SpinalColumnBlog

[originally published in KCN, September 2009]

For many of us, going “number 2” is just something we fit into our day.  Not much thought is given to it.  Sure, most of us have experienced an occasional, short-term bout of constipation, perhaps due to a shift in diet, not drinking enough water, or emotional stress.  But unfortunately, the $800 million spent each year in this country for laxatives tells us that for some, constipation is hardly “an occasional bout” — it’s a way of life.

Consider the story of an 8-year-old boy who, since the day he was born, would only experience a bowel movement once every 7 to 10 days — sometimes almost 2 weeks would go by.  And when he would finally “go,” it was a 1 to 2 hour experience in the bathroom that almost always ended up with mom or dad fetching the plunger. (more…)