man suffering from acid refluxYour spine can have a holistic influence on overall health. Poor alignment puts pressure on certain areas of the body, causes others to weaken and affects communication from the central nervous system.

In turn, poor posture and form can lead to seemingly unrelated health conditions, including acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Learn how chiropractic care can help manage your symptoms.

What Is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux is the result of stomach acid traveling up to the esophagus, an organ of the digestive system that moves food and liquid from the throat to the stomach. This irritation of the food pipe lining can occur after a meal or when you lie down.

The cardia is where the top part of your stomach connects to your esophagus. Acid reflux occurs when the cardia does not perform as expected. When functioning correctly, it keeps food and acid in your stomach, limiting exposure to the upper digestive tract.

When the cardia fails, acid and food inside the stomach comes in contact with the thinner protective lining of the esophagus. As a result, you experience a burning, inflamed or irritated sensation that may be accompanied by a sore throat and chest pain.

While age can affect how well the cardia does its job, acid reflux can occur in response to:

  • Obesity
  • Prescription medication side effect
  • Smoking
  • Pregnancy
  • Hiatal hernia, or a bulging in your diaphragm that places pressure on your esophagus
  • Consuming a lot of fried food, sweets, alcohol or coffee
  • Poor posture
  • Stress
  • Connective tissue disorder

What Is GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a more severe form of acid reflux involving the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which lets food enter the stomach but closes to prevent acid from traveling back up. A weaker LES contributes to GERD, which is characterized by routine backflow of stomach acid and other contents. Additional symptoms include:

  • Issues swallowing
  • Coughing
  • Chest pains
  • Feeling a lump in your throat
  • Choking
  • Throwing up

Long-term exposure gradually erodes the esophageal lining. Treatment for acid reflux and GERD may include medications that decrease stomach acid production and lifestyle changes.

Chiropractic Therapy for Acid Reflux and GERD

Research has shown a correlation between a poorly aligned or abnormally curved spine and the development of acid reflux. This relationship stems from three factors:

  • Misalignment places more pressure on the stomach and upper digestive tract, contributing to a hiatal hernia.
  • The curvature weakens the back muscles, as well as the stomach-gastric muscle that prevents food and acid from traveling up the esophagus. This factor influences how efficiently food travels from the stomach to the intestines.
  • Misalignment also places pressure on the nerves emerging from the spine, affecting activity and how signals travel throughout the body. Called “nerve interference,” this condition influences how the stomach and rest of the digestive tract function.

Chiropractors consider the relationship between the stomach and digestive tract. Treating acid reflux and GERD begins with properly aligning the spine for nervous system relief, a factor which may also be contributing to migraines and muscle spasms. This involves:

  • Decreasing stress on the spinal joints and adjacent nerves
  • Strengthening the spinal muscles to lessen pressure on the digestive tract
  • Encouraging patients to maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the spine and joints
  • Addressing joint restrictions and subluxations contributing to nerve interferences

 
Chiropractic Health Center of Glastonbury can help patients better manage gastrointestinal issues related to spinal misalignment. To make an appointment, contact us today.

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Marguerite R.
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Matt U.
"I started adjustments for neck, back, and tailbone pain and at the end of the 10 weeks the pain was completely gone. Dr. Wade is kind, funny, and very good at what he does. He brings positive energy into the office every single day and is in a good mood 100% of the time."
Cassandra K.
"Such a great experience in understanding and learning how to treat my chronic pain! The office staff is wonderful, informative and empathetic! Dr. D is also invested in making you to your best self! They found a convert here!"
Debby D.
"I started adjustments for neck, back, and tailbone pain and at the end of the 10 weeks the pain was completely gone. Dr. Wade is kind, funny, and very good at what he does. He brings positive energy into the office every single day and is in a good mood 100% of the time."
Cassandra K.
"I still can't say enough good things about Dr. D. and his staff. My level of care remains excellent and Dr. D continues to go above and beyond to take care of my family's health, even helping my daughter find and transition to a new chiropractor when she moved out of state. Truly a practice that cares about its patients!"
Lisa C.
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Beth M.
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Kyle M.
"Great staff. Listen, understand, and educate you throughout the process. Flexible with scheduling and will do everything they can to accommodate you."
Hunter R.
"The administrative staff and practitioners are all friendly, capable, efficient, and very responsive. In addition, Dr. Keith Wade is knowledgeable, passionate about his craft, patient and thorough in answering questions. As a direct result of all that, my low back, ankles an knees feel much better, I am in less pain, and I am less afraid that my back will keep hurting or "going out." I am very grateful."
Malinda B.
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Lelaneia D.
"I strained my lower back a month prior to an Ironman race. I was unable to sleep, walk or sit, never mind continue training as planned. The entire office staff is beyond kind, caring, professional and runs extremely smooth. I was explained every step and procedure, along with a patient education class that really helped me understand what was wrong with my back and steps to fix it. Dr Wade was able to get me sleeping, walking and able to compete in my triathlon. 5 stars for many reasons and would highly recommend."
Dylan H.
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Rich A.
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Darcy
"Dr. D has been providing an integrative approach to the health and well being of my family for over 25 years. He is not only a highly skilled practitioner, but is a compassionate and caring person, not only to his patients but to the community.
Susan K.
"Best Chiropractic center in the State. I went to three chiropractors and none of them got my lower back back into place. I went to see Dr. D. and he snapped me back to normal in the first visit. Look no further. This place is the pinnacle of Chiropractic."
Joseph B.
"There is no better place than Chiropractic Health Center, from the moment you step into the office, you are welcomed with a smile and they even manage to remember every patients name. They put a lot of emphasis on your care, you start feeling better with every visit. I would recommend this practice over any other possible treatment/office in the state."
Carlos V.
"I started adjustments for neck, back, and tailbone pain and at the end of the 10 weeks the pain was completely gone. Dr. Wade is kind, funny, and very good at what he does. He brings positive energy into the office every single day and is in a good mood 100% of the time."
Cassandra K.
"I have had amazing experiences here, from the front staff to the doctors. They explain everything to you in detail and in a way you understand. I would highly recommend them."
Marguerite R.
"Great staff. Listen, understand, and educate you throughout the process. Flexible with scheduling and will do everything they can to accommodate you."
Hunter R.
"At my first appointment, I couldn’t stand up straight. I am now able to go back to my regular exercise routine. The staff is very knowledgeable, very friendly and organized. I have never had to wait more than a few minutes for my appointment, even when the office is very busy."
Amanda B.
"If I could give more than five stars, I wouldn't hesitate to do so. The office staff are all very professional and accommodating. There have been several instances where I had to make a last minute change to my appointment - either a cancellation or different time - and the office responded right away to make it happen. Not only this, but my appointments are always quick, yet very efficient. The doctors take their time in addressing my questions and explaining things so that I receive the best possible care."
Zach G.
"I felt heard, taken care of, treated with kindness and respect. Wonderful positive experience. A very welcoming office and staff. Definitely a five star establishment!"
Beth M.
"This is an outstanding office focused on not just relieving discomfort, but promoting optimal health. I look forward to my maintenance visits to keep my neurological system in tuned up condition."
Ellen P.
"I'm a very active individual and lower back pain was getting in the way of activities I love. While my back is still a work in progress, the time spent with Dr. D has been well worth it. I just ran 2 marathons in 2 weeks and these sessions helped me run these races with no back pain."
Matt from mission FITNESS
"I strained my lower back a month prior to an Ironman race. I was unable to sleep, walk or sit, never mind continue training as planned. The entire office staff is beyond kind, caring, professional and runs extremely smooth. I was explained every step and procedure, along with a patient education class that really helped me understand what was wrong with my back and steps to fix it. Dr Wade was able to get me sleeping, walking and able to compete in my triathlon. 5 stars for many reasons and would highly recommend."
Dylan H.
"I have been a patient for over a year and have seen terrific results from my plan of care. I was introduced to the office by a friend after I told him I was having back pain. The staff and doctors have been outstanding. They took some x-rays and ruled out certain things and put me on a plan of care that helped get me straight and pain free. I can't thank them enough."
Matt U.
"Great staff. Listen, understand, and educate you throughout the process. Flexible with scheduling and will do everything they can to accommodate you."
Hunter R.
"Great experience! Our whole family goes and we have referred other family members. Dr. Wade is awesome, he listens and wants what is best for his clients."
Kayla B.
"Dr. D has been providing an integrative approach to the health and well being of my family for over 25 years. He is not only a highly skilled practitioner, but is a compassionate and caring person, not only to his patients but to the community.
Susan K.
When I first came, I was out of alignment and had joint soreness but through my continual sessions, my overall health has improved 100%. I want to thank all the staff for their support and education."
Benjamin I.
"From the moment you walk into the office, you are welcomed with a smile and they even manage to remember every single patient's name. They treat you like family and put a lot of emphasis on your care. I started coming to this office when my son was about 4 months old and now at 11 months old, I have seen SO much progress with his neck that I myself started to see Dr D. and I am very grateful to have found such a wonderful place."
Nichole C.
"Great staff. Listen, understand, and educate you throughout the process. Flexible with scheduling and will do everything they can to accommodate you."
Hunter R.
"I lost my cousin (who was also a lifelong best friend) tragically back in November and happened to mention it during an adjustment, and a few days later, I received a handwritten sympathy card from Dr. Joe and the team. Things like that go a long way! I recommend CHCG without reservation."
Maxwell T.
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