Can Chiropractic Care Improve Digestive Issues Like GERD?
By Dr. Tim Fargo, Chiropractor
GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disease) is a very common condition and is characterized by heartburn, often worse after meals and when lying down or bending over, regurgitation of sour, acidic or bitter fluid coming up into the throat or mouth, and sometimes even chest discomfort which can mimic cardiac pain but usually is related to meals and relieved by things like antacids.
A brief note on anatomy might be helpful in understanding what is happening with GERD. Pictured above you will see the esophagus which is the muscular tube that goes from the mouth to the stomach. You will also see at the connection of the esophagus and the stomach something called the “lower esophageal sphincter”. This is also sometimes known as the “cardiac sphincter”. This sphincter prevents the upward passage of material from the stomach back into the esophagus; at least it is supposed to do that when it is working properly. When you eat food, it travels down the esophagus, passes this sphincter and then sits in the stomach where it is acted upon by the acid produced in the lining of the stomach wall. Once it has become sufficiently acidified and the proteins broken down, it passes through the pyloric sphincter into the small intestine where the bulk of nutrient absorption occurs. The diaphragm is not pictured here. The diaphragm is a dome of muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. The esophagus pierces the diaphragm through a hole in it known as a “hiatus”.
The standard medical treatment for GERD is a combination of antacids to neutralize the acid that might be regurgitating into the esophagus and also drugs known as “proton pump inhibitors” which prevent the stomach from producing as much acid. Both of these pharmacological strategies fail to recognize the fact that it is seldom the case that a person has too much stomach acid. Rather, it is more often the case that they have irritation in the stomach and/or the sphincter at the top of the stomach is not functioning properly.
The doctors at Chiropractic Health and Wellness are specialists in helping to normalize the nerve flow that goes into the stomach and associated parts like the sphincter at the top of the stomach. Misalignments in the upper neck will cause irritation of the vagus nerve which then will cause stomach irritation, nausea, and poor digestion. Similarly, misalignments in the mid back directly influence the way the stomach functions. It is also critical to maintain a more upright posture to keep the stomach and its contents from being compressed after one has eaten. This is why it is recommended that you eat smaller meals, do not lie down after eating, and avoid bending forward after having eaten. All of these activities can cause the cardiac sphincter to malfunction and acid material to regurgitate into the esophagus.
We normalize the nerve flow by getting these critical areas aligned and moving properly. We also, when necessary, do a manipulation of the stomach to pull it and the sphincter down below the diaphragm. I have personally experienced tremendous relief from this particular maneuver. Lastly, we do food sensitivity testing and counsel people on dietary measures that prevent irritation of the stomach. Once all of these things are in place, it is rare that a person continues to experience symptoms relating to GERD. If you or a member of your family are suffering from GERD, do not hesitate to contact the doctors at Chiropractic Health and Wellness.
Find Relief From GERD—Start Healing Today
If digestive discomfort is affecting your daily life, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our chiropractors specialize in gentle, targeted care that supports better nerve function, posture, and overall digestion. Schedule your visit today and take the first step toward lasting relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can chiropractic adjustments help with GERD symptoms?
Yes. By improving alignment in the upper neck and mid-back, chiropractic care can help restore proper nerve flow to the stomach and esophageal sphincter, which may reduce reflux symptoms.
2. How does the vagus nerve affect digestion and acid reflux?
The vagus nerve plays a key role in stomach function. Misalignments in the upper neck can irritate this nerve, potentially contributing to nausea, poor digestion, and GERD symptoms.
3. Does poor posture make acid reflux worse?
Absolutely. Slouching or bending forward after meals can put pressure on the stomach and cause the lower esophageal sphincter to malfunction, increasing the chance of reflux.
4. What chiropractic techniques help with digestive issues like GERD?
Chiropractors may use spinal adjustments, mid-back alignment, upper-neck corrections, and stomach/diaphragm manipulations to help improve digestive function and sphincter control.
5. Should I see a chiropractor if heartburn medication isn’t working?
If antacids or proton pump inhibitors aren’t providing lasting relief, chiropractic care may address underlying mechanical or nerve-related issues contributing to your GERD.
