When you read “chiropractor and hiatal hernia” in the same sentence, you must have been perplexed. You aren’t alone, as many people are unaware of this connection between chiropractic care and hiatal hernia treatment.
Do you know what a hiatal hernia is? A hiatal hernia is when part of your stomach pops up into your chest cavity. Yikes! It can be pretty uncomfortable and cause some nasty symptoms. But don’t worry, there are lots of ways to treat it.
Quality Recovery will tell you all about hiatal hernias and how to deal with them.
Hiatal Hernia – Know the Details:
When the upper part of your stomach protrudes through the diaphragm that separates your abdomen and chest, it is called a hiatal hernia.
Your food tube (esophagus) goes through a small hole (diaphragmatic hiatus) in your diaphragm before connecting to your stomach. In a hiatal hernia, the stomach slips through the gap and into your chest.
A small hiatal hernia seldom creates any issues. Unless your doctor discovers it while examining for another problem, you may never realize you have one.
A large hiatal hernia, on the other hand, may allow food and acid to back up into your esophagus, causing heartburn. Self-care measures or medications are usually enough to relieve these symptoms.
A hiatal hernia may be caused by one or more of the following conditions: Obesity, pregnancy, age-related muscle weakness (atrophy), constant coughing, straining during bowel movements, or urination.
Some Common Symptoms of Hiatal Hernia:
Most people with the condition don’t notice any symptoms at all. However, the remaining may face:
- Heartburn, especially after eating
- Regurgitation of food or acid
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- You might feel like food is caught in your throat (esophageal obstruction).
How Can A Chiropractor Help Me?
Most individuals think that chiropractors help with back pain, but this is not the case. Chiropractors are qualified to diagnose and treat several conditions, including hiatal hernia.
Your chiropractor can help you treat your hiatal hernia by realigning your spine, which may improve the function of your stomach and esophagus. It will help to reduce or eliminate the symptoms that you are experiencing. Some other treatments that your chiropractor may suggest include:
- Stretching exercises
- Posture correction
- Lifestyle modifications, such as reducing weight if necessary and giving up smoking.
- Acupuncture
If You Suspect You Have Hiatal Hernia
You must visit a doctor for an accurate diagnosis if you experience any symptoms. Many people live with a hiatal hernia without realizing it, but the condition could lead to more severe health problems if left untreated.
Takeaway:
If you have been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia, your doctor will advise you on treatment options such as medication or surgery. However, chiropractic care can be an effective and safe treatment for hiatal hernia in many cases.
If you’re thinking about receiving chiropractic therapy for your hiatal hernia, be sure to talk with a qualified practitioner first. You must also check our highly recommended exercises at Quality Recovery, serving Philadelphia, to see what best works for you.
With our remote monitoring program, you may now select how you want to receive or access treatment for your condition. So, get started today for a healthier future tomorrow!
