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Intra-muscular pressure may be the key to GERD

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Posted 3/4/2009 7:13 PM (GMT 0)
Ive noticed that alot of the problems I get with dysphagia, acid reflux, abdominal distension, nausea, indigestion, ibs all seems to stem from being sat at the desk/pc. I've noticed I don't suffer from this when I am on holiday/away from the desk. I have recently been reading about intra-muscular pressure, causing pressure on the bowel, stomach, pushing the LES into the open position, therefore letting the acid creep into the oesophagus causing irritation. I've not been at my desk for a couple of days because I've been unwell and I've not had this pressure, (I call it throat lock) where my stomach feels like its up near my throat, this is where I get hesitant swallowing liquids. It's ironical that all my symptoms diminish when Im not sat in one position for long lengths of time.

I'm not a doctor, but I am a researcher in what I do (not medical) so I do like to find things out, but the intra-muscular pressure seems like a link especially with folks who (may also) have a hiatus hernia.

I'd like to hear anyone else's opinion on this matter.
Posted 3/4/2009 11:44 PM (GMT 0)
i totally think you are correct in this thought
altho im never 100% anymore - i do feel like my gerd - and other gi issues diminish a little when im not at work ( which is desk related) -- i also think that not moving around has contributed to my gerd constipation problems.. im trying to make it a point to get up and walk a little during my days at work
Posted 3/5/2009 1:02 PM (GMT 0)
Good for you saddaze, I think there is a link to a sedentary lifestyle. Although the IMP may not be the cause for everyone. Just thought I'd point that out. :)
Posted 3/6/2009 11:22 AM (GMT 0)
You could be on to something here. For the past 10 months, I've been VERY sedentary (sitting in front of computer all day), and it has been directly correlated with that ever-so-hated constant choking/tightness around neck problem. When I'm out and about doing stuff, psychologically I feel the choking much less, but maybe there is a physical factor that comes into play as well. Good observation, and definitely something that needs more looking into!
Posted 3/9/2009 10:24 PM (GMT 0)
Glad to be of help Lokk, maybe we should all keep a diary of problems relating around been at the desk/sedentary. I suppose the human body isn't designed to be in one position for a long time. The choking/tightness does cause psychological issues, it does with me anyway and when I'm out and about my mind isn't on it as much, pain in the neck all the same (pardon the pun).
Posted 3/10/2009 1:24 AM (GMT 0)

Intra-muscular tension is an interesting theory.  While I think many more people (including my office mates) would have GERD if it were just from sitting in front of a computer all day, it could be a contributing factor. 

Something I thought of in relation to intra-muscular tension is - what is the first thing they tell you to do with reflux?  ELEVATE the head of the bed.  What if this is actually contributing to keeping the LES open during the night?  How many of you sleep with a wedge pillow (I put mine under the mattress to minimize the angle formed) with the intention of using gravity to keep the acid down? I know they tell you not to sleep on pillows - that it can make it worse - but what if there is no good way to elevate your head because your body needs to lie flat for the LES to relax and close?

What are your thoughts?

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