Reflux / GERD

Reflux, also called acid reflux or GERD, happens when stomach acid moves back up into the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. People often feel heartburn, a burning in the chest or throat, regurgitation of food or sour liquid, or a sense that something is sitting in the chest. Nerves that come from the upper-thoracic spine help supply the esophagus and stomach and play a part in how those organs function, so this region of the nervous system is part of the broader picture of digestion that we consider.

Reflux tends to follow patterns. Large meals, lying down too soon after eating, certain foods and drinks, stress, and poor sleep can all be part of the picture for different people. A nervous system that stays in a heightened stress state can ride alongside digestive symptoms for some, and tension through the mid-back is a common pattern we see in the office. These are patterns commonly seen, not the cause of reflux, and they are part of what we pay attention to when we look at how the nervous system is regulating function.

Severe or recurring reflux needs primary medical care, because ongoing acid exposure can affect the esophagus and sometimes signals something that needs a doctor's evaluation. Your physician guides the diagnosis, any medications, and testing, and that care comes first. Our role is complementary support for nervous-system regulation alongside that care, never a replacement for it. We start with a thorough neurological evaluation to understand how your nervous system is functioning, and we are happy to coordinate with your medical team so your care stays connected.