Esophageal Spasm Diagnosis by Chiropractor - Is It True or Quackery?

[the-wombat]

I went to my wife's chiropractor complaining of neck pain (which is no longer an issue).  The chiropractor indicated that 80% of neck pain originates from the gut; he had me lie on my back and poked into my abdomen in several places.  Afterwards he came up with a diagnosis: esophageal spasm and recommended amitriptyline.  I should state that I have had a diagnosis of GERD (pH study) from a gastroenterologist which is not being controlled by Aciphex or other PPIs.  Motilility study results were normal.

My question is this: can an assessment of esophageal spasm be made like the chiropractor did by "gut poking"?  

I should state that there was no charge for the chiropractor's services; I am certain he was sincere, but that does not mean he was right or wrong!

[the-wombat]

I have tried Nexium; they all seem to be similar, with Aciphex the best; when I get a chance I will do a separate post or posts with new questions.

[Dr. Erik]

Different Medications work differently for everybody. Have you tried Nexium for the acid reflux? If not, you should try it. It is the newest of the Proton Pump Inhibitors. It has worked wonders for me. I had tried Aciphex and Prevacid with no success.

[the-wombat]

This is in reference to comment 1: I have been to 2 gastroenterologists.  The first found nothing wrong with me; the second found GERD and Biliary Dyskinesia (sp?).  Gallbladder is now out and some improvement, but quadruple dose of Aciphex does not resolve my root problem.

[imkindly]

You might want to check out the "QuackWatch" website at
http://www.quackwatch.com/index.html

it's got alot of info---there's a pretty large section there on what (some) chiropractors are doing.

[Concerned lady]

Oops, Sorry Wilson, it was ERIK that I begged to differ with!

Sincerely,
Concerned lady

[Concerned lady]

Dear Mr. Wombat (love that name!),

I beg to differ with Wilson, this time. NOT ALL chiropracters are quacks, but SOME definitely ARE.

And I can tell you with certainty that from my nursing experience in hospitals, and having been a patient myself, that many doctors ARE quacks, masquerading as doctors!!!

So follow Wilson's advice, but make sure it is a GOOD doctor that you go to!

Sincerely,
Concerned lady

***@****
http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com

[Dr. Erik]

No. A Chiropracter cannot make that diagnosis. Chiropractors are all Quacks. See a Gastreterologist.