Efficacy of Osteopathic Treatment in Function Abdominal Pain in Children and Adolescents

Although the functional or structural disease can be identified by physicians and sometimes cured by medical technology, non-structural or functional symptoms, those without an identified organic cause and associated with a high rate of response to placebo are yet enigmatic and less susceptible to explanation or effective treatment.

Often considered as non-pathological, there are physiological and sociocultural factors, nociceptive, psychic that expand the perception of these symptoms which are experienced as serious, problematic and threatening with the consequent impact on daily activities. Although it represents the most frequent cause of consultation in the specialty of Pediatric Gastroenterology there is currently no drug therapy that has demonstrated its effectiveness.

In these cases, unnecessary diagnostic studies can be performed to find an organic cause, resulting in increased health care costs and possibly in an inappropriate patient care. These types of beliefs and behaviors can delegitimize the DFG and the suffering of these patients.

There are studies that say that 35% of patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (no organic cause but if organic effect) use complementary therapies, but in the absence of clinical trials, it is emphasized the need for more controlled studies to advise and / or direct the patient from the medical community to which of these therapies could be more adequate.

According to the General Osteopathic Council (UK) and the Osteopathic International Alliance (OIA), Osteopathy is a health profession that is dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of problems of the musculoskeletal and its effects on the nervous system and global health. It is based on the theory that well-being depends on a good relationship between the skeleton, muscles, ligaments and connective tissue. The lack of this good relationship can lead to symptoms and musculoskeletal problems but also visceral. Health is seen as a complex process involving all parts and systems of the body. Palpatory techniques are used to diagnose dysfunction and physical manipulation is used to improve the functioning of joints, relax muscle tension, promote the innervation and blood supply to tissues and help the healing mechanisms of the body.