What are Acid Reflux and Heartburn?
Acid reflux is a digestive condition that occurs when stomach acid escapes the stomach into the food pipe, irritating the lining and causing a host of secondary issues like heartburn. If a patient experiences acid reflux and heartburn more than twice a week, they may be suffering from a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease.
While poor lifestyle choices underpin a large number of acid reflux and heartburn cases, another potential factor is misalignment or injury in the upper cervical spine. Â
Signs and Symptoms of Acid Reflux and Heartburn
Acid reflux and heartburn can range from uncomfortable to completely debilitating conditions depending on the severity and frequency of symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms include burning pain in the chest after eating (this pain usually worsens when laying down), frequent burping or regurgitation following eating, general stomach pain, and a bitter taste in the back of the mouth, and excessive saliva production.Â
How the Upper Cervical Spine Effects Acid Reflux and Heartburn
While lifestyle changes can help to ease acid reflux and heartburn, modern medical interventions usually result in the prescription of antacids and other medications. A less common and often overlooked treatment for acid reflux and heartburn is the Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique. Due to its close proximity to the brainstem and central nervous system (CNS), dysfunction in the upper cervical spine can have a significant impact on the symptoms and management of acid reflux and heartburn.
The CNS is responsible for a process known as peristalsis, which dictates the direction of food through the digestive tract (from the stomach to the intestines). If a vertebral misalignment impedes the flow of nerve signals from the CNS to the digestive tract, it can disrupt peristalsis, triggering a range of acid reflux and heartburn symptoms.
How Our Natural Acid Reflux and Heartburn Treatment WorksÂ
By restoring function to the upper cervical spine, disorders like acid reflux and heartburn can be treated and resolved rather than simply managed.Â
When treating patients with acid reflux and/or heartburn, Blair Chiropractic specialists will first need to examine the upper cervical spine. This initial consultation process will locate any spinal misalignments that could be contributing to your condition. This process typically involves the use of X-rays and cone-beam computed tomography scans to pinpoint the exact location of any misalignments. Â
If a misalignment is identified, your Blair Chiropractic specialist will create a targeted treatment plan to address the root cause of your condition. To restore alignment to the spinal column, Blair practitioners perform a series of low-force, non-invasive manipulation techniques to shift the vertebrae back into their natural position. This process is completely painless, and, unlike traditional chiropractic care, it doesn’t involve any painful twisting or cracking.Â
