Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the tube connecting the mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash, referred to as acid reflux, can irritate the lining of the esophagus.
According to the Mayo Clinic, common signs and symptoms of GERD include:
- A burning sensation in the chest (heartburn), usually after eating, which might be worse at night or while lying down
- Backwash (regurgitation) of food or sour liquid
- Upper abdominal or chest pain
- Trouble swallowing (dysphagia)
- Sensation of a lump in the throat
Nighttime acid reflux may also include the following:
- An ongoing cough
- Inflammation of the vocal cords (laryngitis)
- New or worsening asthma
If this condition persists for a long period of time, it may result in damage to the cells lining the esophagus. Conventional treatment often includes lifestyle changes (types of foods and timing of meals), medications to reduce stomach acid, or even surgery in more serious cases.
However, a big piece of the puzzle that’s often missing is that reducing stomach acid can have serious health consequences. Stomach acid is not only essential for digestion, but it also helps regulate the acid/alkaline (pH) balance of the entire body. This supports the microbiome (gut bacteria) and controls blood and tissue pH for optimal health.
Matrix Repatterning practitioners recognize that the cause of GERD is
not too much stomach acid, but acid in the
wrong place. Our clinical experience has shown that many injuries can affect the internal organs and the diaphragm (the large, umbrella-like muscle at the bottom of the rib cage). Impacts, such as falls, sports injuries or motor vehicle collisions, may be absorbed by the fluid-filled organs attached to the diaphragm (liver, kidney, spleen, heart and stomach), and the surrounding boney structures (rib cage and spine), which can lead to a distortion of the opening between the stomach and the esophagus (lower esophageal sphincter or LES). This can prevent the LES from closing properly and lead to upward splashing of stomach acid into the esophagus. While the stomach lining is designed to withstand the effects of the acid, the lining of the esophagus is not.
By resolving the injuries associated with the diaphragm, the dense fibrous tissue associated with certain internal organs (fascia) and the surrounding rib cage and spine, Matrix Repatterning has been able to help many people with this challenging condition.
Certified Matrix Repatterning Practitioners (CMRPs) have specialized training to be able to assess and treat the structural causes of internal disorders, such as pelvic dysfunction, GERD, and many other conditions. To find out more about how Matrix Repatterning can help you, contact us or go to the ‘Find a Practitioner’ section of this website, to locate a CMRP in your area.
