Get Relief from Your Hiatal Hernia
The heartburn and acid reflux you are suffering might simply be that: heartburn and acid reflux. Or, those symptoms might be signs of a condition called hiatal hernia (stomach hernia).
A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach bulges through a small opening in your diaphragm. This hole is called the hiatus. Only the esophagus, or the body’s “food tube,” is supposed to enter that space. Definitely not the stomach!
Although hiatal hernia is common and many people mistake their discomfort for lesser ailments, some hiatal hernia can lead to surgery.
Symptoms of a Hiatal Hernia
Because a hiatal hernia is a disruption of a properly functioning digestive process, it probably comes as no surprise that many of the symptoms stem from discomfort in the gut.
Our patients with hiatal hernia report experiencing:
- Heartburn
- Regurgitation of food or liquids into the mouth
- Bloating
- Burping
- Backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus (acid reflux)
- Difficulty swallowing
- Bad taste in your mouth
- Chest or abdominal pain
- Feeling unusually full soon after you eat
- Shortness of breath
- Upset stomach and vomiting
Causes of a Hiatal Hernia
Hiatal hernia occurs most frequently in people who are obese and/or age 50 and older. The bulge may be the result of certain activities, among them:
- Changes in your diaphragm as you age
- Injury to the area
- Being born with an unusually large hiatus
- A rise in pressure surrounding your belly muscles from
- Pregnancy
- Coughing
- Vomiting
- Straining during a bowel movement
- Exercising or lifting heavy objects
Treating a Hiatal Hernia at the Chiropractor
Because a hiatal hernia is a condition related to both the esophagus/stomach as well as a muscular issue with the diaphragm, a chiropractor is an appropriate medical professional to call for help! Chiropractors are trained in both the digestive and musculoskeletal systems and are therefore qualified to identify, diagnose, and treat the problem with success.
When it comes to a hiatal hernia, chiropractors solve the underlying issue by applying specific, gentle manipulation techniques to ease the hernia back into place. Their methods often lead to immediate relief.
They also recommend self-care measures to prevent hiatal hernia or relieve its symptoms. For instance, they might recommend regular exercise and changes to your diet to maintain a healthy weight and avoid heartburn.
Whether your gut discomfort is the result of a hiatal hernia or another digestive system condition, call Strelcheck Chiropractic Clinic. We will take care of you!
Sources:
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hiatal-hernia/symptoms-causes/syc-20373379
- https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/hiatal-hernia
