Acid reflux, AKA GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disorder), is a condition that affects nearly 50% of Americans. The most common symptom of acid reflux is heartburn, but what causes heartburn in the first place? The easy answer to that question is that acid from your stomach flows backward and out of your stomach “burning” the tissue of the esophagus. The affected area is in your chest, hence the name “heartburn.” This can be a very painful experience and can even be mistaken for a heart attack if severe enough. A natural chiropractic solution to acid reflux which produces heartburn relief is much preferred to drugs or other more invasive alternatives.
Acid Reflux
What exactly is acid reflux?
Many Americans have turned to proton pump inhibitors, a class of drugs that includes Prilosec and others, or buffers like “Tums.” These are only covering up symptoms and do not address the root cause of Acid Reflux, which has left many Americans to search for a natural solution to acid reflux.
You are probably asking yourself how the acid travels up and out of your stomach in the first place. There is a good chance that you may have been told that there is too much acid in your stomach, however that is a common misconception. It is not that there is too much acid, but rather acid in places it should not be. The cause for the acid flowing backward into your esophagus and causing those heartburn like symptoms can be due to the relaxation of a sphincter at the connection between the esophagus and the stomach.
The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) normally closes after food passes into the stomach to prevent any backward flow. However, if not functioning properly, the LES relaxes at an improper time and results in the backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus. Unfortunately, it is very common to be given prescription medications to block acid production in the stomach. These medications may give short-term relief, but the condition usually worsens over time and your dependence on these medications will grow. It is important to correct the cause of the condition rather than masking the symptoms with medications.
How can chiropractic be a natural solution to acid reflux and heartburn relief?
Your nervous system controls the function of your gastric system, and all muscles in the body, including smooth muscles. The doctors at New Wave Chiropractic Center understand the relationship between your nerves and muscles. The LES is a muscle and if the nerves are irritated, it will have problems doing its job of keeping stomach acid in the stomach. We have helped solve many unwanted digestive problems like acid reflux, indigestion, IBS, chron’s and even ulcers. We see several people that have experienced and are even currently experiencing symptoms related to acid reflux.
In our state of the art office, we check for and correct misalignments in the spine that put unwanted pressure on your nervous system so that you can function at your optimal level. Come check out what the advanced techniques at New Wave Chiropractic can do for you and your health! Give us a call today at (760) 683-5942. To find out more about acid reflux and Gerd and how chiropractic can help check out the scientific literature.
