Correlation of Somatic Dysfunction With Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Findings

Correlation of Somatic Dysfunction With Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Findings

The purpose of this study is to correlate the link between palpatory findings of somatic dysfunction and gastrointestinal endoscopic evidence of changes in mucosa. The investigators' hypothesis is that there is a direct connection between somatic palpatory changes and intestinal mucosal changes via a somatovisceral/viscerosomatic mechanism.

The study protocol is limited to an extra physical examination (the focused structural exam) prior to a scheduled routine or diagnostic endoscopy. Immediately prior to the scheduled endoscopy, subjects enrolled in the study will be palpated by a Neuromuscular Medicine (NMM)/Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) specialist for spinal tenderness, tissue texture changes and asymmetry or restricted range of motion as well as tenderness of Chapman points. The entire spine from the occipitoatlantal joint to the sacrum will be evaluated along with specific intercostal abdominal and lower extremity areas. The positive structural examination findings of spinal tenderness, tissue texture changes and asymmetry or restricted range of motion will be compared to the visual and pathological findings recorded in the operative report of the endoscopy procedure and the pathological report of any biopsies obtained during the endoscopic procedure.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients already scheduled for upper or lower endoscopy at Kirksville Family Medicine Clinic
• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Subjects must be able to lie in the prone position for 30 minutes

Exclusion Criteria:

• Subjects cannot have history of spinal fractures or surgical intervention of the spine that could alter the palpatory findings of the spinal and paraspinal regions
• Subjects who are wards of the state or are unable to sign the consent form on their own behalf will be excluded
• Subjects will be excluded if they are unable to lie prone for 30 minutes
• Subjects will be excluded if they are not already scheduled for an endoscopy