Swallowing Disorders Related to Vertebrogenic Dysfunctions

In recent years, a growing interest in functional gastrointestinal problems can be noticed. In Western Europe, there is prevalence of functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract in nearly 40% of the population. In Great Britain, 8 to 10% of patients visiting general practitioners have gastrointestinal problems, and approximately 50% of these are functional disorders (Becker & Aroldo, 1990). In the United States, 14% of the population are treated annually for functional gastrointestinal disorders, and in 50 to 70% of patients sent to a gastroenterologist, no significant pathology is detected (Mathias & Clench, 1995).