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GERD Specialist in Houston TX

Do you ever feel like you have food stuck in your throat? Do you experience burning in your chest? Does your stomach feel uncomfortable if you lie down after eating? Have you tried everything to relieve your problem but have not had much relief? Our specialists offer natural Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) at Osteopathic Healing Hands. Visit our clinic or book your appointment online.

OMT for Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease 

Studies have shown:

  • OMT applied to the diaphragm and esophagus may improve symptoms 

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease is a condition where the stomach contents (food or liquid) rise from the stomach into the esophagus, a tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Normally the stomach contents do not enter the esophagus. However, in patients with this disease, the stomach content travels back into the esophagus because of a weak or relaxed lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES acts like a valve between the esophagus and stomach preventing food from moving backward into the esophagus.

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The exact cause of what weakens or relaxes the LES in this is not known, however, certain factors including obesity, smoking, pregnancy, and possibly alcohol may contribute. Common foods that can worsen reflux symptoms include spicy foods, onions, chocolates, caffeine-containing drinks, mint flavorings, tomato-based foods, and citrus fruits. Certain medications can also worsen the reflux.

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Heartburn is usually the main symptom; a burning-type pain in the lower part of the mid-chest, behind the breast bone. Other symptoms such as a bitter or sour taste in the mouth, trouble in swallowing, nausea, dry cough or wheezing, regurgitation of food (bringing food back up into the mouth), hoarseness or change in voice, and chest pain may be experienced.

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GERD is usually diagnosed based on a thorough medical history and physical exam. In most cases, a trial of writing a food diary, lifestyle modifications, and perhaps short-term medications will be done to see if symptoms improve before recommending further testing.

If needed, there are several tests that can be performed, and they include:

  • Endoscopy: This test allows the doctor to examine the inside of the patient’s esophagus, stomach, and portions of the intestine, with an instrument called an endoscope, a thin flexible lighted tube.
  • Barium X-rays: These are diagnostic x-rays in which barium is used to diagnose abnormalities of the digestive tract.
  • pH monitoring: In this procedure, a tube will be inserted through the nose into the esophagus and positioned above the LES to record the pH of the acid content. Another option that may be used is a capsule that measures pH.
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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Treatment in Houston

General measures the patient can take to reduce reflux are:

  • Antacids or over-the-counter medicines that provide temporary relief to heartburn or indigestion. Other medications such as proton pump inhibitors and H2 antagonists may be prescribed to reduce the production of acid in the stomach.
  • Avoid eating 2-3 hours before going to bed
  • Eat smaller and more frequent meals
  • Lose weight if you are overweight
  • Write a food diary to help eliminate the foods that increase reflux
  • Avoid smoking and use of alcohol

The best treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT), which doctors can include in a management plan to help improve symptoms.

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Osteopath treatment for GERD

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Click the link below to book a call with us if you would like to get some solid advice. Our goal is to help you make the right decision about what to do next.

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Frequently asked questions

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Do you prescribe medication or perform surgery?

Osteopathic care at our Houston clinic focuses on non-pharmacological, hands-on approaches. While Dr. Banik is a licensed physician who understands when medication or surgery may be necessary, her clinic emphasizes natural techniques that may reduce reliance on prescriptions or invasive procedures.

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What can I expect at my first appointment?

The first visit is an hour long, during which I take an extensive history to understand your unique situation. Then the rest of the time is spent performing osteopathic manipulative treatment. It is best if you wear loose, comfortable clothing for your treatments. Follow-up visits are half an hour.

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What is osteopathic care?

Osteopathic medicine combines the knowledge of a fully licensed physician (DO) with hands-on techniques designed to ease discomfort and support the body’s natural ability to move and function. Many of our Houston patients describe feeling more mobile and energized after sessions.

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