Spastic colon is another term for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS. Spastic colon means that the movement or contractions of muscles in the small and large intestines are not functioning properly. The word spastic is derived from the Greek word spastikos, meaning to “draw or pull up.”

Signs and symptoms of spastic colon include abdominal pain and cramping, along with significant changes in bowel function, such as diarrhea and constipation. Many people with spastic colon suffer from frequent urges to defecate; followed by extremely painful spasms during evacuation of the bowel.

While there is no known cause of spastic colon or irritable bowel syndrome; research has shown that people with spastic colon do not have a normal gastrocolic reflex response. It is believed that spastic colon symptoms result from what appears to be a breakdown in communication within the digestive tract. This could be from a disturbance in the interaction between the gut or intestines and the brain, or between the gut or intestines and the autonomic system that controls the regulation of how the bowel functions.

Generally, people who are diagnosed with spastic colon will need to make adjustments to their diet in order to manage their symptoms. It is recommended that individuals who suffer from spastic colon eliminate high fat foods, most meat and dairy products, wheat, sugar, processed foods, tobacco products and alcohol. Most spastic colon diets also encourage the addition of high fiber foods and probiotics to help restore balance to the bowel.

Exercise may assist in reducing symptoms of spastic colon. However, exercise should be limited to low-impact exercise such as walking or water aerobics. High impact exercise has been known to induce symptoms in some spastic colon patients.

Stress has been proven to aggravate spastic colon symptoms. Many patients find benefit in including stress-reduction techniques such as biofeedback, mediation or yoga. Many people turn to alternative or complementary medicines for treatment of spastic colon or irritable bowel syndrome. Some believe acupuncture is particularly helpful, while others turn to traditional Chinese herbs, reflexology, therapeutic essential oils or colonics.

Oftentimes, medications are prescribed to alleviate the stomach pain, diarrhea and constipation associated with spastic colon. These include anti-diarrhea medications such as Imodium or Lomotil; antispasmodics such as dicyclomine (Bentyl); and pain-reducing agents such as amitriptyline (Elavil) and desipramine (Norpramin).

Beyond medication and dietary changes, there are no known treatments for spastic colon. In many cases, simple changes in your diet and lifestyle can provide relief from spastic colon symptoms.

Alan Jensen is recognized as a leading expert on herbal irritable bowel treatment products for fast and safe irritable bowel syndrome treatment. He is a frequent contributor to irritable bowel treatment. He enjoys spending free time with his family and 3 year old German Shepherd.