From the Guidelines
There is no established relationship between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and segmental dysfunction of the cervical spine or subluxation, treated through chiropractic or osteopathic methods, as the provided evidence does not directly address this topic 1.
Key Considerations
- The evidence primarily focuses on the management of GERD, its diagnosis, and treatment options, without discussing chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation in relation to GERD and cervical spine issues.
- Chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation may be considered for other conditions, but its application specifically for GERD and cervical spine dysfunction is not supported by the provided evidence.
- Conventional medical treatment for GERD, including medications like proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole 20mg daily) or histamine-2 (H2) blockers (e.g., ranitidine 150mg twice daily), and lifestyle modifications like dietary changes and weight loss, should be followed as recommended by healthcare providers.
Treatment Approach
Given the lack of direct evidence, any consideration of chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation for patients with GERD and segmental dysfunction of the cervical spine or subluxation should be approached with caution. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.
Important Notes
- Patients should continue to follow their healthcare provider's recommendations for managing GERD symptoms.
- Lifestyle modifications and conventional medical treatments should be prioritized based on the evidence provided 1.
From the Research
Relationship Between GERD and Cervical Spine Dysfunction
- There is evidence to suggest a relationship between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and segmental dysfunction of the cervical spine or subluxation, treated through chiropractic or osteopathic methods 2, 3.
- A study published in 2019 found that osteopathic manual treatment produced a significant improvement in GERD symptoms one week after the intervention, as well as improvements in cervical mobility and pressure pain threshold (PPT) 2.
- Another study published in 2022 found that a series of osteopathic treatments may be beneficial for patients suffering from GERD, with significant improvements in quality of life and reductions in medication use 3.
Treatment of GERD Through Osteopathic Methods
- Osteopathic treatment has been recommended as a non-pharmacological therapy for GERD, with some studies suggesting that it may be useful for improving symptoms of the disease 2, 3.
- The application of osteopathic manual treatment has been shown to produce improvements in GERD symptoms, cervical mobility, and PPTs 2.
- However, it is worth noting that the current guidelines for the diagnosis and management of GERD do not specifically mention osteopathic treatment as a recommended therapy 4, 5, 6.
Gaps in Current Research
- While there is some evidence to suggest a relationship between GERD and cervical spine dysfunction, more research is needed to fully understand the nature of this relationship and the potential benefits of osteopathic treatment for GERD patients.
- Further studies should aim to establish the clinical significance of results and include longer follow-up times to determine the sustainability of any improvements in symptoms or quality of life 3.