Digestive Tract

Manipulation Speeds Healing of Ulcer

11 ulcer patients received chiropractic care which were compared to 24 cases treated medically. The group treated with chiropractic care experienced clinical remission, demonstrated endoscopically, an average of 10 days earlier than traditional care; and the use of spinal manipulative therapy resulted in pain relief after 1-9 (avg. 3.8) days.

Pikalov AA; Kharin VV; Use of Spinal Manipulative Therapy in the Treatment of Duodenal Ulcer: A Pilot Study. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1994; 17(5):310-3

Manipulation Relieves Indigestion

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of indigestion and mid-back pain in persons seeking chiropractic care.

DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey using a self-report questionnaire.

SETTING: Three primary care private chiropractic practices in metropolitan Perth, Australia.

SUBJECTS: Persons seeking chiropractic care during a 1-month period.

INTERVENTION: None.

OUTCOME MEASURES: Six-month prevalence of indigestion and mid-back pain, rate of association between indigestion and mid-back pain, and distribution of thoracic dysfunction and manipulation. Proportion who report relief from manipulation.

OBSERVATIONS: Of 1567 persons who consulted 8 chiropractors on 2974 occasions during November 1994, 1494 responses were obtained. There were 119 first-time consultations. The mean age of respondents was 41 yr (range 10-94); 57% were women. Fifty-seven percent reported indigestion infrequently or more and 71% reported mid-back pain during the previous 6 months. Forty-six percent experienced both symptoms during this time. Of these, 36% reported the symptoms together at some time. Twenty-two percent of those with indigestion reported some relief after chiropractic care. Compared with those reporting no relief, mid-back pain was more common among those reporting indigestion. The level at which the manipulation was given was unrelated to relief. No major differences were noted between the three clinics in patient demographics or the main outcome measures.

CONCLUSIONS: Indigestion and mid-back pain are commonly experienced in this population. A person with indigestion is more likely to report mid-back pain. Relief of indigestion by manipulation is more common among those who report mid-back pain. Further research is needed to understand differences between subgroups and differences compared with other studies.

Bryner P, Staerker PG. Indigestion and heartburn: a descriptive study of prevalence in persons seeking care from chiropractors.J Manipulative Physiol Ther 19 (5): 317-323 (Jun 1996)