Heartburn has become epidemic in our society. Drug companies have made fortunes marketing treatment for this disease (yes, it is a disease � heartburn is also known as GERD or Gastro-esophageal reflux disease). You’ve heard of the Purple Pill, Zantac and Pepcid. Heartburn is caused by stomach acid that has found its way into the esophagus. The lining of the stomach is designed to handle the 2.0 acidic pH of stomach acid, but this can be an irritant to the lining of the esophagus, throat, mouth and lungs. Stomach acid refluxes into the esophagus due to overeating, excess acid production or a laxity in the closure between the esophagus and the stomach (known as the lower esophageal sphincter � LES). For more information on heartburn see the American College of Gastroenterology website at http://www.acg.gi.org.
Lifestyle factors may also play a role in the cause of heartburn. Patients that are overweight are more likely to experience GERD. Smoking, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate and fatty foods may increase your likelihood of experiencing heartburn. Chiropractic may be helpful in treating heartburn by clearing communication between the brain and the nerve centers that control stomach acid production and/or the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The spinal areas of the upper and mid thoracic vertebra contain the nerve roots that communicate with these important gastric areas. If you are a chronic sufferer of heartburn you may be tender to the touch in your upper thoracic spine – in the areas that innervate the esophagus and stomach.
Call Florida Chiropractor (727) 345-4242 or text us at (727) 648-5459 to schedule an appointment. You may also contact us on our website here.