Digestive Health Irritable Bowel Syndrome Overview of a Spastic Colon By Barbara Bolen, PhD Barbara Bolen, PhD Twitter Barbara Bolen, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and health coach. She has written multiple books focused on living with irritable bowel syndrome. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 23, 2021 Medically reviewed by Priyanka Chugh, MD Medically reviewed by Priyanka Chugh, MD on October 23, 2020 LinkedIn Priyanka Chugh, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist in practice with Trinity Health of New England in Waterbury, Connecticut. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms Causes Treatment Spastic colon was an early term used to describe the health condition that is now known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The term "spastic colon" came about because of a belief that the motility problems and abdominal pain associated with IBS were caused by muscle spasms within the large intestine. Doctors now know that the mechanisms behind IBS are far more complex. If you have been told you have, or just think you have, a spastic colon, it may be helpful for you to learn more about IBS. Universal Images Group / Getty Images Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS is what's known as a functional gastrointestinal disorder. This means that there is something wrong with the way that the digestive system is functioning, but no visible signs of disease can be seen during diagnostic testing. IBS is diagnosed after your doctor has ruled out other disorders. The subtypes of IBS are based on the changes in bowel movements and whether constipation, diarrhea, or mixed bowel habits are predominant. Symptoms of IBS People who have IBS experience a variety of symptoms related to the functioning of the large intestine. This means that they experience chronic constipation or urgent bouts of diarrhea. Many people find themselves alternating between the two bathroom problems. Other symptoms include: Abdominal pain Gas and bloating A feeling of incomplete evacuation Mucus in the stool If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor. Many other more serious disorders share some of these same symptoms. It is important that you receive a proper diagnosis so that you can set up the appropriate treatment plan. IBS Doctor Discussion Guide Get our printable guide for your next doctor's appointment to help you ask the right questions. Download PDF Email the Guide Send to yourself or a loved one. Sign Up This Doctor Discussion Guide has been sent to {{form.email}}. There was an error. Please try again. What Causes Spastic Colon? Although no one knows for sure why some people end up with IBS, there is now much more information as to what might have gone wrong. Here are some problems that have been identified as possible causes: Motility problems: The functioning of the large intestine muscles, including the speed and strength of gut contractions Visceral hypersensitivity: A stronger-than-normal pain response to pressure within the large intestine The brain-gut connection: The role of the nervous system, including changes in the levels of neurotransmitters and hormones Inflammation: Although by definition, there is no visible inflammation with IBS, there are indications that there may be inflammation that is not visible Gut bacteria: An imbalance between "friendly" and "unfriendly" bacteria that make up the gut flora One of the reasons why IBS is so tricky to understand and treat is that it may be caused by several different factors. You can see that researchers have come a long way from pointing to spasms in the gut as being the problem. Treatment of IBS There is no one cure for IBS. Instead, there are a variety of avenues that your doctor might recommend for you to try, including: Medication Over-the-counter remedies Dietary changes Psychotherapy Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! One of the most challenging aspects of having IBS is trying to figure out what's safe to eat. Our recipe guide makes it easier. Sign up and get yours now! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Definition and facts for irritable bowel syndrome. Updated November, 2017. National Insitute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Symptoms and causes of irritable bowel syndrome. Updated November, 2017. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Treatment for irritable bowel syndrome. Updated November 2017. Additional Reading Minocha A, Adamec C. The Encyclopedia of the Digestive System and Digestive Disorders. (2nd Ed.) New York: Facts on File; 2011. Wilkins T, Pepitone C, Alex B, Schade R. Diagnosis and management of IBS in adults. American Family Physician. 2012;86(5):419-426.