Improvement in Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease Following Chiropractic Care and the ALCAT Procedure

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Introduction Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is said to affect 4 to 7 percent of the US population and is on the rise. Over the past 3 decades, the prevalence of GERD has increased two-fold, and some sources estimate prevalence between 10 to 20 percent.1, 2 It is characterized by reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus causing complications or symptoms that negatively impact the patients quality of life and well-being.3 More concerning however, is the effect GERD has been shown to have on work productivity and healthcare utilization. A 2004 National Health and Wellness survey demonstrated that the frequency and severity of symptoms associated with GERD were inversely proportional to work productivity and directly proportional to healthcare utilization.4 In light of this data, it is important for healthcare providers to provide effective management of this condition. Unfortunately, allopathic treatments appear to be limited in providing effective long-term symptom relief. A study conducted by Raghonath et al demonstrated that GERD patients continued to have ongoing moderate or severe symptoms with long-term proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment.5 As a result there are some instead who pursue a holistic approach. The purpose of the following study is to describe the successful management of a patient with GERD who received conservative chiropractic care in conjunction with the Antigen Leukocyte Cellular Antibody Test (ALCAT) procedure. Abstract Objective: The chiropractic care of a patient with chronic back pain and gastroesophageal reflux disease is described. Clinical Features: A 42 year-old female with chronic gastro-esophageal reflux, chronic mid-back pain and vertebral subluxations. Intervention and Outcomes: High velocity low amplitude spinal adjustments and Chiropractic Biophysics (CBP) technique were applied throughout patient care. Extension traction of the cervical spine was assigned to the patient to perform at home. In addition, the Antigen Leukocyte Cellular Antibody Test (ALCAT) procedure and dietary plan was introduced. The persistent complaints of GERD and mid-back pain were resolved and the patient also showed marked improvement in quality of life as demonstrated by SF-36 scores. Conclusion: A combination of chiropractic care focused on reduction of vertebral subluxations and dietary modification resulted in resolution of this patient’s chronic back pain and GERD. Key Indexing Terms: Gastro-esophageal reflux disease, GERD, Chiropractic Biophysics, chiropractic, Antigen Leukocyte Cellular Antibody Test, ALCAT, vertebral subluxation Curtis Fedorchuk D.C. 1 Andrew St. Bernard D.C., HBA2 1. Private Practice of Chiropractic, Cumming, GA 2. Private Practice of Chiropractic, Buford, GA Case Study