An Alternative Approach to the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Manual Techniques and Nutrition

Abstract

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive disorder that affects a growing number of people in the world and is one of the most common gastric complaints that prompts an individual to consult a doctor. Heartburn and regurgitation are the most predominant esophageal symptoms of GERD, but patients with the disease may also have extra esophageal symptoms, such as epigastric pain, bronchospasm, and chronic cough. All of these symptoms may compromise health-related quality of life with modification of eating habits and sleep pattern that have a great impact on the normal daily. Furthermore, GERD is a multifactorial disease that can be complicated and difficult to treat. Mechanical, chemical, physiopathologic, and functional factors that predispose patients to the disease are still under investigation. A simple treatment plan for manual therapists is presented based on current evidence-based literature; it is designed to reduce symptoms of GERD through somatovisceral approach and the nutrition.