have you tried Chiropractic?

Hi all, I have had Gerd symptoms for a few years, about 6 months ago they got worse, had the endoscopy and take 80mg of Omperazole and 300 of Ratidine per day.  I still get symptoms and take a little Gaviscon when it flares up.

I have read posts on here from time to time and found the information and support very helpful.  I never signed up because I didn't really have anything new to add until today.  And since you all have helped me without even knowing it, I figure I owe it to everyone to share what I have.

about a month ago I went to the Chiropractor as I have done off and on for 20 years.  I have gone to the same guy since 1990 and last month he asked if I was losing weight.  I said yes, I am having a hard time with acid relux and eating anything hasn't been real fun. 

He asked if he has ever treated me for it.  I said no. (he has alot of patients) and asked if I wanted him to.  Go for it I said.

He pushed around my abdomen for a while, very hard.  I was not all that fun.  He said my smooth muscles (uncontrollable by you) were very tight and he knows I can have anxiety.  When they get tight, they can add pressure to the stomach and LES I guess...So he streched them out, I have been back twice since I am almost back to normal.  I have still been taking my meds, just less of them.  I have no real syptoms at all and will try and reduce my meds further to see how it goes. I had mexican for lunch today, something I would not have done in the past 6 months.

I had never seen a post on here about chiropractic treatment so I hope this helps someone.  it might be worth a try. 

good luck all.

thanks

aaron from MN

My normal doctor knew about it and he has a replacement guy in when he is on vaction (which is alot) who did it the exact same way. so maybe it's more common that you think.

good luck!

All the chiropractors I called in the Northern Virginia area (before going for the surgery) told me I needed to see an actual medical doctor (gastroenterologist). I was surprised and grateful for their honesty.

i read alot about chiropractic treatment for GERD before I went to a chiropractor. Some people have found relief from the treatment, partial or even complete. But none of them mentioned the hernia adjustment. I think it is an unproven procedure and unsafe to perform.

I had back injury and also frequent neck pain. I began to wonder if there is a connection of the back injury to GERD. Here is a conversation discussing the connection:

http://www.reflux.org/reflux/webdoc01.nsf/(vwWebPage)/SpinalTheory.htm?openDocument

I found my GERD lessened when I slept with lumbar support. So I went to have chiropractic adjustment just last month. But it didn't improve my GERD. But I can tell the benefit is real. My neck and back pain are gone. I sleep better. As a result, I am in a better position to deal with GERD.

So I highly recommend chiropractic treatment. Not for treating GERD. It indirectly helps you cope with GERD by improving your muscle and bone. Also you should go for the spine adjustment, not the stomach adjustment.

If you do not have bone or muscle problem, then it's fine not to go to chiropractor.

My brother is a chiropractor and swears by it for helping the hernia. I do have poor posture (I was always awkwardly tall and felt insecure so hunched over) and he says that is part of the issue. That the stomach will slowly go into the esophagus because of this. Also because I sit at a computer for work - that doesn't help.

I have had my chiropractor (I'd go to my brother but he's 10 hours away!) adjust me up under the breastbone and pull down - it is uncomfortable but it does help for a little bit.

I'm just wondering if every day chiropractic really is enough and holistic approach. Some of that stuff I think is just snake oil. But some has to work, right?

I'm so desperate and don't want to make the wrong decisions!

The way my brother was explaining it makes sense but I am just worried I'll waste even more time trying this or that when I could just get the surgery. But the surgery isn't the 100% answer either. It's just frustrating trying to figure out what the next "best/smartest" move is!