Gastroescphageal reflux disease (GERD) is the abnormal backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus.   Ulcers and acid indigestion are common problems associated with reflux.   Acid refluxing occurs when the sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach, the lower esophageal sphincter, doesn’t work properly or when a hiatel hernia has developed.   Heartburn is the most common symptom. 

Medical treatment for these conditions usually means taking antacids to neutralize the stomach acid.   People commonly think that all they can do if they are bothered by GERD is take OTC antacids like Tums or Rolaids.   These drugs may reduce stomach acid, but cause many side effects.   After regular use for several weeks, antacids may cause diarrhea or constipation. They may impair calcium metabolism and may cause magnesium to accumulate, which may damage the kidneys.    Prescription drugs such as Prilosec can mask the signs of stomach cancer, and the side effects for Pepcid range from constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, insomnia, muscle pain, vomiting to anemia, confusion, depression, hallucinations, hair loss, visual changes and yellowing of the skin and eyes.    

Chiropractic care for reflux involves analysis of the spine that contains nerves which control stomach function.   Finding the problem at the level of the spine and correcting the misaligned vertebrae can often make the heartburn disappear permanently. 

Acid Reflux in Infants

Acid reflux in infants, also known as colic, is a very common occurrence that burning feeling caused by acid and other juices that digest food leaking up from stomach into the esophagus.  

Babies and kids with reflux will have typical symptoms of spitting up, vomiting, excessive crying and irritability, etc but some do not express any outward symptoms.   They are referred to as having silent reflux.  

As with GERD, chiropractic care has been highly successful with relieving infants and children with GERD.