One of my mentors, Dr. Tim Francis taught me that people will generally have no health problems/complaints (in general) if their water metabolism, blood sugar metabolism, and ileocecal valve are all functioning well. I’d say water and blood sugar metabolism, and digestion as a whole, as opposed to the ileocecal valve alone.
You’ve probably never heard of the ileocecal valve unless you’ve been under the care of an applied kinesiologist. That’s unfortunate because so many people could be helped if their practitioner knew how to find and fix a problem with it. So what is it? Let me talk a bit about the anatomy of the digestive tract first to help you gain a better understanding.
The small intestine is divided into three parts: the duodenum, jejunum and ilium in descending order. So the ilium is the third part (if you will) of the small intestine. Essentially, the purpose of the small intestine is to digest and absorb food. The large intestine which extends from the small, consists of the cecum and the colon. The large intestine absorbs water and eventually acts to remove the waste from the foods we consume. The cecum is a pouch that lies between the ileum and the (ascending) colon. This pouch contains the ileocecal valve. In general, the cecum (and valve within it) lies about half-way between your umbilicus (belly-button) and the “point” of your right pelvic bone above your thigh.
The purpose of the ileocecal valve is to prevent the waste material in the large intestine from refluxing back into the ileum. The symptoms and problems begin when the valve gets stuck “open”, allowing this reflux of toxins to occur. The valve can also spasm and become “closed”. The “open” variety is usually the problem about 90-95% of the time. So I’ll talk mostly about that.
Stated simply, if your ileocecal valve allows waste from your colon to enter back into the small intestine (where you absorb food), you will most likely be absorbing many toxic waste products that you should be getting rid of. This is obviously a problem. How it presents as a problem, symptom, or condition will vary individually amongst patients. According to the late David Walther, DC DIBAK, the symptoms include but are not limited to: shoulder pain, (sudden) low back pain, pain around the heart, dizziness, flu symptoms, pseudo-bursitis, pseudo-sacroiliac strain, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), nausea, faintness, pseudo-sinus infection, pseudo-hypochlorhydria, headaches, sudden thirsts, pallor (pale skin), dark circles under the eyes, and any type of digestive complaint.
Personally, I’ve seen an “open” ileocecal valve result in sudden/acute or chronic low back, neck, sacroiliac, and shoulder pain; (pseudo)bursitis; sinus problems (almost always!); headaches; and many types of digestive disturbances. Keep in mind that some of these conditions can occur with digestive imbalances that do not include a problem with the valve (esp. low back and sacroiliac pain, and sinus problems). A “closed” valve can result in the above conditions as well, but I see constipation as the major symptom with that.
According to Scott Walker, DC (founder of NET), the major “causes” of a problem with the ileocecal valve include the a.p.e.s.; that is: food allergies, parasites, emotional complexes, and structure (mainly referring to spinal joint dysfunction). Dietary choices also play a role. Especially popcorn, chips, nuts, seeds, spicy foods, alcohol, chocolate, and caffeine. Think of any hard, fibrous foods as well, such as raw carrots. Additionally, an excess of amount of pressure (perhaps due to a large abdomen) alone can cause the valve to “open”. In addition to parasites, I’d add any pathogenic (e.g.: bacterial, viral, etc.) imbalance in the digestive tract as a culprit.
“Fixing” the valve would obviously be aimed at directing treatment toward the “cause”. Additionally, the first lumbar (or “low back”) nerve (L1) directly controls this valve from a neurological standpoint; while hormones involved in digestion also play a role in it’s function or dysfunction.
I can honestly say that knowing how to “find” and “fix” a problem with the ileocecal valve has helped my patients in a way that nothing else could. So I usually “check” it on every patient at some point during the course of treatment.
Because this article is the most popular one read on my site, I decided to write a bit more on this topic in a second article. Click here to read it.
Dr. Robert D’Aquila – NYC Chiropractor – Applied Kinesiology
I love your information… I am a certified nutritional consultant and I believe I have narrowed down my three month discomfort as the ileocecal valve… I have given myself a liver/gallbladder cleanse, had ultra sound on my liver/gallbladder, intestines, kidney, H-pylori blood test, suspected perhaps a sudden onset of gluten intolerance, endoscopy and a colonoscopy, but the Dr. thought the Ileocecal valve and everything else looked good, however I drink enough water and fiber but still wake with a slight swelling where my Ileocecal valve sits and I still encounter a (inflammation like a lump) where my valve sits, and my initial bowel movement always starts out hard despite the fiber and water I consume… gently rubbing this area daily and throughout the day is the only way relieve the discomfort.
I have lowered my consumption of raw food including a daily consumption of nuts and I’m down to one cup of coffee per day….
I’m presently attending a very qualified Chiropractor who is helping and I will continue to see him… but I still have the discomfort, at times at a lesser degree, but it still is there.
I was thinking back when I woke up with this one morning wondering what I was doing to cause it…I remembered playing this hoola hoop exercise/competition game on Wii which I went at quite hard.
I have what I believe to be one of the best supplement regime with super purified nutrients by a company that is a huge research and the number one natural nutrition company in America “Shaklee” , so I doubt it is my nutrients.
I’m still working on trying to rid everyday of fearing dinner time.
Does this sound like a Ileocecal valve problem?
Hi Bill,
I’m glad you love my information and thank you for reading my site.
It’s hard to say if it is in fact an ileocecal valve problem (ICV). But then again: What IS an ileocecal valve problem?”. I usually see a problem with the valve as a result of something as opposed to the valve being the cause, if you understand what I mean. Basically, I see the valve malfunction from dysbiosis; poor food choices or food sensitivities; a need for enzymes or HCl; mineral (part. calc. and mag.) imbalances; general toxicity; abdominal muscle dysfunction; and just about anything else that can disrupt intestinal function.
So my point is, a process of sorts if you will, is usually taking place and leading to a symptom with the ICV. I hope that makes sense.
Now, is the ileocecal valve involved in your symptoms? (The question you ask.) Well, it’s hard to say and I’m not certain that (and actually doubt) standard medical diagnostic procedures would identify a FUNCTIONAL problem with the valve; pathological, yes, a colonoscopy is one test that should be able to rule out pathological issues. So at least it’s good that you got the more advanced diagnostic tests.
I say this because, a) it’s obviously a good idea to rule out serious health issues, and b) it’s been 3 months.
You made an interesting comment, that I’m not sure if any of your health care providers have taken enough into consideration. That is “…I remembered playing this hoola hoop exercise/competition game on Wii which I went at quite hard.” If a patient of mine said this, along with your symptoms, the first thing I would do is rule out an abdominal hernia!!!
A few ending points…
1) It’s good to avoid a lot of raw foods and nuts when taking into consideration an ICV issue, which you said you did.
2) an H-pylori breath test might be a better test to detect H.Pylori infection because antibodies in the blood to H.Pylori might come and go and one blood test can miss them and give a false negative.
3) I wouldn’t be too quick to name ANY nutrition company “the number one natural nutrition company in America”.
I hope this helps and feel free to post another comment when you resolve the issue. I think it will be helpful for others to read, which is the purpose of this site.
Take good care and good luck,
Dr. Rob D’Aquila
The improper function of the ileocecal valve is due the fact that people today deffecate in a sitting position. The ileocecal (IC) valve is designed to prevent toxic “backflow” to the small intestine – but only in the squatting position. The IC valve needs to be supported by the right thigh in order to withstand the pressure built up during elimination. In the conventional sitting position, this valve is unsupported and often leaks during evacuation, contaminating the small intestine.
HI Dr. I have been experiencing abdominal pains radiating to the side. back pain doing the same for years. I had surgery to remove an ovarian cyst and my appendix 30yrs ago, I have 4 biological daughters, a BTL in 2007, my last daughter is 6yrs. over the pass 6yrs constipation has worsened and I have been hospitalized for renal problems on more than one occasion. During my BTL the doctor observed adhesion which fused my lower bowel my Fallopian tube and bladder all on the right side. I have had pain since I was 11 when my monthly started.
The then physician indicated that it was an ovarian cyst, hence the surgery.
I had a series of test done recently and an IVP showed a obstruction on the urine through the right ureter and a Barium enema showed my Ileocaecal valve is incompetent (these are the words on the report). I am not sure what it means I am guessing that there is a problem and it is not doing what it is suppose to do.
Endeometriosis has also been diagnosed on the right side.
Could you shed some light on this for me please. I am in so much pain sometimes but I am careful not to let my children see me crying to often. Sometime I lie to my husband just not to sound like I am complaining too much.
Hi DD,
I’m terribly sorry to hear about all you’re going through. Your case is quite complicated and deserves a lot of attention. It’s very difficult for me to say what might be causing your pain. It’s possible that it’s a result of all the surgeries and perhaps scar tissue. Also, the endometriosis could be the culprit. Off the top of my head, I’d probably find a practitioner skilled in visceral manipulation and fascial treatments and possibly a chiropractic neurologist if I was you.
Best,
Dr. Rob D’Aquila
Hi DD, My experience is similar as yours, all relating to this severe pain originating on the lower right side.
After years of bouncing around with various non-answers, ovarian cyst, endometriosis, etc. (ruling out ovarian cancer with my gynecologist, good advice for anybody), sent to the emergency room for appendicitis, and being recommended for various surgeries – I was lucky to be referred to a medical massage therapists. After talking to her for only few minutes she pulled out a medical book indicating the areas of severe pain I had all related to the ileocecal valve. As I learned about it, I realized unbeknownst to me the bad headaches and left-side-only sinus problems I had been having all related.
I had thought I would always have to live with this life-altering pain – along with the fear that this would be something that would kill me – and the frustration of not knowing what it was (I can’t count how many times a doctor has tried to give me pain pills without knowing what was causing the pain).
Since her diagnosis and massage treatment targeted to ICV therapy, chiropractic treatment by another provider, and also changing my diet – cutting out potentially bad, and increasing good (especially probiotic bacteria) – I have had only minor pain on two days for this whole month, and just occasional slight discomfort. As you know, going even a few days without this pain is remarkable, and sleeping uninterrupted by it, especially in the morning, is wonderful.
Learning how to massage the area has also helped to head off the full blown attack. Good advice from the medical massage therapist is that the discomfort may be present before the pain fully manifests itself. We all have a different tolerance for pain. Unrelated stress factors can lower it. Once our tolerance is breached we feel the pain, but the symptoms are probably telling us way before that time that something needs attention.
I hope for myself that these changes will lead to this right side pain going away completely. But regardless, this little breath of hope and relief at knowing what do has really helped my outlook in general.
Best of luck in your search for the RIGHT answer. Most sincerely,
Dear Dr., I have been experiencing lower right pain for 12 yrs. I have had my appendix removed, exploratory laposcopy surgery, Ct scans, Ultra sounds and nothing found. My primary dr. has always pointed to illececal valve as being the pain. I have always had terrible diarrhea, urgent, uncontrollable, sinus, nose always runs clear , aching in exact place as the illececal valve. really bad at night when sleeping, keeping me awake, but also during the day. sometimes it will ease off a few days, or be mild. over the 12 years, the aching, raw like pain has left me a few months in the fall, only to return unexpectedly again. I am unable to go anywhere because I always feel so fatigued, and then the fear of the diarrhea. I recently retired from work, because all the pain, lack of sleep and the fatigue behind my eyes was too much.
is this something a chiropractic might can heal? I also have had ibs for over 30 years, and underactive thyroid, which I take Armour. thanks for your help
Hi Carolina,
A chiropractor competent in GI function may be able to help. I’d start with a stool analysis and an elimination diet and take it from there.
Good luck,
Dr. Rob D’Aquila
Do you know that the ilececal valve is designed by nature to be supported by the right thigh during deffecation. Only then it will function as supposed. However to do this man must use the natural squat position, like http://www.yourreturn.org/Inertia/Images/Squatting.gif – this posture securely seals the ileocecal valve, between the colon and the small intestine. In the conventional sitting position, this valve is unsupported and often leaks during evacuation, contaminating the small intestine.
Thank you. I would add coconut to that list of problem foods. My chiropractor is always working on L1. Looking forward to reading your follow-up article. I have a hunch that SIBO and blood sugar regulation has everything to do with my ileocecal issues. I believe mine valve often get stuck in closed position. I also wonder if the other sphincters/valves between the stomach and large intestine are doing the same.
Hi Rachel,
I haven’t found anyone sensitive to coconut, but any food can be a problem for anyone. Thanks for sharing.
It’s certainly possible that other sphincters are dysfunctional too.
Best,
Dr. Rob D’Aquila
i read your article and its useful to me, i found out about several yrs ago i have food allergies and i have scar tissue wrapped around my intestines,drs say i’m not a good candidate for surgery, what can i do besides taking laxatives after each meal? i really need some help to keep living
Hi Daniel,
Unfortunately I don’t know enough about your case to comment specifically and also you’re not a patient, so I can’t give advice.
I have no idea what the scar tissue is about…
There can be many causes for one to “need” laxatives, such as a low thyroid, lack of enough fiber, water, exercise and possibly some minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Lastly, I always recommend that my patients avoid foods they know they are allergic to.
Best,
Dr. Rob D’Aquila
Hi, I had an accupressure treatment for a stuck-open ileocecal valve at my naturopath 6 days ago.nthe diagnosis and treatment effectiveness was confirmed through applied kinesiology I had had a bout of debilitating diarrhoea for 4 days and prior to that a bruise coming out on my abdomen following constipation which my doctor said was coming from the cecum. I had started a 2nd course of strong berberine after being treated initially for 10 weeks shortly before. I am now again constipated and having systemic toxicity which I believe is from small-bowel contamination. I am on digestive enzymes, betaine HCL, FlexMend (Enzyme Science), LGG probiotics, L-Glutamine powder and other things (for SIBO following breath tests). I have restarted the berberine tonight, been doing Paleo/SCD/GAPS diet for 6 mths. Have an inflammatory condition in hips and legs that drives my dietary /treatment plan. I was surprised my naturopath said to cease berberine as I had read about small bowel contamination. What would you recommend to shorten my recovery time? I have my 15th grandchild due in 3weeks and need to be functional as quickly as possible. I will see the naturopath in 5 days. Thanks, Wendy
Hi Wendy,
Unfortunately I can’t make any recommendations for you specifically. You’d have to be a patient, in which case I’d examine you, etc.. You should consult your naturopath or who you see for muscle testing, or even get another opinion if you’re not fully happy with where your treatment is taking you. It’s way too specific a question for me to even give generalities. It sounds like you’re (generally) doing the right things for your condition, but it may also require some tweaking, and perhaps even looking at other systems in your body, beyond the GI tract.
Good luck,
Dr. Rob D’Aquila
Thanks for your reply Rob. It seems overcoming these things is a long and arduous journey. Your advice to be mindful of where my treatment plan is taking me is helpful. One of the challenges with embarking on this sort of treatment is that it’s a ride that’s difficult to jump ship on, as there is no ready way to resume a more normal diet. I am gathering an understanding of how emotional issues compound these health conditions but am feeling quite fragile and am wanting to get away from supplements and find a pathway to a less restrictive diet. Have been to the naturopath and revised things but it’s a problem when symptoms present that are between visits as the treatment plan is beyond my expertise. It’s easier to make independent dietary decisions than product decisions. There are always so many aspects to life, but that is life. Once again Thankyou for your reply.
I liked your description of the importance of the ICV.
I have suffered with a trapped gas pain for years and have tried gluten free, dairy free, antispasmodic drug. The only thing that seems to work is a yoga position holding my knees to my chest until I feel some gas released close to where the ileocecal valve is located and occasionally pass a lot of gas also..
Usually I am ok with normal BMs, good diet, and exercise, no alcohol or drugs.
Then sometimes a couple hours after I eat I get a congestion in my intestines which builds up until I need to relieve the pressure with the yoga position. If I cannot do the knees to chest because of where i am, the pain increases and moves down and settles in the genitalia area.
I am wondering if I could have a stuck closed ileocecal valve and I am opening it by squeezing my abdomen.
Hoping you can give me some advice.
Hi Bill,
I suppose it’s possible that you are manipulating the valve with the yoga position, it’s difficult to say.
If you were my patient, I’d be looking into microbial imbalances, food sensitivities, enzymes and/or HCl, and even imaging studies as it sounds as if there may be a structural issue that needs attention. I’d definitely consider imaging studies.
Best,
Dr. Rob D’Aquila
Thank you for your thoughts. I like the enzyme and HCL ideas and imaging. I will certainly pursue these. Since I wrote the first part I have been having acupuncture treatments for this also. In my case I believe it will take some time to find the cause and cure and your ideas are much appreciated.
Thanks again.
Bill
My naturopath has diagnosed me with an ‘open’ ileocecal valve. The only symptom above that I have is low back pain. I am currently having my second ‘attack’ where it has flared up. Besides the back pain, it feels like something is lodged under my right ribs (like something is in the way that shouldn’t be there). I am trying to do what I had been instructed to do on the first round…eating only meat and cooked vegetables (preferably pureed). This seems to help settle things down, but the symptoms rise and fall all day anyways. My medical doctor couldn’t find anything wrong after sending me for a colonoscopy and ultrasound. I have read that this often manifests itself in well-intending people who seek to improve their health/diets by eating more roughage, raw fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. This second flare-up DID in fact happen after my regime of lemon water, barley grass/chlorophyll drink, vitamix veggie/fruit smoothie, lots of raw veggies, fibre such as hemp hearts or flaxseed every day. It’s a shame that trying to be so clean eating causes this flareup. I would appreciate your thoughts re the pain under my ribs and the observation re clean living affecting some individuals. Thanks!
Hi Kim,
Yes, the ICV can become problematic when there’s a drastic shift in diet, especially one including more fiber which can be irritating.
As far as back pain, sometimes chronic back pain is related to GI dysfunction, but at that point, the valve is usually more secondary. Usually acute back pain, from a sudden move that doesn’t require anything more than normal movements and lifting, can be attributed to the ICV.
I definitely would NOT associate pain under the right rib cage with the ICV. You may have an ICV issue, but I can’t see how the right rib cage pain is related. If you were my patient, I’d be looking into gallbladder dysfunction, and less so, but possibly, liver dysfunction.
Good luck in sorting it out,
Dr. Rob D’Aquila
Hi Doc..
As a Certified & Well Practiced Nutrition Consultant – I have been searching high and low for a site that actually offers me more info then I already have on this.
YOU WIN! Thanks for being so generous with your time and info… it is inspiring!
One thing that first brought me to your site was that there was mention of Hair Loss being a major symptom of ICVS – but now in the reading I do not find this anywhere.
Do you know it to be true? The patient, who likely had long term ICVS, to a small degree – had a somewhat brutal Colonic which appears to have caused a Spastic ICV. The only real symptoms are pain in right hip & back, bags & circles under eyes and sever hair loss – with a bit of constipation.
Can you confirm that the Hair Loss is indeed a symptom?
I agree with all your direction you give everyone – it probably applies here as well – Low HCL may be an issue (failed Baking Soda Test), Microbes are highly likely, having lived in various Tropical Islands for many years, food IS consumed despite knowing it is a causing an IgG response and when manipulated there does appear to be tightness around the Lumbar area that has caused tension for a long time.
So thank you for Laying this all out so well for people. I give you my sincere stamp of approval!
Graciously
Hi Chandra,
Thanks for your comments and for awarding me the “prize”. And apologies for the delay in response.
I wouldn’t directly associate the ICV with hair loss. Now, it could be argued that faulty digestion and the myriad of effects of it could lead to other conditions that promote hair loss. But it’s a stretch to say that hair loss is a “major symptom” of the ICV. I didn’t say that, did I?
I’ve seen many cases of hair loss. I see the thyroid as probably the most major culprit for the general population. But then again, what’s causing that? Is that the immune system being imbalanced (autoimmune), digestive issues, liver issues, pituitary, dietary, etc., etc., etc.. Finding the cause is always the key.
I’ve seen low estrogen be an issue – estrogen is “proliferative” for more things than cancer cells…
For men, you have to look at testosterone and DHT.
The worst and most rapid case I’ve seen, that I’m currently helping is “alopecia” – yes it is just a word, but it speaks to the severity and seriousness of systems in the body. In this instance, I believe it is autoimmune (have not yet done the blood work), and finding metal toxicity affecting the thyroid. It may have even led to an autoimmune thyroid, but again, I need to see the lab work. The cost of lab work is the issue with this person… Although, even if I see the lab work, I may not change what I recommend. I can only “fix what I find”. And when someone goes that far down the rabbit hole, you have to always go back to the basics – but you almost always have to do that anyway. And it just so happens, in this case gluten is also an issue. And “we all know” how problematic gluten is for the thyroid, or we all should…
Best of luck with your case, I’m sure you’re doing a superb job. Keep digging deeper. And feel free to comment some more.
Take care,
Dr. Rob D’Aquila
I have had this issue for a while and I am glad to finally know the cause , I wonder if there is any link to passing gas without knowing? I tend to spasm then pass gas but don’t feel the gas coming out
Hi Alan,
I can’t be sure of that. I’d get advice from a doctor who is competent and licensed in that area who can examine you in person.
Best,
Dr. Rob D’Aquila