecating less often and the large size of tumor will lead to constipation.

The only way to know this is to get regular screening done instead of waiting for the symptoms to appear on the surface.

Thinned Stool

The presence of tumor causes obstruction and with the growth of obstruction there is reduction in the space around. In case the tumor is present at the side of the colon tube passage, it may result into the narrowing of the stool.

Cramping or Bloating in the Stomach

Another symptom in the list of colon cancer symptoms is bloating or cramping in the stomach. Boating may be due to a bowel obstruction while cramping may be the result of constipation or diarrhea. In the advanced stages of colon cancer, tumor perforating i.e. poking through near the wall of the bowel, can lead to extreme abdominal cramping.

Blood in the Stool

There may be blood in the stool which is due to the bleeding of the tumor. Nevertheless, if the tumor is present in the right colon, it is very much possible that the blood will dry up before the faeces are removed from the body. But if it is towards the left or in the rectum, it may remain fresh and thus will appear bright red.

Inexplicable Weight Loss

If you are losing weight without making any deliberate efforts, it is really something to ponder over. Often one has weight loss due to the fact that something wrong is going in the body. However, in colorectal cancer, unexplained loss in weight is one of the colon cancer symptoms and it indicates that the bowel is being blocked at some place, along the passage, by a tumor.

Exhaustion and Feelings of Fatigue

You are having proper sleep but still feel exhausted. There may be more than one reason and work load may not be the obvious one. The first possibility is that it may be due to anemia which takes place if the red blood cells are not able to carry sufficient oxygen as much they are required to. Consequently, you might feel exhausted. But it may also be due to tumors. Tumors can also be the cause of anemia.

Feel Like to Defecate but Not

You may feel like to go for defecation but you do not. This kind of sensation in the body may take place due to a tumor growing in the end of the colon or rectum.

The best option is to have screening for colon cancer on regular basis instead of depending on appearance of colon cancer symptoms.

7 Major Symptoms of Colon Cancer Demystified

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Breast Cancer Survival Rate - Stage 1 Breast Cancer

With very early detection, the breast cancer survival rate is excellent. The American Cancer Society reports a 5-year survival rate of 98% to 100% for Stage 1 breast cancer after treatment.

Stage 1 breast cancer is less than 2 centimeters in diameter and has not spread beyond the breast tissue itself.

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Currently, 63% of breast cancer for U. S. white women is detected and diagnosed while it is still localized to the breast tissue as Stage 1 breast cancer. Only 53% of breast cancer in U. S. black women is diagnosed while the breast cancer is still localized.

Breast Cancer Survival Rate - Stage 1 Breast Cancer

The difference in early detection rates between white women and black women is usually attributed to economic disparity and the lack of health insurance. It also helps explain the fact that in the U. S., breast cancer incidence for black women is 11% lower than for white women, but the breast cancer death rate for black women is 35% higher (NCI, SEER, 2007). The death rate increases when breast cancer detection and diagnosis are postponed while the cancer spreads.

The U.S. National Cancer Institute predicts that approximately 178,480 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2007. The annual death rate from breast cancer is around 41,000 in the U.S. North American white women have the highest rate of breast cancer in the world.

Improving breast cancer survival rates by early detection requires regular observation, monthly self-examinations, and following medical recommendations for examinations and testing.

Monthly self-examinations should be done at the same time each month. Clinical examinations by a health care provider should start by the time a woman is 20 years old and continue at least every three years until age 40. After age 40, the clinical exams should be included in the annual health check-ups. Annual mammograms after age 40 will help detect breast cancer at the earliest stages.

Since 1 in every 8 women will face a diagnosis of breast cancer in their lives, improving the breast cancer survival rate should also include breast cancer prevention by reducing risk factors. Some breast cancer risk factors like genetics and family history can't be changed, but they account for only a small percentage of breast cancer cases. Factors that have shown an increase in breast cancer include overweight, hormone therapy, and increased alcohol consumption. Factors that may help breast cancer prevention include breast feeding, maintaining a healthy weight, and regular exercise.

Breast Cancer Survival Rate - Stage 1 Breast Cancer

For more information on research showing increased breast cancer survival rate, see http://www.green-tea-health-news.com/breast-cancer-survival-rate.html

You can also learn about three healthy habits that have shown a 50% decrease in breast cancer recurrence at http://www.green-tea-health-news.com/breast-cancer-recurrence.html

Sharon Jones has over 40 years training and experience in science, mainstream health care, and alternative health care. Her website is http://www.green-tea-health-news.com

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What Are The Causes Of Bloody Stool?

Finding blood in your stool can be an alarming experience. Regardless of how much you know about health care, everybody knows that bloody stool is simply not right. The appearance of bloody stool causes a whole range of possibilities to race through your mind, none of them good. What are the causes of bloody stool? What are the most likely possibilities and what should you do about it?

In very general terms, bloody stool means that there's some sort of injury or disorder located somewhere in your digestive tract. Unfortunately, that doesn't narrow things down very much, because your digestive tract can refer to almost any location between your mouth and your anus. One of the ways that you and your doctor can start to zero in on the likely location of the problem is by the color of the blood.

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As a rule, the closer the source of bleeding is to the anus, the brighter red the blood will be. This is because the bacteria in your digestive system works to break down the blood as it passes through. So the longer blood stays in your digestive tract, the darker it will become. The color of the bloody stool can range from bright red through maroon and black, all the way to occult (or hidden).

What Are The Causes Of Bloody Stool?

There is a great deal of emphasis on the color because this is how your doctor will begin to diagnose the causes of bloody stool. If the bloody stool is bright red, then there's a good chance the blood was essentially added on the way out by hemorrhoids or anal fissures. Obviously, although these causes of bloody stool can be uncomfortable, they are relatively minor and easily treated. You might want to try a natural colon cleanse. Regular cleansing can practically eliminate constipation that lead to hemorrhoids or anal fissures. Even a one-time colon cleanse can help.

The causes of bloody stool that is more maroon in color lie farther up the digestive tract. If you have intestinal polyps, these may sometimes bleed and cause maroon-colored stool. The most serious possibility is that some of these polyps have begun to develop into colon cancer. That's why you should never delay contacting your doctor if you're concerned about the causes of bloody stool. Early action could conceivably save your life. Bloody stool that is maroon in color could also be caused by inflammatory bowel disease or diverticulosis. However, most doctors agree that diverticulosis causes significant bleeding and is therefore relatively easy to diagnose.

Some people have black and tarry stools with an especially foul odor. If the blood in your stool has turned black, that means it has spent a longer time passing through your digestive tract. The causes of bloody stool that is black and tarry (or sticky) may lie not in your colon, but rather in your stomach or small intestines. The blood has been turned black by the action of bacteria in your system. Doctors refer to black bloody stool as "melena."

There is a possibility that the appearance of your stool was changed by something in your diet. Some foods, supplements and medicines have a tendency to turn your stool black. Licorice, iron pills, Pepto-Bismol and blueberries can result in black-colored stools. Beets and tomatoes, on the other hand, have a tendency to turn your stools reddish on some occasions. However, this doesn't occur all the time and not everyone experiences this symptom. Most of the time when you see red, you should assume it's blood and act accordingly.

Although not all of the causes of bloody stool are serious, there's only one safe course of action if you spot bloody stool in your toilet. See a doctor. There's a good chance that the causes of bloody stool are relatively minor and easily treated. However, you should allow a health professional to make that determination. Self-diagnosis is not recommended, especially when there could be more serious causes of bloody stool. Colon cancer causes the second highest number of cancer deaths in the United States, but up to 90 percent of cases could be prevented with early detection and treatment.

Calling your doctor and discussing the color of your stool is not something that you would normally look forward to doing. However, don't let embarrassment keep you from doing the right thing. Don't take chances with your health.

What Are The Causes Of Bloody Stool?

Jim McDonald is a passionate writer and webmaster of http://www.colon-cleaners.com, an informative website about colon cleansing and how a colon cleanse can help you solve lots of digestive problems.

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The Health Benefits of Sodium Selenite

Before we discuss the Benefits of Sodium Selenite, we will briefly discus this nutrient.

Sodium Selenite (Selenium) is one of many antioxidants-substances that attack destructive cells in the body, an essential trace mineral, and a micronutrient. It works with Vitamin E to gather free radicals which are cells that have one unpaired electron. To stabilize itself it 'steals' an electron from a nearby stable cell. Free radicals can cause cell mutation, some cancers, and the effects of aging.

Colon Rectal Cancer

Benefits of Sodium Selenite

The Health Benefits of Sodium Selenite

Selenium is used for the treatment of premature aging, cardiac-vascular disease, sexual dysfunction, and menopausal problems. Skin disorders are also treated with Sodium Selenite - Selenium which is a powerful chemo- preventative agent.

This means that it might fight some cancers. According to the American Medical Association journal, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancers were reduced by about 50% in humans over a ten year time frame. There are other important benefits for those taking Selenium (sodium selenite).

Further Benefits of Sodium Selenite

These benefits include improved immune system strength, which will enable the body to fight off diseases, a reduction in the occurrence of heart disease, and the maintenance of healthy blood vessels. It also is a strong cancer fighter. While it has many benefits there is reason to exercise some caution.

Precautions

Here is a note of precaution for you. The Selenium (Sodium Selenite) capsules contain les than one half of a milligram of sodium. It has been deemed acceptable for those individuals who are on salt restricted diets.

As with anything, it is possible to take too much and there are consequences if you do, even if it was done accidentally.

If too much sodium selenite is taken, it can result in something called selenosis. Symptoms of selenosis are arthritis, gastro-intestinal upsets, and hair loss. White blotchy nails, garlicky breath odor and fatigue. Other symptoms include dermatitis, irritability, and mild nerve damage. If any of these symptoms occur seek medical attention immediately.

Your best option regarding this nutrient is to do research. Look for information on its proper usage, how to take it, when to take it, and in what form it comes in. Learn the contraindications of this, or any medication or vitamin supplement that you are considering taking.

After you have completed the research, consult with your physician or health care provider. Supplements are, or can be very beneficial for most individuals; caution is in your best interest. We all want to be healthy, but let's be safe while we pursue this.

The Health Benefits of Sodium Selenite

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Colon Cancer - The Digestive System Killer

The part of the large intestine that joins the small intestine is called the caecum. Directly above the anus is a short length of large intestine - 12-15cm long - called the rectum. The colon extends from caecum to the rectum and is divided into 4 parts: the ascending colon, which rises upwards from the caecum; the transverse colon, which runs across the body from right to left; the descending colon, which sweeps downwards; and a relatively short section called the sigmoid colon, which leads to the rectum.

A major function of the colon is to extract fluids from what remains of food after its nutrients have been absorbed in the small intestine. The colon also provides a temporary storage place for solid wastes, as well as a channel for their removal from the body. Colon cancer and rectal cancer, often referred to collectively as cancer of the bowel, is one the most common cancers of the digestive system. All parts of the large intestine can develop cancer although most cases of colon cancer occur in the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectum.

Colon Rectal Cancer

The type of food you eat seems to increase or decrease your chances of getting colon cancer. A variety of studies suggest that people who consume large quantities of high-fat and low-fibre foods run a greater risk than those who eat a low-fat and high-fibre diet. Therefore, you can reduce your chances of getting colon cancer by, decreasing the amount of 'bad' foods you eat and, increase your intake of 'good' cancer preventing foods.

Colon Cancer - The Digestive System Killer

Among the 'good' cancer preventing foods are vegetables (especially broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower), whole grains and legumes (beans and peas). Your diet should also include sufficient amounts of vitamin A and C, which, according to experts help to neutralise cancer-causing substances in food. Diet is one aspect that can control the onset of colon cancer, however, there are factors that you may have no control over. For instance, an uncommon inherited tendency to develop many small to large growths in the colon. These growths, or polyps, look somewhat like mushrooms.

There are signs that may be heeded as to whether cancer of the colon or large intestine is present or a condition that may lead to it, may be present in the body. In general, any persistent change in bowel habits should alert you. Diarrhoea or constipation that will not go away after about a week, despite the use of medication; stools that are narrower than usual, which can occur if a growth is blocking or narrowing any part of the colon or rectum are not sure indicators of colon cancer, but may indicate a problem and the sooner you find out exactly what these changes mean, the better your chances will be in dealing with them.

One indication that you may have cancer of the colon may turn up when a routine test for invisible traces of blood in the faeces is positive. Bear in mind that many other conditions besides cancer can lead to the presence of small amounts of blood in the faeces; these conditions can include haemorrhoids (piles), non-cancerous tumours or infections. A routine physical examination by a doctor should be done even when no colon cancer is suspected. After a general inspection, he may refer you to a specialist who will use an instrument called a sigmoidscope to examine the rectum and lower part of the sigmoid colon in more detail. If a colon cancer growth is detected, the specialist, perhaps in collaboration with a surgeon, will outline a course of treatment. The choice of therapy will be based on the size of the growth, on how much of the colon is affected and whether the cancer has spread to other areas.

Like many other cancers, there are three basic ways in which colon cancer can be treated: with surgery, radiotherapy or with anticancer drugs, or with a combination of these three approaches. The treatment will depend on where the colon cancer is situated, on its size and on whether it has invaded the wall of the colon or areas beyond it.

Colon Cancer - The Digestive System Killer

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Colon Cancer [http://colon-cancer-guide.com/]

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Diet For Gallstones - How Nutrition Can Help You Pass Your Gallstones Naturally

Did you know that there is actually a diet for gallstones? Most people are not aware of such of thing because doctors don't suggest changing your diet. But doctors do recommend a ,000 surgery which will leave you without your organ and in debt. Fortunately, as research has advanced, we now know more about gallstones, dieting and treatments than we ever have before.

And research is showing how your diet has an impact on gallstone formation and gallstone flushing. If you have a gallbladder surgery planned, you may want to try a simple gallstones diet which may save your life and thousands of dollars. (People who remove their gallbladder are more at risk for bowel and colon cancer.)

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And all it takes is some simple nutritional tips!

Diet For Gallstones - How Nutrition Can Help You Pass Your Gallstones Naturally

Your Diet and Gallstones

Unfortunately, many people still do not see the correlation between their diet and their health. I recently read an article which gave 20+ diseases which obese people are more prone to.

Still many doctors are just as naive about how whole body health can prevent and treat various diseases. For instance, most kidney stones develop because of dehydration. And did you know that the most successful remedy or treatment for kidney stones is drinking plenty of water every day. (A great example of a FREE natural treatment!)

In the case of gallstones, your body can also treat and pass them but you most prioritize what you eat and even drink. Because your diet impacts every aspect of your health, your nutrition plan also can flush your liver and gallbladder naturally.

Here are some tips your doctor should have recommended before surgery.

5 Dieting Tips for Gallstones

1. Research suggests that one of the best ways to prevent and treat gallstones is to eat a diet rich in water soluble fibers. Fiber helps the bowels and digestive system function most efficiently. If you unaware of fiber therapy, the following tips will help you.

2. Grains are extremely important for a healthy diet for various reasons. In the case of gallstones, you should be getting plenty of gallstones. Here are some great suggestions: whole grain breads, buns, bagels, muffins, bran flakes, corn bran cereals, whole wheat cereals, brown rice and whole grain pastas. This will flush your system and you will notice more trips to the rest room. You should stay away from any grains that have 'enriched' included in the ingredients.

3. As stated earlier, water soluble fiber is extremely important for flushing your organs. Water soluble fiber is simple a term for fruits and vegetables. Here are some suggestions which will help keep your body flushed. Dried fruits (apricots, dates, prunes, raisins), blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and oranges.

4. For vegetables you should try to eat broccoli, dried peas, kidney beans, lima beans, green beans, and corn. As recommended by the Food Guide Pyramid, you should eat 3-5 servings of vegetables a day and 2-4 servings of fruit.

5. You should also educate yourself on what foods will cause a gallstone attack. Here is a quick list you may want to memorize: eggs, pork, onions, alcohol, fried and fatty foods, salty foods, heavy proteins, cow's milk, processed foods and excessive sugars.

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Diet For Gallstones - How Nutrition Can Help You Pass Your Gallstones Naturally

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Lower Back Pain and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Is there a correlation between lower back pain and Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Researchers have long argued that IBS may be caused by abnormal functioning of the nerves and muscles of the bowel. No indication or explanation is ever given as to why this malfunction might occur. To my knowledge there has been no adequate evidence to support this assumption. More over, I have not seen, heard of or read about any studies which were specifically implemented to test this hypothesis. Because of my own observations about my own IBS symptoms, I am inclined to believe and support this hypothesis.

Some of us who suffer Irritable Bowel Syndrome have tried for many years, without success, to eliminate the often debilitating affects of this mysterious disorder. Generally those who suffer have spent a great deal of time and money, having test after test only to be told that nothing conclusive was found.

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Often after years of diagnostic procedures and expensive studies, patients are told there was nothing wrong with them. Their complaint of symptoms are brushed off as imaginary or more properly put in medical terms, psychosomatic. But with the ever increasing number of patients complaining of the same generalized list of symptoms, the medical community has been forced, in at least a small part, to acknowledge the malady as something more then imaginary symptoms of hypochondria.

Lower Back Pain and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

So what can we surmise about IBS? It is a condition or disease in and of itself? Or is IBS is a condition caused by or a symptom of some other physical, neurological or possibly even psychological problem that is as yet undetected or undiagnosed as being relative to the IBS condition? I find this to be a more plausible conclusion and will provide some insight for my personal belief that IBS is a secondary condition rather then a condition unto itself.

For years doctors have proposed the secondary condition concept in relation to Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Unfortunately, they have not yet been able to successfully document any evidence to conclusively say what might be the root cause of IBS. Moreover, I believe there is not just one cause, but several causes, all with the same secondary symptoms, which make up what is termed as IBS.

Please don't think that it is my intent to say the IBS condition is not real, or the symptomology is psychosomatic in nature. I know from painful experience the condition and symptoms of IBS are very real. I also would venture to say because of the sheer number of reported cases, the medical community had been forced to re-evaluate their approach while dealing with patients with complaints of Irritable Bowel Syndrome-like symptoms. I am merely going to express what I personally have concluded about another possible causation for IBS which may be overlooked by the medical profession.

I would like to also toss up for consideration that IBS, with its list of many symptoms, may be a traceable progression of symptoms stemming from a single causation. I believe, in my case, this is a very valid assumption. I have as yet been unable to get any physician to agree with me, at least to the point of taking up the position on the record.

Before going any further, I think it would be a good idea to review a partial list of Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms. IBS may be characterized by a combination of any or all of the following symptoms:

o Abdominal discomfort or pain, usually in the lower abdomen

o Altered bowel habit

o Chronic or recurrent diarrhea, constipation, or both. May be mixed or in alternation.

o Bloating

o Heartburn

o Nausea

o Abdominal fullness

o Feelings of urgent need to evacuate the bowel

o Feeling of "incomplete" bowel emptying

o Low back pain

o Headache

o Fatigue

o Muscle pain

o Sleep disturbances

o Sexual dysfunction

More and more it is generally believed that the symptoms of IBS are produced by abnormal functioning of the nerves and muscles of the bowel. More and more I personally agree with this as a valid and plausible perception of at least one of the causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. With some personal observations, I hope to give light as to why I believe this to be a possible causation for many IBS sufferers. Unfortunately, what I have come to believe as the causation for my particular brand of IBS, most assuredly will not be a diagnosis for all cases of IBS.

I think we who have suffered Irritable Bowel Syndrome tend to minimalize our symptoms and pain. We have been led to believe that other than common sense changes to diet and exercise there is nothing we can do because there is no cure. Many people who suffer will suffer in silence for years before seeking medical treatment. By then, and I include myself in this group, we may have subconsciously lessened or even put aside some of the lesser symptoms that IBS causes, focusing only on the ones that cause the most pain and discomfort.

Worse yet, we are less likely to bring symptoms to the attention of a doctor by mere assumption that it is just another facet of our complex disorder. This could become a dangerous scenario for anyone who suffers from IBS. We may ignore persistent symptoms that have gotten more intense or new symptoms that seem to be related only because we are discouraged by being told there is nothing anyone can do.

Doing these kinds of things could lead to serious life threatening symptoms being overlooked. Symptoms of conditions that, unlike IBS, can be treated if caught in time. Things like colon cancer, stomach cancer, esophageal cancer or many others, might be missed because we want to ignore our IBS symptoms after so many trips to the doctor.

My story of IBS starts over 20 years ago when I was a young man of 26. While helping lift a very heavy cast iron wood burning stove from the back of a pickup truck, the other person lost their grip and the load all shifted down hill onto my back. I felt my back give way as the stove went crashing to the ground at my feet. I knew I had sustained a serious injury. I couldn't erect myself from the 90 degree bent forward position I was in. I had to literally pull my self up by using my hands and arms against the side of the pickup.

Being 26 and stubborn and thinking that I was invincible, I had my wife help me home and to bed, not bothering to go to the emergency room. I had some left over pain killers which numbed the pain enough to allow me to sleep. When I awoke in the morning I was horrified as I could not feel my legs. They were both cold and numb to the touch. I could move them, I just couldn't feel them. After about 30 minutes of movement the feeling began to return to my legs and at that point I knew it was time to get to the doctor.

After the examination and x-rays what the doctor had to say wasn't pleasant to hear. He told me I had two options. One was to go to a surgical specialist and have fusion surgery on several of my lower lumbar vertebra because the discs between them had been severely compressed. He mentioned that having this type of surgery would reduce my physical mobility by as much as 30% or more. At best, he explained, the surgery was about 40% effective.

My other option, he told me, was time... time allow let my body try to heal itself. He explained I would probably never be as good as I was before the accident, but with time my body should partially heal it self. He told me the inflammation which was causing the pain and partial paralysis should lessen. At age 26 losing permanently 30% or more of my mobility was an unthinkable option. At least the second option offered some hope of recovery. He gave me muscle relaxants and pain pills and that was that.

I trusted this doctor...we were good friends. We had a good personal and professional relationship. I took him at his word. By today's medical standards, his medical advice probably wouldn't hold water, but over 20 years ago, it was most likely a very good perception of my problem.

For the next 6 months, I would wake up to cold, numb legs and each day, but as he said, the symptoms gradually got better. I was so focused on my back injury improving; I didn't pay attention to other, minor things going on which had become bothersome.

The first and most prevalent symptom was a change in my bowel habit. Not a big change, but it seemed that instead of a daily movement, it was now once every other day, and it took a bit more effort. But with the back issue, it seemed minor in comparison and for several years seemed to be the only symptom. My back continued to get better but my bowel never did return to normal.

I have always been a large person, in 1986 at the age of 26: I weighed about 220 pounds, standing 6 feet tall. Slowly, my weight began to rise. I attributed my initial weight gain to a lessening of physical activity over the first year or two of my back problem. By the end of the second year, my physical ability and activity had almost returned to normal. I learned to deal with the pain and my legs no longer went numb. I was able to function fairly well. Only occasionally did the pain in my back become such that I was unable to function in my "new" normal fashion, and usually only lasted a day or two. I now had added 70 pounds to my weight with no real explanation.

Only in the past couple of years (over 20 have passed since my back injury) have I begun considering the original injury being related to my bowel and stomach problems. Because I believed there was little I could do to rectify the situation, I have done as well as I could to manage the pain mentally. I did this well until the pain in my back started to worsen to the point that again my legs started going numb again. Not that this happened all the time, it was only occasional, but these bouts of pain have gotten much worse.

Only now that the back pain is impossible to ignore have I come to realize the cycle of events which have taken place. Now when I notice my legs are beginning to go numb on a more frequent basis, I have also noticed an increase in my IBS symptoms. More frequent and painful symptoms seem to begin with chronic constipation, lasting for many days. This is followed by the gas distress fatigue, head aches, bloating, acid indigestion, heartburn and eventually explosive diarrhea. Along with other symptoms, all interwoven into a cycle I now believe to be directly related to some type of nerve injury due to my original back injury.

I have since gone to a neurosurgeon and been diagnosed with severe disk compression and degeneration and spinal stenosis in the lower lumbar region. The treatment is as yet to be mapped out, but I now have at least one doctor who agrees that many, if not all, of my symptoms could be tied directly to nerve dysfunction resulting from my present spinal condition.

If you have sustained a back injury, or have IBS with lower back pain, it may be prudent to have a spinal study, to find out if an underlying back problem might be involved in the causation of your IBS symptoms. It stands to practical reason that if there is injury to the spine or lower back from where the nerves controlling lower bowl function stem, there could also be bowel dysfunction. With bowel dysfunction, the progression of symptoms in logical sequence right up the line to the top of the digestive tract would be a very plausible scenario.

If you have IBS and low back pain you really have nothing to lose and everything to gain by having a spinal examination. At the very least you may find out that there is no problem with your spine thereby eliminating one more source.

Lower Back Pain and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Scott Best is a freelance author in association with IBS Help Site.com who also suffers with IBS. You can read more articles from Scott Best and others in the IBS Help Site Article Index

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