Acid reflux is a digestive disorder characterized by acidic stomach juices traveling upward from the stomach into the esophagus. It may cause an acidic taste when you burp after a meal. It can also cause a burning sensation that worsens when you lie down. If you have signs of repeat acid reflux, it may be time to check with your physician and consider visiting a chiropractor.
What is GERD?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a disorder that involves a part of the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is the ring of muscle that separates the stomach and the esophagus. During digestion, the LES opens to let food pass into the stomach then closes to prevent food and stomach juices from flowing back up. One of the primary causes of GERD is a weakened LES.
When acid reflux is frequent and occurs for a prolonged period of time, it can damage the delicate lining of the esophagus.
Symptoms of GERD may include heartburn, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, nausea, regurgitation of food and liquids, and choking sensations.
Causes and Risk Factors
Your lifestyle and diet may contribute to your GERD symptoms. Fried food, fatty food, coffee, chocolate, and alcoholic beverages can all trigger reflux and heartburn.
Several conditions can increase your risk of developing GERD, including:
- A hiatal hernia or a bulging of the upper stomach through the diaphragm opening
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Connective tissue disorders
- Drinking and smoking
Treatments
GERD treatment aims to decrease the amount of reflux and reduce the damage to the esophagus. Your doctor may recommend dietary and lifestyle changes if you have GERD. Your doctor may also prescribe over-the-counter or prescription medications.
Chiropractic Care
If you have GERD, how can your chiropractor help? Chiropractors treat the root cause of disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractic care includes spinal manipulation and spinal decompression techniques that can treat disorders of the joints, neck, back, digestive system (including GERD and stomach ulcers), as well as muscle spasms and chronic headaches.
Chiropractic care can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life and overall health and wellness. Chiropractors treat GERD by helping you manage a healthy weight. They can also help take stress off your spine and joints as well as take pressure off the nerves, which can contribute to acid reflux.
Additionally, chiropractors can help you strengthen the muscles of your back, through spinal manipulation, which can relieve pressure on your stomach. These chiropractic treatment methods can correct dysfunctions and help your body heal.
Chiropractic Care for GERD in Fort Worth, Texas
Don’t wait any longer if you are experiencing signs or symptoms of GERD. At Texas Medical Institute in Fort Worth, Texas, our skilled chiropractic specialists use various modalities that can relieve pain and speed up your recovery.
If you’re suffering from GERD or other conditions, Texas Medical Institute provides a wide range of patient services and treatments. For more information or if you want to schedule an appointment, contact us today by calling (817) 615-8633 or request your appointment now.
