You can have a hiatal hernia without even realizing it. This condition occurs when the upper part of your stomach pushes through your esophageal hiatus into the chest cavity. However, it usually does not cause any symptoms or severe health problems. Read on to find out how to alleviate symptoms from a hiatal hernia with chiropractic care.

When Does This Condition Cause Symptoms?

A large hernia causes you to have symptoms. The size can cause your hiatal hernia to slide into the gastroesophageal junction. This results in stomach acid refluxing back into your esophagus. It also causes inflammation of the lining of your esophagus. Other symptoms may include acid reflux, shortness of breath, dull chest pains, vomiting, heartburn, burping, and waterbrash.

The Wait And See Approach

Your doctor may not even prescribe any medication for this condition. He or she will recommend a lifestyle change. For example, if you have problems with acid reflux, then your doctor recommends avoiding things that trigger this condition. Examples of triggers include spicy foods, alcohol, fatty foods, onions, and tomato-based foods. Certain foods and habits tend to heighten acid reflux.

Other lifestyle changes include losing weight, avoid smoking and sitting up or walking after meals. Your doctor also may prescribe acid blockers, reducers or neutralizers.

Why Consider A Chiropractor?

If you are tired of the wait and see treatment plan, then you may want to consider alternative medication. Chiropractors can treat your condition by putting your stomach back in its natural position. The natural position is below your diaphragm muscle. Your chiropractor uses his or her hands to apply pressure to your abdomen to maneuver your stomach.

This treatment also reduces the tightness and restriction on your vagus nerve pathway. The vagus nerve runs along your lower brainstem down through your chest, neck, lungs, and heart. It also travels down into your abdomen and breaks off into a network of nerves.

A hiatal hernia can alleviate your vagus nerve, which causes other symptoms. Your doctor may not initially connect your symptoms to your hernia.

The first step of treatment is seeing a medical doctor. He or she can let you know the severity of your condition. For example, if your hernia is twisted in a manner that it cuts off your blood supply, then you may need surgery. It also helps to see a chiropractor. A combination of traditional medication and chiropractic care can help with curing your condition.

Contact a medical office like Davison Chiropractic for more information and assistance.