Chiropractors treat indigestion with a combination of manipulations that ease the pressure on specific nerves and advise on positive lifestyle changes.
Chiropractic care is a drug-free, non-invasive form of healthcare that has been used for centuries to treat numerous conditions. One of the lesser-known uses for chiropractic is to help alleviate indigestion symptoms.
Through gentle manipulations and adjustments, chiropractors can help restore proper functioning in the digestive system, resulting in relief from indigestion symptoms like bloating, gas pain, and acid reflux.
Connecting Chiropractic Treatment To Acid Reflux
Acid reflux, a condition that causes heartburn and discomfort in the chest, affects millions of people globally. While there are medications to treat the symptoms, chiropractic treatment is gaining attention as a viable alternative.
The key to this treatment is the understanding that acid reflux is often caused by a misalignment in the spine. Chiropractic adjustments can help align the spine properly and relieve pressure on the stomach’s nerves.
By doing so, chiropractic treatment can reduce the occurrence and severity of acid reflux symptoms without the use of medication. If you’re looking for a natural way to manage your acid reflux, chiropractic treatment may be worth considering.
Can a Chiropractor Reduce Heartburn and Acid Reflux?
The answer is yes! Chiropractors are experts in adjusting the spine to promote proper nerve functioning. By making targeted adjustments, chiropractors can reduce pressure on nerves that may be causing or exacerbating acid reflux symptoms.
With regular treatment sessions and lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and eating smaller meals more frequently, you can find much-needed relief from heartburn and acid reflux.
How Does a Chiropractor Treat Acid Reflux?
Chiropractors use various techniques to adjust the spine and reduce pressure on nerves that may contribute to acid reflux. These techniques can include manual adjustments, massage therapy, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation.
Chiropractic treatments are usually tailored to the individual patient’s needs and preferences. With regular visits, you can get relief from acid reflux and associated discomfort.
Chiropractic Treatment – What To Expect
At your initial appointment, the chiropractor will go over your medical history and perform an exam to diagnose your condition. The practitioner will then work with you to develop a plan that works for you and your condition.
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, follow-up visits may be necessary to monitor progress and ensure that treatments are effective. Overall, with the help of a professional chiropractor, you can find relief from indigestion in a safe and natural way.
Defining Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is also called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is a digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is a band of muscle near the bottom of the esophagus. It opens to allow consumables into the stomach.
When the LES is weakened or doesn’t close properly, stomach acids can travel back up into the esophagus and cause a burning sensation known as heartburn. If left untreated, this inconvenience can lead to more serious health issues such as ulcers, Barrett’s esophagus, and cancer.
If you’re experiencing acid reflux, speaking with your doctor about treatment options is important.
Acid Reflux – The Causes
Acid reflux is caused by a variety of factors, including diet, lifestyle habits, and bodily abnormalities.
Common triggers include spicy or fatty foods, caffeine, smoking, overeating, and stress. Other common causes include obesity, pregnancy, hiatal hernias, certain medications (such as aspirin), and medical conditions like asthma or GERD.
Hiatal Hernia Could Be the Culprit
Hiatal hernia is a condition in which the upper part of the stomach protrudes through an opening in the diaphragm. This can cause pressure on the LES, leading to acid reflux and uncomfortable symptoms.
If you’re experiencing acid reflux and think you may have a hiatal hernia, it’s important to speak with your doctor about treatment options.
Your LES Is the Weak Link
The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a band of muscle at the esophagus’s base that can weaken over time. When this happens, stomach acid can flow back up into the esophagus and cause acid reflux.
Consuming Large Meals and Overeating
Eating too much or eating large, heavy meals can place excessive pressure on the LES and cause acid reflux. You can reduce symptoms by eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day.
Avoid Certain Foods and Beverages
Certain foods and drinks are known to trigger acid reflux. These include spicy or fatty foods, alcohol, caffeine, tomatoes, citrus fruits, chocolate, and garlic.
It’s important to identify your triggers and adjust your diet accordingly.
Carrying Too Much Extra Weight
Excess abdominal fat can put pressure on the LES, causing it to relax and allowing stomach acid to travel back up into the esophagus. Reducing weight through diet and exercise can help alleviate symptoms.
Symptoms Brought on By Pregnancy
The hormone progesterone relaxes the LES, allowing stomach acid to travel back up into the esophagus. While pregnancy-related GERD is usually temporary, it’s important to speak with your doctor about treatment options if symptoms persist.
Can Be Caused by Smoking
Smoking increases the production of stomach acids and relaxes the LES, making it easier for acid to travel back up into the esophagus. Quitting smoking can help alleviate symptoms and reduce your risk of long-term GERD-related complications.
OTC and Prescription Medications
Some medications, including ibuprofen, aspirin, and certain calcium channel blockers, can increase your risk of acid reflux. Speak with your doctor about alternatives if you’re taking any of these medications and experiencing heartburn or GERD-related symptoms.
Stress Is a Problem
Stress can worsen acid reflux symptoms by increasing stomach acid production and weakening the LES. Reducing stress through relaxation methods like yoga, meditation, or exercise can help alleviate heartburn and other uncomfortable symptoms.
Resulting From Other Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions can also increase your risk of acid reflux. These include diabetes, asthma, and thyroid disorders.
Digestive Issues Causing Acid Reflux
If you’re experiencing other digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, and stomach pain, speaking with your doctor can help determine the cause. Lifestyle changes and home remedies are often effective treatments.
Below is a list of other issues that may or may not be related to your current symptoms.
IBS
IBS is a common digestive disorder that’s characterized by abdominal pain and cramping, changes in bowel movements, gas, bloating, and other symptoms. Treatment typically involves diet and lifestyle modifications to reduce symptoms.
GERD
GERD is a chronic digestive disorder in which stomach acid travels back up into the esophagus, causing unpleasant heartburn and other symptoms.
Treatment typically includes lifestyle changes like avoiding trigger foods and reducing stress, medications to reduce stomach acid production, and potentially surgery.
Autoimmune Disorders Like Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that prevents the body from properly digesting gluten, a protein found in wheat and other grains. Treatment typically involves adopting a strict gluten-free diet to reduce symptoms.
Crohn’s Disease – Inflamed Gastrointestinal Tract
Crohn’s disease is a chronic digestive disorder that causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Treatment typically involves medications and lifestyle changes to reduce symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
Peptic Ulcers Can Cause Intense Pain
Peptic ulcers are sores that form on the lining of your stomach or small intestine. Treatment typically involves antibiotics to reduce inflammation and pain relievers to reduce discomfort.
IBD
IBD is a chronic digestive disorder that causes inflammation in the lining of your intestines. Treatment typically involves medications and lifestyle changes to reduce symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
Gallstones – Cholelithiasis
Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder. Treatment for gallstones typically involves medications to dissolve stones or surgery to remove them.
Gastroenteritis – Inflammation of Stomach and Intestine
Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and/or intestines which is caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Treatment typically includes rest, fluids to prevent dehydration, and medications to reduce discomfort.
Constipation – Difficulty With Bowel Movements
Constipation is a condition in which you have difficulty passing hard stools. Most often, this is fixed by drinking more water and consuming more fiber.
Diarrhea – Loose or Runny Stool
Diarrhea is a condition in which you have frequent and loose bowel movements. Treatment typically involves increasing fluid intake to prevent dehydration and antidiarrheal medications to reduce symptoms.
Hemorrhoids – Swollen Veins
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum or anus. There are a variety of ointments and creams to help relieve suffering.
FAQ
Can being out of alignment cause indigestion?
Yes, it is possible that misalignments in the spine can cause digestive issues. In chiropractic care, practitioners use spinal manipulations to adjust misalignments and restore nervous system balance. This helps improve digestion by reducing nerve irritation and allowing your body to regulate its digestive functions better.
How do chiropractors adjust stomach?
Chiropractors use gentle spinal manipulations to adjust the spine and improve its alignment. This helps restore balance in your nervous system, positively impacting your digestive system and reducing indigestion symptoms.
Can your back being out of alignment cause acid reflux?
Yes, misalignments in the spine can lead to digestive disorders such as acid reflux. By adjusting and realigning the spine, chiropractic care can reduce nerve irritation and help regulate digestive functions, which may reduce symptoms of indigestion.
Can a chiropractor help acid reflux in babies?
While the research on the effectiveness of chiropractic care for acid reflux in babies is still limited, many parents have reported significant improvements in their child’s symptoms after seeking chiropractic treatment.
Can a chiropractor help with silent reflux?
Yes, chiropractic care can help reduce symptoms of silent reflux. By adjusting and realigning the spine, a chiropractor can improve nervous system balance and reduce nerve irritation.
