Reflux
Osteopathy is a natural therapy option for babies with reflux. It can be combined with the use of pharmaceuticals which combat the production of acid, or it can be used as a stand-alone therapy for babies who are only suffering from mild to moderate reflux.
Reflux occurs when the sphincter between the esophagus, or food tube, and stomach doesn’t close off effectively. This allows milk and stomach acid to move back up the esophagus and out the mouth. In the case of silent reflux, the milk doesn’t come out of the baby’s mouth, it only moves into the esophagus. This occurs due to poor diaphragm function not allowing the sphincter to close, or increased pressure in the abdomen pushing on the stomach.
To treat reflux, the osteopath gently assesses the function of the head and neck where the nerves to the diaphragm arise. They also look at the function of the ribs, spine, pelvis and abdominal organs. Treatment is aimed at normalizing the function in any problem areas so the stomach can digest the milk unimpeded.
Research Link
The osteopathic treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Back to Babies and Children from Osteopathic Treatment for Reflux