Don’t you have better things to do than to keep revisiting hospital emergency rooms?
Acid reflux is a common condition in which stomach acid flows backward up the esophagus (the tube carries food from the mouth to the stomach), causing symptoms such as a burning feeling in the chest (heartburn) and a bitter or sour taste in the mouth. The typical medical treatment is to prescribe drugs like Nexium or Prevacid that block the production of acid. Chiropractors, as the spine and nerve experts, have more to offer than just relief by treating the cause of their condition, instead of merely covering up the symptoms with prescription medications.
People typically see chiropractors for neuromusculoskeletal issues such as headaches, and back or neck pain, however, more and more people are beginning to seek out chiropractic care for other maladies. Some 10% of chiropractic patients are there for help dealing with gastrointestinal and elimination issues.
Chiropractic treatment of GERD most often includes spinal manipulations and posture improvements. In two 2007 Canadian studies, participants with GERD received spinal manipulations on cervical, thoracic, and abdominal areas, particularly where they experienced acute tenderness. Each participant received 20 treatments, typically three times a week. They answered questionnaires throughout the process. After six months, their responses showed a significant decrease in GERD. Six months after that, the participants reported their symptoms were just as controlled.
Nerve interference can diminish the amount of vital nerve energy reaching the organs, including the stomach; referred to as a tomato-visceral reflex. If left untreated, the stomach and digestive tract will go into a state of dysfunction, and eventually disease. Many GERD sufferers under the care of corrective care chiropractors have reported a significant reduction in their symptoms. That’s because realigning the spine back to its healthy shape and strengthening the back muscles reduces the mechanical pressure on the internal organs and allows nerve energy to flow freely throughout the body; therefore restoring normal function to the stomach and other vital organs.
Lastly, because many GERD patients sleep on an incline to reduce their symptoms, some will also suffer back pain. Seeking out chiropractic care for back issues often helps identify opportunities to treat the underlying cause: GERD. So which came first, the spine and nerve problem affecting sleep position or the wrong position causing stomach pressure?
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