GI Disorder

Question 1

Constipation Causes

Answer 1

Neurological Disorders:
MS, SCI, Parkinson’s

Non-neurogenic:
Anorexia nervosa, pregnancy

Idiopathic:
Pelvic floor dyssynergia

Other:
Irritable bowel syndrome, side-effects of drugs

Question 2

Constipation Treatment

Answer 2

Medical:
Fluid & Fiber intake, medications

PT Rx:
*Abdominal self-massage
*toileting positions
*pelvic floor treatment:
–> Decrease excessive tension+conscious relaxation of pelvic floor muscles

Question 3

Irritable Bowel Syndrome S/S

Answer 3

*diarrhea/constipation, or a combination of both.
*painful cramps, nausea and vomiting, anorexia, bloating, flatulence, and mucus in stool.

Characteristic of pain:
- a dull, deep discomfort with sharp cramps in the lower left or right quadrant of the abdomen.

-occurs in the morning or after eating

• relieved by a bowel movement

Question 4

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Etiology

Answer 4

• No structural abnormality

Triggering factors:
- certain foods
- stress
- abnormal hormone levels
- bacterial infections of the intestines

Question 5

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Types

Answer 5

Ulcerative colitis:

• typically affects the colon (large intestine) including the rectum and anus
• only inflames the inner lining of bowel tissue.

Crohn’s disease:

• occur anywhere in the GI tract from the mouth to anus
• but usually in the lower part of the small bowel and the upper colon
• can affect all layers of the intestinal tract

Question 6

Inflammatory Bowel Disease S/S

Answer 6

• Lower abdominal cramping and pain
• Sometimes referred pain to the low back
• Joint pain and arthritis (enteropathic arthritis) are the most common non-GI complication
• Joint pain is common in the peripheral joints and spine

Question 7

Inflammatory Bowel Disease PT Mx

Answer 7

• subject histories of and IBD for LBP with unknown origin
• Osteopenia/Osteoporosis–>due to poor absorption
• Dehydration due to diarrhea–>fluid during exercising
• Encourage exercise to aid in reducing stress