Heartburn Relief in St. Albert | Maloney Elkassem Wellness

FIND RELIEF FROM HEARTBURN

Consult Our Team at Maloney Elkassem Wellness for Expert Care

From an actual thank-you card:
"After all these years of suffering with heartburn and gas, I can hardly believe that you could give me relief that quickly. Thank you very, very much!"
— Ted

SUFFERING FROM HEARTBURN?

Heartburn, or GERD (Gastro-esophageal reflux disease), is often described as a burning sensation in the lower chest. This discomfort may be accompanied by feelings of gassiness, belching, and a sour or bitter taste in the throat and mouth. It typically occurs after a large meal or while lying down, with symptoms lasting from a few minutes to several hours.

Despite its name, heartburn does not affect the heart; instead, it results from irritation of the lower esophagus, just above the opening where food enters the stomach.

COMMON CAUSES OF HEARTBURN

Heartburn can stem from a variety of factors. While medications may alleviate symptoms temporarily, they often fail to address the underlying problem. Medications for GERD primarily aim to reduce stomach acid or neutralize acid that has seeped into the esophagus. However, the stomach and esophagus are both made of protein, and when the esophageal tissue is exposed to strong acid, it can become irritated or even “burned.”

Normally, the stomach has a valve at its top that opens to allow food to enter and then quickly closes to keep both food and acid inside. However, in individuals with heartburn, this valve may not close completely, allowing acid or acidic gases to escape into the esophagus. Factors contributing to this condition include:

• Inflammation or muscle tension in the abdominal wall or diaphragm

• Hiatal hernia (where the stomach slides upwards through the diaphragm)

• Dysfunction in the thoracic spine or rib cage

• Poor posture

• Spinal nerve irritation

When previous treatments have failed, it is often due to these underlying factors not being adequately addressed.

IMPORTANT SYMPTOMS TO WATCH FOR

Sometimes, chest pain may be mistaken for heartburn, but it could be a sign of heart disease. Call your doctor if you experience:

• Difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing

• Vomiting blood

• Bloody or black stools

• Shortness of breath

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Pain radiating into your neck and shoulder

• Sweating during chest pain

• Frequent heartburn (more than 3 times a week) lasting over 2 weeks

TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR HEARTBURN

At Maloney Elkassem Wellness Center, we offer a variety of treatment options tailored to address the root causes of heartburn and GERD. Our comprehensive approach allows us to successfully treat many cases of GERD where other treatments have failed.

Some common approaches include:

• Hiatal Hernia Reduction

• Active Release Techniques (ART) soft tissue therapy

• Joint Manipulation

• Trigger Point Therapy

• Thoracic and Abdominal Strengthening Exercises and Stretches

If we determine that you require treatment beyond our capabilities, we can refer you to other trusted health professionals.

TAKE THE FIRST STEP TOWARD RELIEF

We provide effective solutions for many types of heartburn and GERD. If you are struggling with heartburn, contact our team at Maloney Elkassem Wellness today!

Medical Disclaimer:

All information on this site is of a general nature and is provided for your knowledge and understanding only. It should not be taken as medical advice pertaining to your specific health and medical condition.