Boca Raton Specific Chiropractic May Help Acid Reflux and Heart Burn

 

According to WebMD:

 

Heartburn or acid reflux symptoms include chronic cough, chest pain and burning. Knowing your triggers, such as certain foods, medications, obesity, or even stress, can help prevent heartburn. Heartburn treatment may include medications, home remedies, or diet changes.

 

While Specific Chiropractic does not directly treat acid reflux or heart burn,  it may help increase your ability to overcome these symptoms by decreasing stress to your nervous system and improving overall function.

 

Our Doctors in Boca Raton may offer relief to heartburn, acid reflux, and/or GERD.

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Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) when chronic, occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing discomfort and irritation. This happens due to the improper functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle that separates the esophagus from the stomach. Acid reflux symptoms can include:

• Heartburn (burning sensation in the chest)

• Regurgitation of acidic or sour liquid

• Difficulty swallowing

• Hoarseness or sore throat

• Chronic cough

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Medical Treatments for Acid Reflux

The medical treatment for acid reflux primarily focuses on symptom management and preventing further complications. Common medical interventions include:

1. Lifestyle and Dietary Modifications:

   • Avoiding trigger foods (e.g., spicy, fatty, acidic foods, caffeine, and alcohol).

   • Eating smaller meals and not lying down immediately after eating.

   • Elevating the head of the bed to prevent nighttime reflux.

2. Medications:

   • Antacids: Over-the-counter medications like Tums or Rolaids that neutralize stomach acid.

   • H2 Receptor Blockers: Drugs like ranitidine and famotidine that reduce acid production.

   • Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Medications such as omeprazole and esomeprazole that reduce acid production by blocking the enzyme in the stomach lining that produces acid. They are often prescribed for chronic GERD cases.

   • Prokinetics: These medications help the stomach empty faster, which can reduce reflux episodes.

3. Surgical Interventions (for severe cases):

   • Fundoplication: A procedure where the top of the stomach is wrapped around the LES to strengthen it and prevent acid reflux.

   • LINX Device: A ring of magnetic beads is placed around the LES to improve its closure, preventing acid from flowing back up.

While these treatments can effectively manage symptoms, they may come with potential side effects and do not address the underlying cause if the issue is linked to nervous system dysfunction.

How Upper Cervical Chiropractic May Help with Acid Reflux

Upper cervical chiropractic care focuses on aligning the upper cervical spine, specifically the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae. The alignment of this area is crucial because the brainstem — which controls various bodily functions, including digestive processes — passes through it. The vagus nerve, which extends from the brainstem to the digestive tract, helps regulate the function of the LES.

When the upper cervical spine is misaligned, it can put pressure on the brainstem, potentially affecting vagus nerve function. Impaired nerve function can disrupt the LES, contributing to acid reflux symptoms.

Here’s how upper cervical chiropractic can support acid reflux management:

1. Improving Nervous System Function: By restoring proper alignment in the upper cervical spine, upper cervical chiropractic care may relieve pressure on the brainstem and improve vagus nerve function. This can enhance the body’s ability to regulate digestive processes, potentially reducing acid reflux symptoms.

2. Reducing Systemic Inflammation: Correcting spinal misalignments can help the body function in a more balanced state. Improved alignment may alleviate inflammation and stress throughout the body, which can positively impact the digestive system.

3. Supporting Overall Health and Healing: Upper cervical chiropractic care aims to facilitate the body’s natural healing processes by enhancing nervous system function. While not a direct treatment for acid reflux, this holistic approach can address potential contributing factors like poor nerve function, which may exacerbate acid reflux symptoms.

Medical Treatment vs. Upper Cervical Chiropractic

• Medical treatment: Focuses on symptom management, often through medications and lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgical interventions. It can effectively reduce symptoms but may not address underlying causes related to the nervous system or spinal alignment.

• Upper cervical chiropractic: Takes a holistic approach by aiming to correct spinal misalignments that may interfere with nerve function, potentially reducing acid reflux by improving nervous system communication with the digestive tract. It's often used as a complementary therapy to support overall health and well-being.

If you’re interested in a non-invasive approach to managing acid reflux, upper cervical chiropractic might be worth considering, especially if you’re looking for a natural way to support your body’s healing processes.