There are many people who suffer from acid reflux and want to get off the proton pump inhibitor drugs (PPI drugs). The main action of this group of pharmaceuticals is the long acting reduction of gastric acid production. These include Prevacid, Prilosec, Nexium and Protonix.

These drugs are convenient to use and can be initially useful, but many find that the side effects outweigh the benefits. When it comes to quitting them, one will find that it is not so easy.

PPI drugs are supposed to be used for a restricted period of time, however most patients continue their use indefinitely. Not only do patients abuse these drugs, but also the physicians who prescribe them. Unfortunately, there are no studies regarding the effects of the long term use of these drugs. One has to question whether the prolonged use of PPI drugs is really safe.

We do know that by reducing the production of stomach acid, the proper digestion and assimilation of food is restricted. Are chronic users of these drugs suffering from a form of malnutrition? It is important to keep in mind that stomach acid also keeps potentially dangerous intestinal bacteria in check. So what may seem to be acid reflux utopia, in reality may be acid reflux hell.

When one stops these drugs, after prolonged use, the acid pumps turn on again and come back with a vengeance producing more acid than they did before. This is referred to as “acid reflux rebound”. This is often such a terrible and frightening experience that most people become quickly discouraged and immediately get back on the drugs. This “catch 22” situation has proven to be a virtual gold mine for the pharmaceutical companies, who make billions of dollars in profits each year.

It is a horrible position to be in. You know you want to quite these drugs. They stop working and you are instructed to double the dose. You make an effort to stop, but it all backfires on you. Your throat burns like its on fire and your doctor tells you that if you don’t take the drugs you may develop esophageal cancer. Who wouldn’t be frightened?

Now for the good news; there are non-pharmaceutical things that one can do to survive “acid reflux rebound” and get back on the right track.

At this point there is most likely damage to the esophagus. One cannot hope to improve until the esophagus is well again.

In order to heal the esophageal damage, there are a few things to be considered. First and foremost one must temporarily change their diet. By now everyone should be aware of what foods and beverages trigger their acid reflux. Replace these offending foods with mild, easy to digest foods.

Instead of a slice of pizza with acidic tomato sauce, have a salad. Substitute that morning cup of coffee with a cup of tea. Have a glass of white instead of red wine with dinner. It’s just a matter of common sense, but these changes are necessary during the acid reflux recovery period.

In order to defeat the acid reflux syndrome, one must attempt to become as alkaline as possible. Anything which has an acidic effect on the body should be eliminated. Smoking is perhaps the most acidic thing one can do. Eating too much at one time causes an over production of stomach acid. Aerobic exercise actually causes the body to become more alkaline in nature.

Drinking copious amounts of clean fresh water will help flush out the acidic toxins which accumulate in the body. A body which is properly hydrated is rarely acidic in nature. A glass of water after a meal is a good idea, but drinking much of anything with meals is counter productive. This dilutes the digestive fluids, causing the stomach to produce more acid.

Believe it or not, chewing gum between meals is beneficial. Chewing produces saliva which is very alkaline. Chewing gum after meals puts more alkalinity in the stomach to counteract the over production of acid.

There are many natural ingredients found in grocery and health food stores, which can help during the acid reflux recovery period. Herbs, such as marshmallow and slippery elm have wonderful healing properties. Licorice, natural honey and aloe vera juice can sooth the esophageal lining and assist in the healing process.

There are very few cases of acid reflux which can’t be successfully treated if one understands what causes this condition. Simple things like eating slowly and chewing food thoroughly, in a pleasant relaxed atmosphere, can reduce ones chances of having acid reflux.

We do not have to be prisoners of this drug oriented “acid reflux rebound” effect. It is unfortunate that most doctors rely on pharmaceuticals as the only solution to the acid reflux condition.

With a little education regarding the causes of acid reflux and the knowledge of natural medicine, one can survive “acid reflux rebound” and go on to live a normal life. We are at the brink of a new era where the patient must sometimes also be the healer.

Do you suffer from uncomfortable acid reflux? If so, have you considered a natural remedy for acid and ulcers? Unfortunately, many acid reflux sufferers think that antacids and medications are the only way to treat this problem. They are wrong!

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A natural approach to cure acid reflux is one of the fastest growing treatments for Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). And you can treat yourself from home with the foods you eat, beverages you drink and various remedies.

Let me explain!

A Natural Remedy for Acid Reflux

About 30 years ago, my dad, Bob Barton was diagnosed with a very serious form of acid reflux. His life was literally destroyed by his refluxed acid and ulcers. Surgery was his only option. Unfortunately, surgeries are not fool-proof and surgery did not do the trick.

However, Bob woke up one night and discovered that he finally slept a whole night with not one episode of reflux. After retracing his previous night’s activities and doing some experimenting, Bob discovered a natural remedy for acid and ulcers… a red apple!

My dad has been acid reflux and ulcer-free for almost 30 years and you can be too! Here are some other natural remedies you may wish to try. They worked for Bob and they could work for you!

Naturally Cure Reflux and Ulcers

1. You must realize that your LES (lower esophageal sphincter) must be healed in order for you to naturally cure your reflux. The LES is a muscle flap that sits atop your stomach. A healthy LES will keep stomach acid and food in your stomach. Most sufferers have a weak or damaged (scratched) sphincter. You can begin to heal this part of your body with eating soft foods for 2-3 days.

2. Honey is also a good remedy for acid reflux and ulcers. Honey is one of the oldest remedies for acid reflux. Honey has been shown to fight bacteria, block infection, combat inflammation, and heal tissue. Honey is a great remedy for acid reflux and ulcers and 1 tablespoon should be taken when you feel discomfort. And one right before bed!

4. You may also try to restrict a few things from your lifestyle. Coffee, cigarettes and spicy foods have been shown to make reflux and ulcers worse. You should immediately eliminate these from your diet.

5. Finally, you should also try to drink plenty of water after every meal. Water can naturally flush your body and it can also create a tight seal for the sphincter (LES). After every meal and snack, make sure you drink 1 tall glass of water.

Cure Your Reflux and Ulcers in Less than 24 Hours

Imagine curing your acid reflux and ulcers in less than 24 hours. Acid reflux and ulcers are possibly one of the simplest ailments to treat naturally; however, pharmaceutical companies are doing whatever they can to keep you unaware of simple alternative treatments.

If you are interested in researched, step by step remedies, please visit us today. Our Reflux Remedy Report has helped thousands and could help you!

Natural Remedy for Acid and Ulcers

By: Joe Barton

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

With 7 proven and natural remedies, Joe Barton can teach you how to naturally cure your reflux and ulcer problems. Download a natural remedy for acid and ulcers today. It is 100% guaranteed!

www.refluxremedy.com/apple

It took 11 years of experimentation, trial and error. Now a qualified nutritionist and former chronic acid reflux sufferer reveals the true, natural approach for a cure and prevention of heartburn. Finally, an answer to the question: is there a natural cure or must sufferers from acid reflux continue to tolerate prescription medication and its side effects just for momentary relief? Acid reflux happens when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus to cause a burning pain. This acid reflux, also known as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), is the result of the one-way valve in the esophagus (called the LES or lower esophageal sphincter) losing its ability to stop food and stomach acid from traveling back up. A characteristic burning feeling, commonly at night, afflicts acid reflux patients in this case.

A condition known as Barrett’s esophagus can result and in about 0.5% of cases chronic reflux can then develop into esophageal cancer. In other cases, reflux to the upper esophagus and the trachea can trigger wheezing, hoarseness, a dry cough, and chronic sores. Several factors including not only a weak LES but also insufficiency of stomach acid and various genetic tendencies should be addressed as components of a full cure for acid reflux, but remain immediate or local causes of GERD.

Additional factors, acting internally, make for a context that encourages acid reflux formation. The condition of acid reflux is a complex one brought on by factors and co-factors more profound that the local reasons indicated above. To obtain a natural cure that effectively deals with acid reflux, these deeper factors must be treated first. Even if temporary relief is possible from prescribed medication, intake of these drugs over a period of time will cause numerous side effects, acting as they do only on the immediate causes of acid reflux.

Blockers like H2 and PPIs may give temporary relief, but can lead to osteoporosis. Antacids used long-term can worsen the situation because stomach acid is needed to ensure immunity and proper digestion. Dietary habits, lifestyle and patterns of behavior all figure as suspects in recent researches and can worsen an acid reflux condition that already exists, suggesting a holistic, natural solution is to be preferred. Observing the holistic approach after a correct diagnosis of your problem, using specific supplements based on herbs and vitamins, together with a full set of dietary principles and Candida control protocols (which figure as an important element in acid reflux) can provide a natural cure and prevent recurrence in a safe and effective way.

Jeff Martin is a medical researcher, health consultant and author of the #1 best-selling e-book Heartburn No More- Open The Door To an Acid Reflux Free Life. To Learn More About Jeff Martin’s Unique 5-Step Holistic Heartburn Cure System Visit: Natural Cure for Acid Reflux

My 2 month old baby has acid reflux. He is on Prevacid and Mylanta. I burp him and hold him upright for 30 mins after each meal. Question for all parents whose babies have had acid reflux: How long did it take for your babies to get rid off their acid reflux ?

Statistics done recently show that some 20% of the eight million babies born every year in the US suffer from acid reflux. In addition, babies that face developmental or neurological difficulties are even more at risk from this complaint. Baby acid reflux is a condition that has not been completely researched and that is also often subject to misinformation.

In simple terms, acid reflux, also called GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disease) is a mechanical problem in the digestive system, which can be corrected. In a healthy person, there is a circular muscle acting as a valve at the junction of the stomach and the esophagus (called the lower esophageal sphincter) and stopping stomach acids from flowing back up the esophagus. Acid reflux happens when that sphincter cannot retain the acids in the stomach. These then move into the throat sometimes as far as the larynx. Numerous symptoms can result from acid reflux leading to complications like infections, pain, ulcers, difficulties in eating, vocal disorders and even cancer in the long run.

For the first 3 to 4 months of a baby’s life, frequent vomiting happens in 50% of all cases, peaking at 4 months. In addition, reflux condition is easy to confuse with usual vomiting in babies. Vomiting is both painful and distressing when caused by acid reflux. Baby acid reflux can be particularly challenging to diagnose and treat. Because Babies cannot speak about their feelings, it is difficult to determine if they are suffering from a medical problem.

The best solution for the right diagnosis of baby acid reflux is to have a specialist diagnosis performed by an ENT (ear, nose, throat) doctor or a gastroenterologist. To correctly diagnose Baby acid reflux, several further symptoms of acid reflux need to be seen. Besides sporadic vomiting, these Baby acid reflux symptoms include: infections of the middle ear, waking in the night without reason, enlargement of the adenoids, abdominal pains, asthma, crying non-stop, anemia, vomiting of blood (hematemesis), continual coughing, a high-pitched sound when breathing, repeated croup, reluctance to feeding and inflammation of the nose and the sinus.

Possibilities for remedies to gastro esophageal reflux disease can be: medicaments, surgery and holistic programs. However, even for adult acid reflux patients, surgery is rarely an option in normal situations. For baby acid reflux, neither medicaments not surgery are optimal answers. Medicaments may be sub-optimal in particular for Babies for any of the three reasons below:

1. Medicaments treat the acid reflux symptoms but do not fix the fundamental cause of the condition.

2. Medicaments can impact a baby’s immune system, leading to weakness and vulnerability in immunity, possibly also leading to different health complications other than GERD as well as the worsening of acid reflux.

3. Medicaments can cause multiple secondary effects that are present but hidden in Babies.

Altering feeding and sleeping position was also seen to be of benefit in treating baby acid reflux. Research demonstrated that a transition to soy-based formula from cow’s milk based formula gave a 40% recovery rate for babies. Other research showed GERD symptoms juice products as an aggravating factor for baby acid reflux. The best solution to baby acid reflux is a holistic one while taking into account a global set of changes in diet and lifestyle. Strong credence is lent to this concept by research done recently.

Jeff Martin is a medical researcher, certified nutritionist, health consultant and author of the #1 best-selling e-book, “Heartburn No More – Open the Door to An Acid Reflux Free Life”. Jeff has written dozens of holistic health articles and has been featured in ezines and print magazines, as well as on hundreds of websites worldwide.

To learn more about Jeff Martin´s Unique 5-Step Holistic Acid Reflux Cure System visit: Heartburn No More. For further information visit: Acid Reflux.

I have problems with acid reflux when I sleep. I have been planning on buying a bed wedge or a good recliner chair.
Anyhow, any acid reflux sufferers able to recommend a bed wedge that you have used and like? If you have both a bed wedge and a recliner, do you find the recliner to be more comfortable for sleep?

If you regularly suffer from heartburn symptoms, you may not be aware that heartburn is one of many different symptoms of acid reflux and GERD. In fact, some people who suffer from acid reflux have no heartburn symptoms at all.

Doctors now divide cases into ‘typical’, ‘atypical’ and ‘respiratory’, and make the diagnosis of acid reflux or GERD mainly from the mixture of symptoms that the patients present to them.

Typical symptoms include, first and foremost, heartburn, defined as:

“A burning feeling rising from the stomach or lower chest up towards the neck that is related to meals, lying down, stooping and straining, and is relieved by antacids.”

Patients who identify with this clear definition have already diagnosed themselves. They have GERD, and they can look into gerd and acid reflux treatments for it without having to wait for further tests or investigations.

Other typical symptoms include discomfort behind the breastbone, acid brash, (regurgitation of acid or bile), waterbrash (excess saliva in the mouth) and pain on swallowing (medically, this is called ‘odynophagia’).

Patients with pain when they swallow do need urgent investigation as it may be due to severe esophagitis with ulceration and bleeding or a stricture caused by scars from old episodes.

Atypical symptoms include pain in the centre of the chest, very similar to angina or the pain of a heart attack, pain in the upper abdomen (‘epigastric’ pain), and bloating, a feeling that you can experience in the chest and in the abdomen.

It is difficult for doctors and paramedic staff in emergency ambulances to differentiate initially between the chest pain of acute GERD and a heart attack, because the quality of the pain in the two cases is very similar.

It’s now recognized that, in chest pain emergencies, half of the patients who have normal electrocardio-grams (ECGs), and no signs of coronary disease showing on angiograms, actually have acute GERD. One clue to the real diagnosis is that there is no relationship between GERD chest pain and exercise or acute mental or physical stress. Angina, on the other hand, is closely related to exercise and stress.

The respiratory symptoms include wheezing, breathlessness and cough. The Cherry-Donner syndrome is typical of the breathing problems faced by some people with GERD. Anyone who has an unexplained cough that doesn’t resolve within two or three weeks is now automatically a candidate for the diagnosis of GERD.

A minute amount of acid spilling up to the larynx (the voice box) and then breathed into the lungs is enough to produce a cough. That’s especially true for non-smokers. Smokers have other strong reasons for coughing, such as chronic obstructive lung disease and lung cancer, but that’s another story. A non-smoker who has a permanent cough, and has not had a previous history of asthma, is considered to have GERD until proved otherwise.

Find more here: Acid Reflux and Gerd

Acid reflux disease, also known as GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disease) is an established condition for many residents of developed countries. 20% or more of the whole population of developed countries has to endure some of the typical symptoms of acid reflux at least once per week. Only a few people suspect their medical condition and the unpleasant dangers, yet well-being and quality of life is negatively impacted for most acid reflux patients.

It is essential to know how to recognize the symptoms for fast diagnosis and cure, because acid reflux can result in a high level of discomfort and serious complications for patients. Acid reflux diagnostics made using typical acid reflux symptoms observed are accurate to 70%. The majority of physicians and medical paraprofessionals agree that the first diagnosis of acid reflux, for the most part using a questionnaire on typical symptoms, is essential for treating this condition in the quickest and most effective way.

Painful and unpleasant, the most noticeable symptom of gastro esophageal reflux disease manifests itself in the area of the esophagus as a persistent burning sensation (heartburn). Other typical symptoms of GERD are:

1. Dysphagia, meaning problems in swallowing or the sensation as if food were stuck in the throat.

2. Odynophagia, meaning pain when swallowing.

3. Gastric matter leading to complications in breathing in certain situations, because of regurgitation of gastric contents, in other words the uncontrolled backwards flux of stomach or esophageal contents into the throat.

About 50% of all sufferers from gastro esophageal reflux disease also note that they get concurrent sinonasal symptoms (meaning symptoms manifesting themselves in the sinuses and the nose), as well as the symptoms above.

Intense chest pain may be felt, not unlike that of a myocardial infarction and can mistakenly be construed as a heart attack. Unlike the symptoms of GERD however, cardiovascular chest pain is usually heightened by physical exercise. Abnormal symptoms concerning acid reflux include chest pain that is spasmodic but non-cardiac, chronic wheezing and coughing (also known as acid reflux related asthma, the result of stomach or esophagus content being sucked into the area of the lungs), and lung damage, with concomitant breathing ailments such as asthma and pneumonia.

Further problems can affect the teeth (decay of the enamel) and the ears (otitis media) as well as damage to the vocal cords (hoarseness, laryngitis, cancer).

Moreover, neglect of an acid reflux condition can mean high physical discomfort with the possibility of recurring conditions that can put your health in danger, such as pneumonia. Long-standing reflux into the lower part of the esophagus can cause changes in the appearance of the lining cells, a condition called Barrett’s esophagus that can turn into esophageal cancer in about 1 of every 200 cases. If the reflux reaches the upper parts of the esophagus, it can irritate adjacent structures and cause coughing, wheezing, chronic sore throat or hoarseness, which often leads to misdiagnoses, especially when the usual reflux symptoms are minimal or absent.

GERD symptoms can indicate a serious general lack of internal balance. The ability to see those symptoms as relating to acid reflux is critical to your health and well being in general as well as for avoiding potential complications.

When one or several of the acid reflux symptoms above has been identified, an appointment should be made with a certified physician for a full checkup. Luckily, anyone can identify typical acid reflux symptoms on his or her own, and thus justify an appointment to see the family physician.

While a professional doctor can diagnose correctly initially and often proposes relief as drugs and antacids, remember that medication, whether prescription or over-the-counter, only treats the surface aspects of your acid reflux situation. In addition, some drugs like antacids result in various secondary effects.

The cures for the problem that is at the root of the gastro esophageal reflux disease, to finally remedy the issue much more effectively, safely and for the long-term will come from a holistic approach that treats the internal causes that are behind acid reflux in the first place.

Jeff Martin is a medical researcher, certified nutritionist, health consultant and author of the #1 best-selling e-book, “Heartburn No More- Open The Door To an Acid Reflux Free Life”. Jeff has written dozens of holistic health articles and has been featured in ezines and print magazines, as well as on hundreds of websites worldwide.

To Learn More About Jeff Martin´s Unique 5-Step Holistic Acid Reflux Cure System Visit: Heartburn No More. To Learn More About Acid Reflux Symptoms Visit: Acid Reflux Symptoms

By
Jeff Martin
Published: 5/1/2008

Acid Reflux disease or Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which the esophagus becomes irritated or inflamed because of acid backing up from the stomach. The esophagus is the tube stretching from the throat to the stomach. When food is swallowed, it travels down the esophagus. And the stomach produces hydrochloric acid after a meal to aid in the digestion of food. It is commonly called ‘heart burn’, acid reflux disease is a condition in which the liquid content of the stomach regurgitates (backs up, or refluxes) into the esophagus. Although, it’s bothersome and painful you want to know the truth about it.

You can experience this most open during day time when you are upright, sitting straight, or standing. The fluid flowing back down into your stomach which reflux handles your body. And you swallow more on during the daytime therefore exhausting of acid back to where it belongs. Your salivary glands produce saliva that also contains bicarbonate that acts to neutralize the acid your stomach has kicked up.

Even tough, at night if you have a greater problem when acid reflux disease occurs that is because while you are sleeping, the gravity does not work as well lying down and your constant swallowing stops which is the production of your saliva is reduced.

GERD is a serious problem when you are pregnant because it elevated hormone levels of pregnancy probably cause reflux by lowering the pressure in that part of your body known as the lower esophageal sphincter. Also, the growing baby puts more pressure on the abdomen. Both of these effects of pregnancy tend to increase the risk of GERD.

You could experience minor symptoms if your acid reflux disease is in minor condition also. These would include primarily heartburn, regurgitation, and nausea. he liquid that comes back into the esophagus damages the lining of the esophagus. The body tries to protect itself from the acid reflux disease by ‘inflaming’ the esophagus. Trying to speed the healing process through the inflammation, the wall of the esophagus may form an ulcer. The ulcer is a break in the lining of the esophagus wall. And when the bleeding occurs and if it is severe, the patient might need a blood transfusion or surgical treatment. You need to see a doctor if your heartburn is severe or acute and happening very frequently.

To help your self about this condition, try to sleep in a pillow at night that raises your chest up slightly so that gravity can bring the acid back down more easily. Since this condition usually occurs on a full stomach, eat earlier and eat less to keep the stomach from being too full. Avoid chocolate, peppermint, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks and try to reduce fatty foods and the most important is stop smoking. One thing here also that you should avoid to is spicy or acid-containing foods, like citrus juices, carbonated beverages, and tomato juice.

It is imaginable for many adults that acid reflux does occurs. You wonder if your baby has the disorder and how you treat the condition as well. Following is some information to help you identify the symptoms and some approaches you can take to treat acid reflux in infants. This symptoms include vomiting. Acid reflux in infants includes excessive vomiting that reoccurs through the day and through the night as well. Vomiting is one of the most obvious signs in acid reflux in babies. Other symptoms are subtle and may be difficult to recognize. For example, if the baby has a cough that just won’t seem to go away and he has difficulty breathing he may have acid reflux disease. If your baby throws up significantly throughout the course of the day you want to seek medical attention.

Symptoms like heartburn and abdominal pain are difficult to detect simply because the baby can’t tell you what specifically is wrong. A sign of acid reflux in infants includes gas and stomach discomfort. This will usually manifest itself with fussiness and crying, especially during and right after feedings.

The acid reflux for the baby is treated when the baby will probably outgrow the condition but it is crucial that you consult his pediatrician if you believe that he has acid reflux. It is important to elevate baby’s head since the problem with the condition is that that the contents in the stomach come up into the esophagus. If you want to hold the baby upright for about 30 minutes after each feeding to make sure that his stomach has settled completely before lying down.

All acid reflux can not cures the same for everybody. People have different lifestyles and because of that cures will have different effects on different people. They use simple, non-medical cures while other had acid reflux problems for a longer time and might need a prescribed acid reflux cure from their family doctor.

You can found some acid reflux in your kitchen such as baking soda and water can ease the discomfort of heartburn for most people and costs next to nothing. Warm milk may help someone suffering from mild heartburn and help them sleep better in the evening. If simple home remedies do not work for you, you can try over the counter acid reflux cure in a liquid or in a pill form. If none of these remedies are working after being used for a period of week or more it’s the time to search out other options.

You can research Online if you want to know more ways in treating acid reflux. You’ll find home remedies and over the counter medications that can be found in most drugstores, as mentioned above. An herbal acid reflux cure can be helpful and may work where other cures have not and remember that this is not for everyone. If you are pregnant, have a pre-existing condition like kidney disease, diabetes or other conditions, or are a child or older adult, you should speak to your doctor before beginning to use an herbal acid reflux cure. Not all herbal remedies are not safe for people who have medical conditions that are being treated by a doctor.

You can improve your lifestyle today if acid reflux is impairing your ability to experience a full and active lifestyle. By learning more about cures and remedies you can find an acid reflux cure that will work for you. You don’t need to suffer from acid reflux anymore.

Crizza. More information about acid reflux and other health problems can be found at our web site http://www.ehealth-resources.com

By crizza reyes
Published: 1/31/2008

With all of the information on acid reflux disease or GERD that is available, back pain is NOT in the mix. While it is true that there is no apparent connection between Acid reflux disease and back pain, there is an indirect possibility. As part of the treatment for GERD or acid reflux disease, positional therapy might be prescribed. This includes such things as sleeping on the left side or sleeping with the head elevated. You are probably asking yourself what this has to do with acid reflux disease.

Acid reflux is a weakening of the muscles associated with the esophagus. The stomach produces acids and materials, which are supposed to be kept in the stomach. This is done through a combination of valves and muscular structures between the top of the stomach and the throat. When these muscular structures are weakened, the acid in the stomach is allowed to enter into the esophagus-sometimes all the way into the mouth.

That being said, it should become obvious why the use of positional therapy is sometimes used. The acid is subject to gravity. So when you are lying flat on your back, the weakened valves allow the acid to submit to gravity’s pull and travel up the esophagus. When this happens, the sufferer may awaken several times during the night with severe pain in the chest. This pain occasionally makes it’s way around to the back. Many acid reflux patients report moderate to severe upper back and neck pain associated with attacks of acid reflux.

The remedy for some acid reflux sufferers is to sleep with the head and shoulders elevated a bit and this may be why some people combine together acid reflux and back pain. While this may lessen or even alleviate the nocturnal acid reflux, it needs to be done properly and, if not done properly, may indirectly cause chronic lower back pain as well. This back pain will not be immediate, but can occur over a period of time. That can mean lasting damage to the back. Since acid reflux does not directly affect the back (the back pain is always an indirect by-product), please consult your physician in all cases.

It is well and good to mention that sometimes, pain from acid reflux that radiates to the back can indicate a cardiac condition. Also, the back pain associated with acid reflux may be hidden among other pains and, as a result, overlooked or simply ignored. In some cases, a chiropractor may be the ticket.

If you have found yourself in any of these situations, it is imperative that you consult a physician. Statistics show that patients who seek out medical treatment for acid reflux have less occurrences and a lower level of pain. Only your doctor knows for sure what the best remedy is in each case.

So to summarize, acid reflux disease and back pain are related simply because back pain is an indirect product of positional therapy used to treat the pain associated with acid reflux disease. It can be relieved through proper elevation of the head and shoulders as prescribed by a doctor. If the back pain is chronic or high level, a chiropractor may be consulted.

By
Lee Dobbins
Published: 6/18/2007