Acid reflux affects millions of Americans every day. For many, it can be a debilitating condition that interrupts sleep, causes bouts of nausea, and generally lowers your quality of life. While there are prescription and over-the-counter solutions, chiropractic care for acid reflux can be incredibly effective at reducing symptoms and even eliminating the condition completely.
Symptoms of acid reflux
The most common symptom of acid reflux is a burning sensation that can run from the abdominal area up into the throat. That is why we also refer to acid reflux as “heartburn,” although it does not have anything to do with the heart itself.
Other symptoms can include excessive hiccups, nausea, regurgitation of acid in the throat, and vomiting. Over time, if left untreated, acid reflux can damage the esophagus and lead to ulcers, scar tissue build-up, and a narrowing of the throat. It can even put you at risk of developing esophageal cancer.
Causes of acid reflux
There are many causes of acid reflux, otherwise known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. The most well-known culprits relate to our diet. Meals with high acid content such as tomato sauce or spicy foods often the cause of acid reflux.
Lying down after eating a large meal can also lead to acid reflux, as can a hiatal hernia, a condition in which the top portion of the stomach bulges — or herniates — through the diaphragm muscle.
Pregnant women also suffer from acid reflux due to the uterus and stomach shifting to accommodate the growing baby and hormonal changes which can relax the esophagus. Other causes of acid reflux include prescription medications, obesity, smoking, eating too close to bedtime, or drinking certain beverages with caffeine or carbonation.
Alternative treatments for acid reflux
We often consider over-the-counter and prescription medications to be the only remedies for acid reflux. However, lifestyle changes and chiropractic care for acid reflux are incredibly effective at reducing or eliminating acid reflux symptoms, without the need for pills or unpleasant, chalky tablets.
Chiropractic care adjusts misalignment in the spine, allowing the nerves that run to the stomach, esophagus, and other essential parts of the digestive system to work effectively. Chiropractic care can fix hiatal hernias that may be causing acid reflux.
Pregnant women also benefit from chiropractic care. Gentle spinal alignment techniques can alleviate acid reflux and help relax muscles that have become fatigued as a result of structural changes caused by the growing baby.
Your chiropractor can work with you to make important changes to your lifestyle such as diet, nutrition, and weight management.
Conclusion
Finding relief from acid reflux can make a huge difference in your life. If your quality of life is suffering because of this condition, consult a chiropractor who can help reduce your symptoms and perhaps eliminate your acid reflux altogether.
Michigan Chiropractic Specialists provides chiropractic care for acid reflux in Garden City, MI.
