3 Ways Chiropractic Care Can Help Acid Reflux
Posted on: 6 June 2016
If you have acid reflux, you are probably familiar with standard treatment options such as over-the-counter antacids, acid blockers, and watching your diet. What you may not be aware of, however, is that chiropractic care may also play an important complementary role in the treatment of your symptoms. Here are three ways seeing your chiropractor may help improve your acid reflux symptoms of heartburn, constant throat clearing, and coughing:
Spinal Realignment
Although diet, spicy foods, certain medications, and stress can all contribute to acid reflux, people with a condition known as kyphosis may be at a heightened risk. Kyphosis refers to an abnormality in the curvature of the spine, and when combined with other factors such as weak back muscles, it can significantly increase the incidence of reflux.
Lumbar kyphosis can increase the pressure that is exerted upon the stomach which can cause irritating gastric acid to migrate up into your upper digestive system. Kyphosis can also displace your stomach, leading to a hernia, which is another risk factor for acid reflux. Chiropractic care can help reduce the risk for reflux related to alterations in posture and spinal alignment through spinal manipulation treatments.
Eliminating Nerve Interference
Acid reflux disease can also be related to abnormal neurological function. When your spine is not in proper alignment, undue pressure can be placed upon the spinal nerves. Because your nervous system plays an important role in every bodily function including the function of the stomach, alterations in nerve function can raise the risk for stomach dysfunction.
Chiropractic physicians refer to alterations in nerve function related to the misalignment of the spine as nerve interference. Spinal adjustments can help eliminate nerve interference, thereby enhancing optimal stomach function and digestion.
Therapeutic Massage
Stress can also play a role in the development of acid reflux. Therapeutic massage can help inhibit the release of stress hormones and promote the release of "feel good" chemicals known as endorphins. When you are relaxed, you may be less like to experience gastrointestinal distress and reflux symptoms. During your therapeutic massage appointment, your chiropractor can also help you make positive lifestyle and nutrition choices that may also help mitigate acid reflux symptoms.
If medications, losing weight, and monitoring your diet have not helped minimize your symptoms, consider chiropractic care as an effective complementary treatment option to help manage your stomach problems. The sooner acid reflux is treated, the less likely you are to experience permanent tissue damage, inflammation, and irritation to your esophagus and throat.
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