Osteopathic Primary Care Treatment Options for Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a multifactorial, chronic inflammatory disease of the bowel that can cause physical, social and emotional injury to the patient. While perhaps not always making the initial diagnosis or providing primary treatment, the primary care physician can play a critical role in providing direction and clarity to the overall treatment plan for the patient. In addition, monitoring for complications or side effects of treatment will help maintain the patient’s optimal health. Methods: A literature search using PubMed, NCBI and WorldCat.org was done using the terms ulcerative colitis treatment, psychosocial association of ulcerative colitis, surgical management of ulcerative colitis, epidemiology of ulcerative colitis, the pathophysiology of ulcerative colitis, probiotics in ulcerative colitis, OMT for ulcerative colitis, and diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. A primary date range of 2015-2019 was used with a secondary search extending back to 1985. Discussion: An Osteopathic approach to the treatment of ulcerative colitis will help the patient remain highly functioning and reduce complications of this disease. By being aware of the various pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical treatment options available, one can collaborate with the patient to create a treatment plan to minimize morbidity and increase functional days.