Recent research has suggested associations between the presence of visceral dysfunctions and the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders, particularly in the vertebral column. Chronic gastritis is one of the most common visceral dysfunctions in clinical practice, and this dysfunction causes restrictions in visceral motility and mobility, compromising the normal functioning of the organ and, consequently, potentially leading to musculoskeletal repercussions.

The aim of this study was to compare musculoskeletal dysfunctions of the spine between adults diagnosed with chronic gastritis and healthy individuals.

This is a pilot study of an observational cross-sectional design. Forty participants were included and randomized into a gastritis group (GG = 20), consisting of individuals diagnosed with chronic gastritis, and a comparison group (GC = 20), consisting of healthy individuals. The assessment was performed manually. Tenderness upon palpation of the spinous processes of vertebrae C2, C3, C4, T5, T6, T7, T8, and T9 (sclerotome) was evaluated by palpating the spinous processes, and participants were asked to report the presence or absence of pain. The density and texture of the soft tissues adjacent to the occipital region (suboccipital muscles) and C1-C4 and T5-T9 vertebrae (paravertebral muscles) were assessed by palpating the soft tissues immediately lateral to the spinous processes of the vertebral column and the occipital bone. Asymmetry of the occipital and vertebral (C1-C4 and T5-T9) regions was assessed as follows: for the occipital region, the evaluator, with their fingers placed on the occipital bone, determined if one side was more posterior than the other. For the C1-C4 and T5-T9 segments, the evaluator located the transverse processes of the cervical and thoracic vertebrae and identified posteriority through palpation. Vertebral mobility of C1-C4 was assessed by evaluating two main movements, lateral flexion, and vertebral rotation. For vertebral mobility of T5-T9, rotational movements of the vertebrae were investigated.

The GG exhibited greater restriction in lateral gliding and left rotation mobility at the vertebral levels between C2 and C4 and T6 and T9, as well as increased pain (at C3 to C4 and T7 to T9), muscle tension (at all levels), and vertebral asymmetry (at C2 to C4 and T7 to T9) compared to the GC, with a significance level of p<0.05.

Individuals with chronic gastritis showed reduced left-sided vertebral rotation mobility in the cervical and thoracic spine, as well as decreased left-sided vertebral lateral gliding mobility in the cervical region. Additionally, they exhibited increased pain at the spinous process, right-sided vertebral transverse process asymmetry, and increased muscle tension adjacent to the right-sided vertebrae in the thoracic and cervical regions, compared to healthy individuals.

It is of paramount importance to investigate the relationships between the viscera and the musculoskeletal system, as it can help prevent potential associated musculoskeletal dysfunctions and promote a more comprehensive alternative treatment through osteopathy, chiropractic, or other approaches.