A case of irritable bowel syndrome presenting with persistent pain around the navel and diarrhea during stressful situations.
symptom
For the past year and a half, I have been experiencing abdominal pain and diarrhea during morning assemblies at school.
The pain was felt around the navel and tended to worsen in situations where there was no escape, such as in a car, on a train, or during a morning assembly.
In my daily life, I was constantly worried about my stomach, and I couldn't truly enjoy myself.
The patient was diagnosed with suspected irritable bowel syndrome at a medical institution, with diarrhea accompanied by abdominal pain being the main symptom.
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Visitors
10's
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Period
February 2025 - March 2025
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frequency
About 1 times a week
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Number of hospital visits
10 times
Treatment and progress
During the initial examination, palpation revealed muscle tension from the hypochondriac region to the lower abdomen.
Acupuncture needles were inserted into points on the back and lower legs, and moxibustion was performed on the navel.
After the initial treatment, abdominal muscle tension was relieved, but the patient themselves did not feel much of a difference.
From the second session onward, the treatment continues with the aim of relieving muscle tension in the abdomen.
With each treatment session, the patient's subjective symptoms improved, and the consistency of their stool changed from loose stool to soft stool and then to banana-shaped. The frequency of diarrhea and abdominal pain also decreased.
胃腸症状の重症度を評価するGSRSスコアは以下のように変化した：初回47、2回目52、3回目50、4回目50、5回目36、6回目34、7回目28、8回目27、9回目22、10回目17。
Significant changes in symptoms became apparent after the fifth session, and after 10 sessions, the condition reached a level where it no longer interfered with daily life.
During the treatment period, there was no recurrence of symptoms or the appearance of new symptoms, and the condition did not deteriorate significantly.
Data
Acupressure points used
Summary
The patient had suffered from abdominal pain and diarrhea for a year and a half, but their symptoms improved significantly after treatment combining acupuncture on points on the back and lower legs with moxibustion on the navel.
In particular, the consistency of stool and the frequency of abdominal pain improved after the fifth session, and the reduction in symptoms was objectively confirmed by changes in the GSRS score.
After 10 treatment sessions, the patient's condition improved to the point where it no longer interfered with their daily life, resulting in an improved quality of life.
In this case, treatment to alleviate abdominal muscle tension was effective, suggesting the potential of acupuncture for suspected irritable bowel syndrome.
Staff in charge
Hideteru Sugiyama
Acupuncture clinic for the case:Furumichi Acupuncture Clinic
