Acid Reflux & GERD

Acid reflux and GERD are often treated as a medication problem, but the underlying neurological and mechanical contributors respond well to chiropractic care. Many patients reduce or eliminate their reliance on antacids through spinal correction.

What Is Acid Reflux & GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn, regurgitation, and esophageal irritation. While dietary factors and hiatal hernia are often cited causes, the thoracic spine and vagus nerve play a critical role in regulating digestive function — including lower esophageal sphincter (LES) tone. Subluxations in the mid-thoracic spine (T5–T9) irritate the sympathetic nerve supply to the stomach and esophagus, impairing normal LES function. Vagal nerve compromise from upper cervical subluxation further disrupts gastric motility. Chiropractic correction of these levels can meaningfully improve GERD symptoms.

Common Symptoms

Burning sensation in the chest (heartburn) after eating
Regurgitation of acid or food into the throat
Difficulty swallowing or sensation of a lump in the throat
Chronic cough, especially at night
Hoarseness or sore throat in the morning
Worsening symptoms when lying down or bending over

Common Causes & Contributing Factors

Thoracic subluxation (T5–T9) irritating gastric nerve supply
Vagal nerve compromise from upper cervical dysfunction
Hiatal hernia from diaphragm and thoracic dysfunction
Dietary triggers — spicy, fatty, acidic foods
Obesity increasing intra-abdominal pressure
Stress activating sympathetic digestion inhibition

The Pura Vida Protocol: Chiropractic Care for Acid Reflux & GERD

Dr. Foss evaluates the thoracic spine for subluxations — particularly T5 through T9 — that directly control the nerve supply to the stomach and esophagus. SOT thoracic corrections restore normal autonomic nerve function to these digestive structures, improving LES tone and gastric motility. Upper cervical adjustments enhance vagal nerve integrity, which is fundamental to healthy digestive function. Patients often notice a reduction in reflux frequency and severity within a few weeks of consistent thoracic spinal care.

At Pura Vida Chiropractic, Dr. Foss uses Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) — a gentle, category-based system that addresses the spine, pelvis, and craniosacral rhythm as one integrated unit. SOT restores proper biomechanics, reduces nerve interference, and creates the neurological environment your body needs to heal itself.

Advanced Therapies We Combine With Chiropractic

For many patients, combining spinal correction with regenerative therapies produces faster and more lasting results. Depending on your condition, Dr. Foss may incorporate one or more of the following:

Class IV Laser Therapy

Photobiomodulation with a 10–15W Class IV laser delivers therapeutic light energy deep into tissue, reducing inflammation, blocking pain signals, and speeding healing at the cellular level.

Why Choose Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio?

Pura Vida Chiropractic is a family-friendly, bilingual (English/Spanish) clinic serving San Antonio, TX. Dr. Dan Foss is trained in Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT), a comprehensive chiropractic system that addresses the whole body — not just the area of pain. We combine hands-on spinal correction with the latest regenerative technology to help patients resolve the root cause of their condition rather than masking symptoms.

We are insurance friendly with most insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, Ambetter, Oscar Health, Community First, and Molina Healthcare. New patient appointments are available promptly.

Ready to Get Relief from Acid Reflux & GERD?

Schedule your new patient appointment with Dr. Foss at Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio, TX. We'll identify the root cause and build a personalized care plan.

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