Periodic abdominal cramps and irregular bowel movement (constipation and/or diarrhea) occurring in the absence of disease.  This abnormality is a chronic disturbance of involuntary muscle movement in the large intestine.  Anxiety and chronic stress are believed to be main causative factors.  It is experienced more frequently in females.  Other medical terms used for this condition are “spastic colon” and “irritable colon syndrome.”

Symptoms include:  Intermittent abdominal pain, distention (swelling) often on the left side, temporary relief of pain by bowel movement or expelling gas, fecal mucus, sense of incomplete bowel movement, passing excessive gas and aggravation of symptoms by eating certain foods.  Other symptoms that may occur are heartburn, back pain, weakness,  agitation, fatigue, reduced appetite and palpitations.

Although there is no cure for irritable bowel syndrome, there are things people can do to alleviate the symptoms.  The most commonly prescribed treatment is eating a high fiber diet and taking bulk forming agents.  Antispasmodic drugs to relieve muscle spasms and antidiarrheal drugs to relieve prolonged diarrhea may also be prescribed.  Additionally, careful selection of foods is recommended.  If a food repeatedly causes symptoms, it’s advisable to eliminate it from the diet.

Massage is not contraindicated for people with irritable bowel syndrome as none of the contraindications for massage are present (i.e., cannot be spread to other parts of the body, doesn’t cause acute bleeding or inflammation, is not a disorder of the circulatory system, does not cause abnormal sensation or loss of integrity in an area and does not compromise the immune system.)  However, if a client is experiencing an acute episode involving muscle spasms and/or diarrhea, it’s probably advisable to postpone the massage until symptoms subside or disappear.