Watching social media posts of chiropractors cracking the bones of patients experiencing severe neck or back pain feels so satisfying. You can quickly tell by looking at the patient’s expressions that they feel highly relieved after getting chiropractic care.
And now that you or a loved one is suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease/acid reflux disease, you’re trying to figure out whether chiropractic can help acid reflux.
Well, the simple answer to that question is “Yes.” Chiropractic help is a more natural way to treat certain diseases than other treatment options. But you need to understand a few details before looking for a chiropractic treatment plan.
Keep reading to understand how chiropractic can help acid reflux.
Table of Contents
What is Acid Reflux?
Do you know that acid reflux is a common condition among millions of people around the world? But that doesn’t mean you should take it lightly because it may cause stomach ulcers and even esophageal cancer if left untreated.
You may already know that hydrochloric acid plays a vital role in killing undesirable microbes in our stomach while improving our digestive health. But do you know hydrochloric acid can cause havoc if it somehow enters the esophagus?
The gastroesophageal sphincter is the ring of muscle that keeps the digestive juices and other stomach contents from feeding back into the esophageal system. If that protective layer is broken, you may start experiencing Heartburn, an acidic taste in your mouth, and other digestive issues.
Acid Reflux is also known as Acid Ingestion, Esophageal Reflux, Hiatal Hernia, and Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). But it’s worth noting that GERD is a more severe form of acid reflux usually associated with the more frequent and severe backward flow.
Acid reflux is when hydrochloric acid tries to move toward the throat. If not treated on time, it may cause gastroesophageal reflux, eventually leading to stomach ulcers or esophageal.
Read also: Are Pears Good For Acid Reflux? Uncovering the Potential
Symptoms of Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is a severe condition among middle-aged and elderly. The stats show that pediatric populations are also being affected by this disease.
According to studies, Heartburn and regurgitation of food (an unpleasant sour taste in your mouth) are the most common symptoms of acid reflux.
You may experience a few more symptoms, including:
- Bloating
- Hiccups that keep coming back
- Unexpected Weight loss
- Bloody vomiting or stools
- Bad Breath
- Nause
- Hoarse Voice
- Sinus and ear problems
These symptoms usually appear after having a meal or when you’re lying.
Causes of Acid Reflux
Hiatal hernia is the most common cause of acid reflux. It usually starts when the sphincter muscle is misplaced. Thus, the acid begins traveling toward the esophagus, leading to acid reflux. Abnormal curvature of the spine is the primary cause of hiatal hernia.
A few other factors may also be the cause of your acid reflux, such as:
- Poor diet / Eating large meals
- Snacking close to bedtime
- Being pregnant
- Eating certain foods like garlic, tomato, onions, citrus, or spicy foods
- Taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or other prescription medications
- Drinking carbonated drinks, alcohol, tea, or coffee
Related: How To Eat Pizza With Acid Reflux
How Can Chiropractic Therapy Help Acid Reflux
You’re mistaken if you think chiropractic care is about fixing spinal misalignments because chiropractors can use specific corrective care techniques to fix multiple health problems. They can even improve every human body function by strengthening your back muscles.
Now, let’s dive into how chiropractic can help acid reflux.
Improving your Posture
As mentioned, abnormal curvature of the spine (lumbar kyphosis) is a leading cause of acid reflux as it puts excessive pressure on your stomach and esophageal system. A misaligned spine can severely damage your digestive organs while causing other health problems.
A chiropractor can relieve pressure from the stomach through certain spinal adjustments. They can permanently fix acid reflux disease by strengthening your spinal cord.
Eliminating Nerve Interference
Nerve interference prevents nerve energy from reaching the internal organs, which affects the functions of the stomach and other body parts. Chiropractors can improve nerve activity through spinal alignment.
Chiropractic treatment can effectively fix your back muscle weaknesses by reducing unnecessary pressure from spinal nerves. It can eventually restore normal function to the stomach and other internal organs.
Managing a Healthy Weight
You may not know, but obesity is mainly associated with poor posture. Fortunately, a chiropractor can help maintain a healthy weight by keeping your spine in place. It can ultimately reduce the risk of acid reflux because obesity is also one of the leading causes of acid reflux.
Read also: Is Hummus Good For Acid Reflux? Solved
Can Chiropractic Help Acid Reflux Summary
Acid Reflux is a common disease that can lead to serious health issues if left untreated. It can damage your digestive tract by constantly feeding stomach content back to the esophagus. We’ve shared detailed information about how a chiropractic treatment plan can treat this problem.
If you’re still confused about how chiropractic can help acid reflux, feel free to contact us.
