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Is Acid Reflux a Stomach Problem?

What used to be called “heartburn” now has a fancy name attached to it – gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or more simply, acid reflux. It occurs when the valve between the stomach and the esophagus fails to close and some of the contents of the stomach back up into the esophagus. This causes a burning sensation in the throat or heartburn.

Acid Reflux

What causes acid reflux? There are a number of factors that seem to make the condition worse, hiatal hernia, pregnancy, alcohol use, smoking, and certain foods and beverages, particularly those that are tomato-based, acidic, fried, caffeinated and heavily spiced.

Sufferers often resort to medication or make changes to their lifestyle:

  • Stop smoking
  • Refrain from alcohol
  • Eat smaller meals
  • Avoid spicy or fried foods
  • Lose weight
  • Reduce stress

Naturally, we see acid reflux quite differently. Rather than a drug shortage or a dietary issue, we see the effects of acid reflux as a functional problem. That is, part of your body isn’t working right. What controls how your body works? The nervous system, of course!

When we see patients who mention stomach and digestive problems, we often see spinal problems in the mid- to lower-back. These can be a source of nerve disruption between the brain and stomach. So, while it appears to be a stomach problem, it may actually be a nerve problem.

If you are experiencing the symptoms of acid reflux, or know someone who is, please call us to schedule an appointment.

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Dr. Melling Asks some important questions of interest to Denver residents - Chiropractor Denver Dr. Melling Asks...

Can someone who has had back surgery receive chiropractic care?
Yes. Rest assured that we will avoid the surgically modified areas of your spine. However, what we find is that surgical interventions will often produce spinal instability above or below the involved level. This is will be the focus of your chiropractic care.
What's the difference between sick care and health care?
Sick care is largely about relieving or suppressing symptoms. Health care is about improving performance. While sick care is about how you feel, health care is about how you function. Sick care is what you do to treat an obvious problem, and health care is what you do to avoid the problem and advance your well-being.