Most people know that Osteos treat injuries such as ankle sprains, but we also cover other conditions that often spring up in general conversation – for instance, GASTRIC REFLUX (also known as HEARTBURN).

It may sound strange to you that an Osteo can treat this common complaint. It makes a lot of sense when we explain the anatomy.

The diaphragms job.Gastric Reflux

Many people don’t realise that the diaphragm is a massive muscle. When you breathe in the diaphragm muscle contracts and this causes it to move downwards, its previously upwardly curving shape (see picture) becomes flatter. This lowers the air pressure in the rib cage (the region in which the lungs sit). As a result, air rushes in from outside the body, via the nose and mouth, and fills the lungs with air allowing us to breathe. Breathing out is obviously the opposite movement forcing air back out of the lungs.

What does this have to do with REFLUX??

There are 3 circular openings through the diaphragm to allow for the passage of 3 tubes:

  1. Aorta – for the passage of blood from the heart to the abdomen, pelvis and legs
  2. Inferior vena cava – for the passage of blood back to the heart from the abdomen, pelvis and legs
  3. Oesophagus – allows the passage of food from the mouth to the stomach

It is this 3rd opening that we are interested in with reflux. The diaphragm can become tight just like any other muscle. This squeezes the tubes especially the oesophagus causing acid from your stomach to be pushed up into your oesophagus, creating the common feeling known as “HEARTBURN”.

So now we know what happens, how can your Osteo help??

When you have reflux, not only is the diaphragm tight around the rib edges (the part the osteo can feel and massage), we find:

  • rib cage tension
  • tight mid back muscles
  • tenderness over the breastbone
  • often sufferers cannot take a deep breath in

Treatment involves softening these muscle and joint issues with our usual techniques. This has been effective in many cases. Our treatment may mean sufferers require less or no medication for the heartburn!

Osteos treat more than you think!