GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is known to most people as a more severe form of acid reflux. Acid reflux deals with the backwards flow of acid from the stomach into the esophagus, and GERD is diagnosed when this backwards flow occurs frequently and severely, possibly including additional symptoms.
GERD involves regular heartburn, regurgitation of food or liquid, problems swallowing, coughing, and wheezing. It may also involve chest pain or feeling like there is a lump in the throat.
If you’ve been diagnosed with GERD, your doctor has likely suggested that you make some lifestyle changes to help manage the symptoms. Eating a healthier and more balanced diet is typically the first step in relieving yourself of the discomfort of GERD. Avoiding fatty and fried foods, increasing your fruit and vegetable consumption, limiting or eliminating caffeine or alcohol, and eating small meals are just some of the ways you can help alleviate GERD symptoms.
Depending on the severity and frequency of your discomfort from GERD, your doctor may also encourage you to take over-the-counter medications, or he may prescribe more powerful medications or suggest surgery.
Chiropractic May Help You with Acid Reflux
As part of our overall health care, we also provide patients with guidance on weight loss, improving diet and exercise plans. All of these elements are important in treating acid reflux and preventing it from returning.
Finally, a common cause of GERD is a hiatal hernia. A hiatal hernia is a condition when the top part of the stomach pinches through the diaphragm muscle. Our chiropractic care is effective in treating hiatal hernias which may be causing the acid reflux.
The best thing about our chiropractic care is that it involves no prescription drugs or surgery. It’s safe and effective.
