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Nob Hill Chiropractic

Dr. Stephen Gardner

Hiatal Hernia
...the incredibly common but underdiagnosed syndrome.

By Dr. Stephen Gardner
Written with Karen Larré
Published in Living Naturally Magazine, November 2007

Hiatal hernia is a condition in which the upper portion of the stomach protrudes into the chest cavity through an opening in the diaphragm called the esophegeal hiatus. This opening is usually only large enough to accommodate the esophagus. With weakening and enlargement, however, the opening (or herniation) can allow upward passage or even entrapment of the upper stomach above the diaphragm.With paraesophageal hiatal hernia, a portion of the stomach remains stuck in the chest cavity.

The symptoms of Hiatal Hernia Syndrome:

  1. Fatigue / Exhaustion
  2. Lack of mental acuity
  3. Limited appetite
  4. Deep breaths impaired, only able to take in about 1/3 of normal
  5. Spare tire bulge in the midsection
  6. Heavy feeling, pressing on the chest
  7. Partial digestion; food going part way downthen stopping with discomfort or pain
  8. Darting pains across upper chest, especially especially after a large meal
  9. Tickling cough at the base of the throat
  10. Sensitive waist area, more pronounced after eating
  11. Flatulence
  12. Colorless face due to restricted / shallow breating

How does one get relief?

While correction of this condition can only be accomplished through susrgery, permanent relief can be achieved without undergoing the knife. Dr. Gardner is trained in the gentle, manipulative technique pioneered by Dr. B. A. White, which can gently pull the upper portion of the stomach out of the diaphragm and into its proper position.

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