SLBMI Headache and Pain Management Services>> Disorders That We Treat>> Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Estimated to affect 10-20% of Americans, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, IBS, is one of the most common disorders seen by all physicians. It is classified as a "functional" disorder (how the body works), and may be referred to as nervous stomach, mucous colitis, spastic colitis, spastic colon or irritable colon. Symptoms result from what appears to be a disturbance in the interaction between the gut or intestines, the brain, and the autonomic nervous system that regulates the bowel function. Abdominal pain or discomfort is associated with changes in bowel pattern, varying between frequent or loose bowel movements, diarrhea and constipation.

Whether symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe, there are multidisciplinary treatment options available.

One treatment option for IBS is clinical hypnosis. Surprising to some, hypnosis treatment has resulted in lasting improvement in 80-95% of patients in several scientific research studies. Other approaches, such as medication and dietary changes, though helpful have lower success rates. For more information including abstracts of these research studies go to www.ibshypnosis.com/IBSresearch.html.

This specialized treatment by hypnosis has been formalized into a specific seven-week program and is used by psychologist practitioners in our Headache and Pain Management Program.

For more information on clinical hypnosis visit:

• Clinical Hypnosis at SLBMI
• IBS Hypnosis site
• American Society of Clinical Hypnosis

Note: Other gastrointestinal disorders may benefit from this clinical hypnosis as well, including Gastro-esophogeal Reflux Disease (GERD), Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn's Disease.