Acid Reflux or Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Discover gentle chiropractic care that may support digestive function and help relieve discomfort associated with acid reflux and GERD.
Natural Relief for Acid Reflux & GERD
Acid Reflux or Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a health condition in which the contents of the stomach move back from the stomach into the esophagus. The acid from the stomach irritates the esophagus and can lead to such things as severe discomfort and painful heartburn. If left untreated, damage can occur to the esophagus over time leading to more serious health conditions.
At Baker Chiropractic and Wellness, we have been helping patients with acid reflux or GERD for over 25 years. Our chiropractic care, along with our guidance for diet and exercise, has proven to be very effective in resolving acid reflux. Please contact us by calling (513) 561-2273 or Schedule an Appointment here on our website.
What is Acid Reflux?
When you eat food or drink a beverage, the food and drink pass from your mouth to your stomach through a tube called the esophagus. Once the food or beverage enters your stomach, a special “valve” of muscle fibers should close which prevents the contents of your stomach from traveling back into the esophagus. These muscle fibers are known as the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES).
If the “valve” does not close properly, the contents of the stomach can leak back into the esophagus. When this happens, it’s called reflux. Because the stomach is filled with naturally strong acids and enzymes used to break down foods in the digestive process, the condition is commonly known as acid reflux.
Symptoms of Acid Reflux
Common symptoms associated with Acid Reflux or GERD include:
- Heartburn.
- Burning pain in the chest.
- Nausea.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- A sensation that food is stuck in your esophagus.
Causes of Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is caused by failure of the cardia (the location where the stomach attaches to the esophagus) to keep the contents of the stomach from flowing back into the esophagus. The naturally powerful acids and enzymes contained within the stomach leak back into the esophagus where they cause irritation, burning, and inflammation of the sensitive tissue lining the esophagus.
Factors that may contribute to the development of acid reflux or GERD include:
- Hiatal Hernia
- Obesity
- Certain prescription medications
- Pregnancy
- Smoking
Why Baker Chiropractic May Help You with Acid Reflux
Chiropractic care focuses on the health and function of the overall body. When the body’s spine and central nervous system are optimized and 100% healthy, all systems within the body perform correctly and without pain. When there are interferences or misalignments (known as subluxations) in the spine, the systems of the body are not able to function at peak levels which can lead to numerous health issues, including digestive problems such as acid reflux or GERD.
As part of our overall health care, we also provide patients with guidance on weight loss, improving diet and exercise plans. All of these elements are important in treating acid reflux and preventing it from returning.
Finally, a common cause of GERD is a hiatal hernia. A hiatal hernia is a condition when the top part of the stomach pinches through the diaphragm muscle. Our chiropractic care is effective in treating hiatal hernias which may be causing the acid reflux.
The best thing about our chiropractic care is that it involves no prescription drugs or surgery. It’s safe and effective.
