GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a condition that causes acid reflux. What is acid reflux? Is there anything you can do to get help for this painful and potentially dangerous condition? How may two tiny bones in the upper neck play a major role in this issue? Read on to learn everything you need to know about acid reflux and a natural way to find relief that is bringing hope to many patients.
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acids or other contents escapes back up the esophagus. The body uses processes like swallowing to keep these liquids in the stomach. Gravity can also help when a person is standing up. That is why reflux may grow worse when a person lies down. What are the symptoms of acid reflux?
• Heartburn – In other words, indigestion. It describes the burning sensation that may occur between the stomach and the throat when the acid is climbing in the wrong direction. It is called heartburn because the pain is in the chest. However, this is an esophageal condition and does not affect the heart.
• Regurgitation – An acid reflux sufferer may feel the acid back up into the throat and even the back of the mouth. On occasion, this may lead to a bitter taste in the mouth like one may feel after vomiting.
• Dyspepsia – While this is a very general term that just refers to discomfort of the stomach, it can be characterized by feelings of abdominal pain, feelings of being overfull, nausea, and it may result in burping.
Most people view things like heartburn as a harmless annoyance. A couple of antacids later, they forget all about it and go about life without thinking about the potential long-term effects. Unfortunately, stomach acid can seriously damage the lining of the esophagus over time. After a while, this may result in bleeding or even the development of Barrett’s esophagus. What does this mean?
Barrett’s esophagus occurs when the stomach acids gradually make changes in the cells of the esophagus. Eventually, this leads to the formation of precancerous cells and then cancerous cells. Esophageal cancer is extremely deadly. Fewer than half of people survive 5 years after being diagnosed with esophageal cancer. If the cancer is in other places along with the esophagus that number drops to fewer than 1 in 5.
The central nervous system (CNS) is directly responsible for the process of peristalsis (which the body uses to make sure everything goes through the digestive tract in the correct direction). This means that you need your nervous system to be functioning at its best in order for the GI tract to send contents in the right direction (as opposed to backing up into the esophagus). The brainstem plays a particularly important role since it is in charge of many of the body’s involuntary actions. This includes everything from breathing and heart rate to swallowing – a key element in keeping acids in the stomach where they belong. How can neck alignment affect the brainstem?
Without getting into a major anatomy lesson, the top two bones of the neck (upper cervical spine) surround the area where the brainstem meets up with the spinal cord. As a result, even the slightest misalignment of the C1 and C2 can put pressure on the brainstem and affect its ability to function properly. The results can be many and varied, but acid reflux is definitely on the list of possible outcomes.
Even if you have been to a chiropractor in the past, do not assume that your upper cervical spine is properly aligned. Making adjustments to this sensitive part of the body requires precision and gentle corrections. The popping and cracking of general chiropractic is not the best way to correct this issue. That is why the subspecialty of upper cervical chiropractic exists. How does it differ?
• Focus – This specific form of chiropractic targets only the top two bones of the neck.
• Precision – Upper cervical chiropractors use diagnostic imaging techniques to pinpoint misalignments down to hundredths of a degree or mere fractions of a millimeter.
•Low Force – Rather than using sheer force to move the bones back into place, they perform gentle adjustments either by hand or by using an adjusting instrument. These gentle adjustments are safe for the entire family (even infants have been helped with colic and acid reflux in case studies). Corrections are also long-lasting, which gives the body the time that it needs to heal.
If you suffer from chronic bouts of acid reflux, you need to get help before it develops into something serious. Upper cervical chiropractic care is a natural way to get the relief you are searching for. This is especially true if you have a history of head or neck trauma. Even if you were not diagnosed with whiplash or a concussion, there might have been enough force to create a mild subluxation of the C1 or C2 vertebra. This, in turn, can put pressure on the brainstem and lead to acid reflux.
If you are interested in natural forms of care, upper cervical chiropractic may be right for you. The best way to find out is to locate a nearby practitioner. The help you need may be within reach. Schedule a consultation today to learn more.
Does drinking water help acid reflux?
Yes, it does. Frequently consuming plain, pure water can make the digestion process better and curb GERD symptoms.
What triggers acid reflux?
Some acid reflux triggers include eating a heavy meal and lying on your back, bending over at the waist, snacking close to bedtime. eating certain foods, such as citrus, tomato, chocolate, spicy or fatty foods. Beverages such as alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee, or tea can also trigger acid reflux.
What is the best sleeping position for acid reflux?
Sleeping on your left side reduces acid reflux. Should stomach acid escape, gravity is able to return it to your stomach quicker than when on your right side or on your back. This is why sleeping on your left side is the best position to avoid acid reflux.
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The content and materials provided in this web site are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to supplement or comprise a medical diagnosis or other professional opinion, or to be used in lieu of a consultation with a physician or competent health care professional for medical diagnosis and/or treatment. All content and materials including research papers, case studies and testimonials summarizing patients' responses to care are intended for educational purposes only and do not imply a guarantee of benefit. Individual results may vary, depending upon several factors including age of the patient, severity of the condition, severity of the spinal injury, and duration of time the condition has been present.
