What are Acid Reflux and Heartburn?
Acid reflux and heartburn is a chronic digestive disease that causes the acid or bile in the stomach to travel up the esophagus, irritating the delicate lining of the throat and causing a burning, uncomfortable sensation in the chest.
Signs and Symptoms of Acid Reflux and Heartburn
Generally, acid reflux is a precursor to heartburn and a whole host of secondary issues if left unchecked. Some other signs and symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn include regurgitation, a sour taste in the mouth, a sore throat, water/acid brash, stomach pain, a searing or burning sensation in the chest, and indigestion.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Acid Reflux and Heartburn
While lifestyle changes will go a long way in easing acid reflux and heartburn, most doctors simply prescribe antacids to help manage this condition, completely ignoring the underlying cause. With upper cervical chiropractic treatment, the cause of acid reflux and heartburn can be targeted rather than simply masking the symptoms.
The central nervous system (CNS), a key component in controlling the process known as peristalsis, is predominately located in the upper cervical spine. Peristalsis controls the direction of food through the digestive tract (from the stomach to the intestines). If the CNS is impacted by a vertebral misalignment in the upper cervical spine, it can interrupt or even inhibit the flow of electric signals through the nervous system. Consequently, the process of peristalsis may become halted, irregular, or may even be interrupted completely, resulting in acid reflux and heartburn.
How Our Treatment Works for Acid Reflux and Heart Burn
Dr. Gordon Elder, our acid reflux and heartburn specialist, is an expert in the Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique. This technique focuses on restoring the health and function of the upper cervical spine to allow for optimum nerve, muscle, and spinal function.
Dr. Elder employs a two-step approach for acid reflux and heartburn treatment.
Generally, patients will first attend a 25–30-minute consultation so Dr. Elder can gain a better understanding of their history. During this time Dr. Elder will also determine whether a vertebral misalignment could be triggering heartburn and acid reflux symptoms.
Following your initial consult, Dr. Elder will provide you with a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan. Of course, you’ll also have the opportunity to ask Dr. Elder any questions or address any concerns regarding your treatment. The diagnostic process will involve advanced 3-D imaging techniques in order to determine the exact location of any misalignments.
During your first treatment, Dr. Elder performs a series of precise, low-force adjustments to coax the misaligned vertebrae back into alignment. By targeting inflammation sources affecting the CNS, this process will improve nerve flow along the spinal cord and throughout the body, thereby reducing or even curing your acid reflux and heartburn.
Patients do need to be aware that they’ll need to return for regular check-ups (for at least 3-5 months) to ensure the adjustment is setting. Most patients average between 10 and 15 appointments with Dr. Elder to achieve long-lasting/permanent results.
Don’t suffer from acid reflux and heartburn in silence, get in touch today to speak with Dr. Gordon Elder about the health of your upper cervical spine. Located in Lubbock, Texas, Dr. Elder also services Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, El Paso in Texas, and Hobbs in New Mexico.