As many as one in five American adults may have the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), an often-debilitating condition that can cause abdominal pain or cramps, bloating, gas, and diarrhea and constipation. Twice as many women as men have the condition.

There is a high incidence of IBS among those who are diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

There is no certain cause for IBS, and diagnosis is generally a matter of ruling out other, better-known illnesses. Tests, such as colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy or CT scans, are performed to eliminate other conditions, some of which could be life-threatening. Because the cause is unclear, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms.

One suspected cause is stress - and antidepressants, counseling and meditation are among the remedies sometimes suggested. The central nervous system is a focus, because the walls of the intestines move digesting food through the digestive system through a motion of contracting and relaxing muscles. An overly fast cycle results in diarrhea, a slow motion results in constipation.

Groundbreaking approach to chronic ailments

The Neurologic Relief Centers team has developed a groundbreaking approach to relieving the symptoms of a number of debilitating, but little-understood conditions, including fibromyalgia and other chronic pains, irritable bowel syndrome and constant fatigue, anxiety and mood disorders.

The NRC believes many symptoms may be explained by compression of the meninges - the three-membrane protective sheath of the spinal cord and brain - by encroachment or twisting. This may be caused by accidents, trauma and even stress.

The pulling and irritation of nerve roots cause nerve fibers to fire irregular impulses to the brain, the NRC says. The brain may interpret these fired impulses as pain, itching, burning, coldness, numbness, or other odd feelings. It may also affect the nerve impulses controlling the digestive system, causing the symptoms typical of irritable bowel syndrome.

A free and non-intrusive test can determine the suitability of the patient for long-term treatment with the Neurologic Relief Centers Technique™. The test also provides immediate temporary relief for many patients.