Yes--look up information here or on Net about
Hernias. Sliding are most common. Almost 1 in 3 people have them. Most don't cause any problems--but for many they can enlarge (slide) and contribute to LES dis-function which in turn leads to GERD problems. I have one, medium size. Usually start causing problems when you carry extra weigh, have extra stress and anxiety, wear tight clothing, you strain (like heavy weigh lifting), bad posture if you are seated at a desk all day, etc. etc. They can also enlarge from a fall or other injury as a result of an accident or sport.
Although there is no cure for HH other than a surgery (like Nissen Fundo and related)--and even that might be temporary... I have discovered a number of ways to relieve HH induced GERD. There are tricks that can help you manipulate and move your hernia down. I didn't think that they would ever work, but boy was I ever surprised. Look for "massage and hiatal hernia" on google and youtube. On YouTube there is a Chiro that goes into great detail on self-massage techniques. Otherwise you can look up a Chiro or Physical Therapist skilled in direct muscle manipulation.
One "trick" that seems to work well for me is drinking a full bottle of warm water first thing in the morning. Warm water seems to help my stomach to relax a bit. Anyways you then stand on your tippy toes and drop to your feet sharply or jump down from a step or two (what I do). The jolt and the weight of the water seems to help your HH drop. Anyways--I know it sounds weird but that and the massages seem to working for me greatly over the past 2 weeks. All things being equal, I have started to reduce my medicine.
Note I am NOT a doctor, just offering up my personal experiences. Good Luck! MM
