When nerves and muscles in your gastrointestinal tract fail to function normally, motility disorders can cause abdominal pain, heartburn, nausea, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome. Dr. Gina Sam, MD, MPH, is a preeminent provider of services and treatments for men and women in New York City who suffer from motility disorders. Call her office to learn more or book a consultation with Dr. Sam using the online scheduler.
When you eat, a host of muscles and nerves collaborate to break down food and move it through each part of your gastrointestinal tract. When you swallow, food passes from your esophagus, to your stomach, into your small intestine, and then through your colon, rectum, and anus.
If something goes awry with any of the muscles or nerves that make this passage possible, you develop a motility disorder. Motility disorders are abnormal contractions, spasms, or paralysis that slow down or halt digestion.
Depending on where in the gastrointestinal tract you have trouble, symptoms vary, but may include:
Numerous conditions are associated with gastrointestinal motility disorders. A few of them are:
If your motility issue is concentrated in the upper portion of your gastrointestinal tract, Dr. Sam uses outpatient endoscopy to look at your stomach, esophagus, and duodenum. If your issue is in your large intestine, colon, or rectum, she’ll schedule you for a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy to closely examine the cause of your symptoms and stalled digestion.
Treatment depends on which part of your gastrointestinal tract is affected and the severity of your symptoms. Dr. Sam meets with you to determine the underlying cause of your motility disorder and customizes a treatment plan accordingly.
She takes the most conservative treatment approach possible, which may involve diet, nutritional supplementation, or lifestyle changes. Other common treatment options include minimally invasive procedures, medication, and surgery.
Dr. Sam offers expert and intensive care for your motility disorder. She’s passionate about helping men, women, and children heal their gastrointestinal tract, restore their motility, and reinstate their quality of life.
Call the office to learn more or use the easy online scheduler to book an appointment online.