Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common gut–brain disorders and if you ask your patients, you’ll find that many quietly experience its symptoms.
For those living with IBS, the frustration runs deep. It’s often called a “mysterious” condition, but maybe it isn’t such a mystery after all. We know that stress affects gut health, and that chronic stress alone can disrupt the balance of beneficial gut bacteria, increase inflammation, and trigger IBS symptoms.
The fact is that the gut has its own complex neural network with over 100 million neurons, earning it the title “the second brain.”
When the brain is distressed, the gut often follows. Emotional strain, anxiety, and chronic stress can all amplify digestive problems and pain.
It’s no coincidence that IBS frequently coexists with fibromyalgia, recurring migraines, and chronic pelvic pain (Johnson et al., 2015).
“There is substantial evidence linking migraines to GI issues… such as irritable bowel syndrome” – Mugo et al 2025
So, if you know a patient struggling with a chronic musculoskeletal condition and IBS, remember that treating the body alone may not be enough.
Because when the brain and gut are in constant conversation, one cannot truly heal without the other.