What is Hiatal Hernia?

Hiatal Hernia

A hiatal hernia occurs when a portion of the top of the stomach bulges through the hiatus, which is the opening in the diaphragm where the esophagus connects to the stomach. There are two types of hiatal hernias, including sliding and paraesophageal. Sliding hiatal hernias are most common and occur when the stomach bulges upwards only enough to push the part of the esophagus that connects to the stomach through the hiatus.

Paraesophageal hernias can be very serious. This type of hernia occurs when a portion of the stomach slides upward through the hiatus but does not interfere with the placement of the esophagus or where the esophagus connects to the stomach. Instead, the bulging section of stomach sits next to the esophagus.

Causes of a Hiatal Hernia

There are no definitive causes for hiatal hernias, but it is believed that abnormal pressure in the abdomen can be a contributing factor. Abnormal pressure can be caused by being severely overweight, pregnant or chronically constipated.  Other risk factors include being female, having a larger than normal hiatus and being over the age of 50.

Common Symptoms

• Acid Reflux
• Chest Pain
• Heartburn

Benefits of Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care for a hiatal hernia is non-invasive, which means we will use natural treatment options to alleviate your symptoms and push your hernia back into its proper location.

Treatment from our Chiropractor in Vancouver

Our chiropractor in Vancouver, WA primarily uses manual adjustments to treat hiatal hernias. This type of adjustment is designed to manipulate your stomach and abdomen in order to push the hernia beneath the diaphragm. Several sessions may be needed before long-lasting benefits are noticed.

In addition to manual adjustments, we may also recommend massage therapy. Massaging the stomach can help alleviate chest pain by relaxing your muscles, and it can aid in the repositioning of your hernia.

To schedule an appointment with our chiropractor in Vancouver, WA, call us at 360-253-6674.

Did you know that manual adjustments and massage therapy can help alleviate the symptoms associated with hiatal hernias?