WFC’S 10th Biennial Congress. International Conference of Chiropractic Research. Montreal, Canada | Apr 30 – May 2, 2009: 290
Introduction: Knowledge on the incidence, prevalence and natural history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is still little. It is estimated that 40% of the western population has already presented with signs and symptoms of GERD. The important fact regarding this disease is the compromising of the patient’s life quality of life, besides high treatment cost. GERD treatment is based on clinical, pharmacological or surgical treatment. Chiropractic treatment on the neuromusculoskeletal system influences the functioning of internal organs, through autonomic nervous system stimulation. The objective of this study was to verify the alterations of dyspeptic signs and symptoms in patients presenting with GERD after chiropractic treatment.
Methods: This was a pre-experimental study and the sample was composed of 10 individuals sent to chiropractic treatment by a gastroenterologist surgeon. High digestive endoscopy exam was performed on all individuals before and after 8 sessions of chiropractic treatment, based on Chiropractic Manipulative Reflex Technique (CMRT), specific for gastric syndrome. The gastroesophageal reflux disease symptom’s questionnaire and the results from high digestive endoscopy exams were used to evaluate dyspeptic signs and symptoms.
Results: At the end of chiropractic treatment a statistically significant global reduction of GERD symptoms was observed (p=0.0002) especially on the evaluation of pre and post treatment postprandial pyrosis data (p=0.000004). The chiropractic treatment can improve visceral conditions, causing response in many systems, including the digestive system. Through endoscopic exam results it was possible to verify an improvement of 58% of esophagitis degree caused by GERD. The stimulation of spinal structures may have a connection with reflex responses of the autonomic nervous system which in turn may alter visceral functioning.
Conclusion: At the end of the study it was possible to conclude that chiropractic treatment was efficient in improving symptoms caused by GERD, as well as improving esophagitis signs secondary to GERD, shown by high digestive endoscopy exam.