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What Is GERD?

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.

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.

GERD sufferers often resort to medication or make changes to their lifestyle:

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 may 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.