Hiatal Hernia? Chiropractic Can Help
by Dr Rob R. Lanpher D.C., D.A.B.C.O.
Do You Need Antacids or a Chiropractic
Adjustment?
You might not think about going to your chiropractor to get relief from
abdominal discomfort, but think again…
Here at Lanpher Chiropractic Clinic, we see many patients who have been
dealing with digestive related distress – some for a very long time. The
stomach is a major organ along the digestive pathway, and a big player in a
condition known as a hiatal hernia – which basically means that the stomach
spasms and pushes up on your diaphragm leading to symptoms such as:
• heartburn
• pain in the upper abdomen
• chest pain
• difficulty breathing
• anxiety
• panic attack symptoms
How the Stomach Can Create So Many Problems
The condition of ‘heartburn’ is also known as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux
disease) wherein some of the acidic contents of the stomach escapes through the
the top of the stomach and projects upwards into the esophagus causing a
painful burning sensation in the chest.

The esophagus (that tube running from the mouth to the stomach) penetrates
through a large muscle called the diaphragm in its journey from the mouth to
the stomach. The opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus passes is
called a hiatus (which simply means ‘hole’)
Normally, when we swallow and food goes into the stomach, the hole at the
top of the stomach closes, keeping food and the acidic digestive juices within
the confines of the stomach. Under certain circumstances, the upper
portion of the stomach actually pushes up through the hole (hiatus) in the
diaphragm causing a ‘hiatal hernia.’ This can result in pain in the
stomach area, chest pain and the more commonly known heartburn sensation.
As with most conditions, there is a range of severity for hiatal hernias
from mild to moderate to severe. Severe conditions may require more
serious medical interventions such as surgery.
A Manual ‘Adjustment’ May Be All You Need
For mild and moderate conditions, however, a manual procedure to physically
pull the stomach down below the diaphragm can be very helpful. Along with
dietary changes that reveal why the stomach is spasming and possible
nutritional supplements to reduce stomach acidity, this manual procedure can
bring immediate relief or produce gradual improvement over repeated
manipulations.
The stomach pull-down procedure (Hiatal Hernia Technique) is performed here
at Lanpher Chiropractic Office by a doctor of chiropractic
who
is trained in the technique. The patient can either stand against a wall or lie
on a treatment table to receive the technique. While there may be some
mild discomfort associated with the technique, it’s worth it considering there
is often immediate relief. The patient can take a deeper breath and
the pressure and pain subsides. The procedure may need to be
repeated multiple times for lasting results.
Causes of Hiatal Hernia
There are many causes of the stomach being caught in the diaphragm area.
Examples are varied from vomiting, being constipated, eating gassy foods,
bending over with a full stomach, eating something that makes you bloat, too
much liquid with a meal, not being able to burp, lying down too soon after you
eat, anything that creates pressure on the abdomen below the stomach. Women who
are pregnant also get reflux or heartburn from the baby pressing up on their
stomach. This procedure is safe and helpful for the above listed symptoms. Once
the patient understands the cause, usually the condition can be resolved and
the symptoms go away. This is much better than being on reflux or heartburn
medication for the rest of your life.
Final thoughts
In addition to the above, our Chiropractor can perform a manipulation called
a ‘diaphragmatic release’ that can reduce the tension of the diaphragm as well
as related muscles in the area of the rib cage.

Also, chiropractic adjustments, performed in the neck and mid-back can
positively affect nerves that go to the diaphragm itself.
Sometimes part of the cause is inadequate digestive enzymes, these can be a
big help in correcting this condition. Also a herbal formula that has great
success and is used in
China
at healing clinics is beneficial. All of these products can be discussed with
Dr. Lanpher as he evaluates your condition
If you or anyone you know suffers from acid reflux, heartburn, chest pain or
panic attacks, please consider getting evaluated for a hiatal hernia. A simple,
natural and drug-free therapy may be all that’s needed to eradicate your
discomfort.
Please discuss this with Dr. Lanpher if you or other members
of your family have any of these symptoms or problems.
Thank You,
Lanpher Chiropractic Clinic