June is National Hernia Awareness Month. At Petett Chiropractic, we understand that hernias can be uncomfortable and debilitating to your everyday life. In addition, hernias can be potentially harmful to your overall health and wellbeing.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, nearly five million Americans suffer from some type of hernia, but only a small portion actually seeks treatment. Regular chiropractic care can be an effective, non-invasive way to treat hernias.
What is a Hiatal Hernia?
Inside your digestive system, the diaphragm muscles allows for food to pass from the mouth to the stomach through an opening called the hiatus. When a part of the stomach pushes up through this opening into the chest cavity, a hiatal hernia is the result. If a sensitive nerve that passes through the hiatus becomes pinched, this can cause a series of health problems.
There are two primary types of hiatal hernias:
- Sliding hernia occurs when a portion of the stomach moves up
- Paraesophageal hernia is when another abdominal organ moves upwards
Hiatal hernias are commonly caused by a physical stress that strains the stomach and esophagus, causing the stomach to be pushed through the diaphragm. Activities such as weight lifting, physical labor, physical trauma and pregnancy can cause hiatal hernias. It can cause stem from medical conditions, such as asthma, lung pathologies, and constipation.
Symptoms of a Hiatal Hernia
In most cases, a hiatal hernia doesn’t cause any noticeable symptoms. It’s quite easy for you to have a hiatal hernia and not realize it. Hiatal hernias have often been referred to as the “great mimic” because their symptoms can resemble a plethora of medical issues. This includes but is not limited to:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Stomach pain
- Severe heartburn
- Vomiting
Hernias do not repair themselves or go away if left untreated. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to visit your family doctor.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Chiropractic care can be effective in alleviating hiatal hernia because the treatment tackles the underlying issues that trigger the pain. Our chiropractors can use specific manipulation techniques to ease the hernia back into place. Gentle chiropractic adjustment can positively affect the nerves that go to the diaphragm, relieving any pressure or tightness and eradicating your discomfort.
Your Renton chiropractor may even suggest changing your diet or lifestyle to prevent a future hernia. Regular exercise, having healthy diet and maintaining constant weight can prevent hernias to form.
Schedule an Appointment at Renton’s Petett Chiropractic
It’s important to pay close attention to your body and your health. Finding relief for your hernia is a simple call away. Please call (425) 2777-2225 to schedule an appointment with one of our trained and experienced chiropractic doctors.
Our Renton chiropractic clinic is conveniently located about thirty minutes from Seattle, near Valley Medical System. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have answer any questions about hernias and chiropractic care not covered in this blog post.