What is Gastroesophageal reflux?
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is present when the contents (including acids) of the stomach flow back up into the esophagus. It is extremely common in healthy infants, so much so that is may happen 30 or more times a day.
Only some of these reflux episodes will result in vomiting or spitting up. These episodes usually decrease with age. Most infants experience relief within the first 12 months of life. It is less common in infants older than 18 months.
It occurs as a result of a weak ring of muscle between the esophagus and the stomach. As the infant grows, this ring will get stronger and not allow stomach contents to flow backwards, therefore keeping them down where they belong. When GER is more advanced and does not have clear GER symptoms, it is referred to as silent reflux.
Structural shifts in the spine can play a significant role in infants suffering from GER. The combination of structural shifts, weak back muscles and a newly developing digestive tract can have less than positive effects on their nerves, brain, and muscles. Weak back muscles will allow structural shifts in the spine to obstruct the nervous system which affects the function of the stomach and intestines. In severe cases, it can result in a hiatal hernia.
This causes nerve interference that will disrupt the activity of digestion and movement of food to the intestines. The nervous system controls and coordinates all functions of the body and structural shifts in the spine can occur that obstruct the nerves and interfere with their function. Chiropractic care aims to remove the structural shifts to decrease the nerve obstruction to the internal organs to improve digestive function.
Chiropractic Helps Infant with Reflux
The 7-month-old infant reported on in this study was suffering from acid reflux and difficulty sleeping. She could not sleep through the night due to gas and constipation. She was diagnosed by a medical doctor with gastroesophageal reflux disorder and prescribed drugs but they did not help her.
The chiropractor examined the girl and found structural shifts in her neck, mid back, and lower back. Decrease in range of motion, tight muscles were also noted. These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction hat chiropractors correct.
Following chiropractic care she experienced complete resolution of her reflux, she began sleeping through the night, became more reactive and pleasant.
The study’s author called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic in this population.
Reference
Resolution of Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disorder in an Infant Following Chiropractic Care: A Case Study. Scott Gill, LMT, BS, DC & Amanda Gill, LMT, BS, DC. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic ~ Volume 2022