Hiatal Hernia: Causes, Symptoms, and How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Eric Chludzinski
January 7, 2026
A hiatal hernia is a common yet often misunderstood condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While some individuals experience only mild discomfort, others suffer from persistent symptoms that significantly interfere with daily life. Acid reflux, heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing are just a few of the problems that may arise from a hiatal hernia.
Many people rely on medication or assume surgery is their only option, but there are conservative approaches that may help manage symptoms naturally. One of these approaches is chiropractic care for hiatal hernia, which focuses on improving spinal alignment, posture, and nervous system function to support overall digestive health.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore what a hiatal hernia is, its causes and symptoms, conventional and alternative treatment options, and how a chiropractor for hiatal hernia may play a supportive role in symptom relief and long-term wellness.
What Is a Hiatal Hernia?
A hiatal hernia occurs when a portion of the stomach pushes upward through the diaphragm and into the chest cavity. The diaphragm is a large muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen and plays a key role in breathing. Normally, the esophagus passes through a small opening in the diaphragm called the hiatus before connecting to the stomach.
When the stomach moves above the diaphragm through this opening, it is referred to as a hiatal hernia. This displacement can interfere with the function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), increasing the likelihood of stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus.
This is the most common type of hiatal hernia. In a sliding hiatal hernia, the stomach and the lower portion of the esophagus slide up into the chest and back down into the abdomen. Symptoms often worsen when lying down or bending over.
Paraesophageal Hiatal Hernia
Less common but potentially more serious, a paraesophageal hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm and sits next to the esophagus. While it may not cause reflux symptoms initially, it can lead to complications if the stomach becomes trapped or twisted.
Common Causes of Hiatal Hernia in Flemington
Several factors can contribute to the development of a hiatal hernia, including:
Increased abdominal pressure from heavy lifting, chronic coughing, or straining during bowel movements
Obesity, which places additional pressure on the abdomen
Pregnancy, due to hormonal changes and increased abdominal pressure
Poor posture, which can affect diaphragm and spinal alignment
Age-related changes, as the diaphragm muscle may weaken over time
Trauma or injury to the abdominal or chest area
Chiropractors often pay close attention to posture and spinal health because misalignments in the thoracic spine can influence diaphragm function and intra-abdominal pressure.
Common Symptoms of a Hiatal Hernia
Hiatal hernia symptoms vary widely. Some people experience none at all, while others struggle daily.
Common symptoms include:
Heartburn or acid reflux
Chest pressure or tightness (often mistaken for heart issues)
Difficulty swallowing
Regurgitation of food or acid
Shortness of breath, especially after eating
Upper abdominal discomfort
Excessive belching or bloating
Sensation of fullness after small meals
Symptoms often worsen with:
Lying down after eating
Large or heavy meals
Poor posture
Increased abdominal pressure
Hiatal Hernia and Acid Reflux: What’s the Connection?
Many people associate hiatal hernias with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). While not all reflux is caused by a hiatal hernia, the two often coexist.
When the stomach sits above the diaphragm:
The LES may not close properly
Gravity no longer assists digestion as effectively
Acid can move upward more easily
That’s why conservative care often focuses on positioning, posture, and pressure management—not just acid suppression.
Conventional Hiatal Hernia Treatment Options
Lifestyle and Dietary Changes
For mild cases, doctors often recommend lifestyle modifications such as:
Eating smaller, more frequent meals
Avoiding trigger foods (spicy, fatty, or acidic foods)
Not lying down immediately after eating
Elevating the head of the bed
Maintaining a healthy weight
Medications
Common medications used in hiatal hernia treatment include:
Antacids
H2 blockers
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
While medications can reduce acid production, they do not correct the physical displacement of the stomach and may cause side effects with long-term use.
Surgery
Surgical intervention is typically reserved for severe cases or complications. Surgery aims to reposition the stomach and strengthen the diaphragm opening. Although effective, surgery carries risks and requires recovery time.
Chiropractic care for hiatal hernia does not claim to “cure” the condition, but it may help manage symptoms by addressing contributing factors such as spinal misalignment, posture, and nervous system function.
Chiropractors at Dr. Eric Chludzinski in Flemington take a whole-body approach to health, recognizing that the spine, nervous system, and internal organs are interconnected.
Spinal Alignment and Nervous System Support
The spine and nervous system play a critical role in digestion. Misalignments in the thoracic or lumbar spine can affect nerve signals to the digestive organs, potentially contributing to reflux, bloating, and discomfort.
Chiropractic adjustments aim to:
Improve spinal alignment
Enhance nerve communication
Reduce muscle tension
Support overall digestive function
Diaphragm and Postural Correction
Poor posture—especially forward head posture and rounded shoulders—can increase pressure on the abdomen and diaphragm. Chiropractors often focus on postural correction to reduce strain on the hiatal opening.
Postural improvements may help:
Reduce abdominal pressure
Improve breathing mechanics
Support proper stomach positioning
Gentle Manual Techniques
Some chiropractors trained in soft tissue and visceral techniques may use gentle manual methods designed to help the stomach move back into its proper position. These techniques are not forceful and are tailored to the individual patient.
How Chiropractic Care May Support Hiatal Hernia Symptoms
Chiropractic care focuses on the relationship between the spine, nervous system, posture, and musculoskeletal function.
Areas of Focus
Thoracic spine mobility
Rib cage mechanics
Postural correction
Diaphragmatic coordination
Reducing musculoskeletal tension in the upper abdomen and chest
When spinal and rib movement is restricted, it can alter breathing patterns and increase abdominal pressure—both of which can aggravate symptoms.
Chiropractic Care vs. Medication for Hiatal Hernia
While medication focuses on suppressing acid production, chiropractic care addresses structural and functional contributors to symptoms.
Medication
Chiropractic Care
Reduces stomach acid
Improves alignment and posture
Symptom-focused
Whole-body approach
Potential long-term side effects
Drug-free and non-invasive
Does not address posture or biomechanics
Targets underlying mechanical stress
Many patients choose chiropractic care as part of an integrative hiatal hernia treatment plan.
A Holistic Approach to Hiatal Hernia Treatment
Living with a hiatal hernia can be frustrating, especially when symptoms interfere with daily life. While conventional treatments play an important role, many people are discovering the benefits of a more holistic approach.
Chiropractic care for hiatal hernia offers a non-invasive, drug-free option that focuses on posture, spinal health, and overall body function. When combined with proper nutrition, lifestyle changes, and medical guidance, chiropractic care may help reduce discomfort, improve digestion, and support long-term wellness.
If you are exploring natural options for hiatal hernia treatment, the experienced team at Dr. Eric Chludzinski is here to help. We have locations in Flemington and Fanwood, we provide personalized chiropractic care designed to support digestive health and overall well-being. To learn more or schedule a consultation, call (908) 632-0509 today and take the next step toward improved comfort and a better quality of life.
Eric Chludzinski
Dr. Eric attended St. Peter’s College in Jersey City and graduated in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Science. He continued his schooling at Life University School of Chiropractic in Marietta, GA and graduated in 2002 as a Doctor of Chiropractic.
Dr. Eric is a certified Crossfit Instructor, USA Weightlifting Coach, and has many chiropractic certifications. In his downtime, he enjoys weightlifting and being outdoors hiking or camping. He also loves spending time with his kids, riding motorcycles, or just relaxing and watching movies!
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This place was recommended to me and Dr. Eric is so kind, courteous and empathetic. I improved soon after my first visit from pain and stiffness in my back as I have scoliosis. My flexibility is better too. He's great!
Nothing but great interactions from me. The Doctor is awesome. Went in and in the 1st 10 minutes he xray me and found what the issues were. He then relived me of weeks of pain. Again he is awesome!! I recommend him to all my friends and family.
I went to Dr Eric after having experienced several episodes of dizziness without any explanation from any MD I had seen including cardiac, ENT and family doctor. Did some of my own research and decided to try out a chiropractic approach unsure of where it was going to go. After 2 weeks of adjustments I have not had any more episodes as I had previously been experiencing. Dr Eric explained how his treatments may help and how it helps the entire physiological system. I am still his patient about 1/4 of the way thru my treatments but I am overall feeling better and appreciative of what he has done for my health.
Takes the time to understand what’s going on and explains treatment clearly. I’ve seen a noticeable improvement in my mobility and pain levels. Highly recommend.
Highly recommend Dr. Eric. Very professional and knowledgeable. Always answers questions and greets you with a smile. Came in for a checkup on minor pain/discomfort and the doctor came up with a plan to get my body back to 100%.
Staff is also top notch, receptionist has been helpful and friendly.
Highly recommend Dr. Eric for your chiropractic needs. My body was feeling so much better after first session (my main complaint was neck pain/stiffness that I couldn’t stretch out). The reviews aren’t just hype, Dr. Eric is quite simply the best.
Dr. Eric is knowledgeable, kind, courteous, and professional, providing excellent chiropractic services. He actively listens to your concerns, and responds accordingly. His staff members are very pleasant and professional too. I like that I'm put on an automatic massage table for a few minutes before being adjusted; very relaxing. Overall, I highly recommend Dr. Eric's services to anyone in need.
After only six sessions, my neck pain is essentially gone. I came in with a lot of discomfort. The chiropractor took the time to do X-rays, clearly explained what was going on, and started a focused treatment.I felt heard and supported every step of the way. Professional, thorough, and effective, and I’m grateful for the relief.
My visit to the Fanwood Back Relief Center was an excellent choice. Dr. Eric provided exceptional care that helped alleviate my shoulder and neck pain. The staff was wonderful, ensuring that my experience was both comfortable and supportive. Additionally, the service was quick and efficient, making the entire process easy. I highly recommend Dr. Eric and the Fanwood
Back Relieif Center for anyone seeking relief from pain.
So far so good back is getting better sciatica relief from the visits. The Dr knows how to get your back moving in the right spots!! Thanks for the relief
Dr. Eric and his staff are excellent! They've truly helped me regain my life. I went from living with constant, chronic back pain to moving freely and functioning normally in a short amount of time. I was skeptical at first, but now I only wish I had gone years ago! Don’t hesitate like I did.
Awesome doctor who healed my back pain in two sessions. His attitude and positive outlook give comfort and confidence to patients . Entire staff were cordial and helpful
Dr. Eric is an absolutely incredible chiropractor, and I cannot praise his work enough! After recently being in a car accident, I was completely overwhelmed and felt like I had nowhere to turn. From the moment I walked into his office, everything changed. He took X-rays and pinpointed the exact problem with incredible accuracy. He saw things and explained my situation with a level of clarity that I don't think I would have gotten from any other doctor. His ability to sort out the root cause of my pain left me in absolute awe. He is thorough, deeply compassionate, and a true expert in post-accident care. If you need a chiropractor who gets conclusive results, he is the one to see.
The office staff is warm and outstanding. Dr. Eric is the BEST!!! The pain in my back has gone away in less than 2 weeks. I keep going because I don’t ever want that pain again.
DAMN!! This place is definitely the best chiropractor I’ve been too. I first came to this clinic because of a terrible pain in my lower back. On my first day I was given an Xray and started treatment. The very next day I was able to come in and get treated again. Dr.C erased all my pain in less than 1 hr. This place is efficient and effective. And to put the cherry on top, the staff is always so helpful and genuinely pleasant young ladies. If you’re looking for a new chiropractor trust this is the one!!!
Excellent service, highly recommended. They are very friendly to people. I haven't been visiting this place for very long and I have absolutely no complaints.
My pain was relieved after my first visit. Dr. Eric is great at explaining the procedures and treatment plans in plain terms without talking down to you. His assistants are also super professional and helpful. I highly recommend this location if you want pain relief.
I feel so comfortable with the Dr. and staff they are very welcoming and supportive to the patients I have seen and recommend them to all.<br>The treatment received on my back has helped me tremendously each time I go to the office. Keep up the amazing work. Thank you so much.
I have had a great experience with The Fanwood Back Relief center. The staff is warm, friendly and supportive. The facility is state-of-the-art, clean bright and comfortable. Dr. Eric is incredibly knowledgeable and has been an incredible help in relieving my neck and shoulder pain.
I’ve been scheduling numerous appointments a week at this facility and there’s a reason why. Exceptional service by both Dr. Eric as well as his staff. I can’t express enough how seamless this establishment operates. Most importantly, the progress I’ve made thus far is very much noticeable. I was referred to this facility by a coworker and I couldn’t thank him enough, I plan on doing the same for my peers who are seeking assistance from a chiropractor. All in all, I will continue to frequent this establishment as much as I can and I highly suggest any new comers to not hesitate and schedule your first appointment! Health is Wealth !
As somebody who hasn’t been to a chiropractor in years - the before and after feeling after being adjusted by Dr. Eric was amazing. I would have never guessed after a few minutes to experience relief of tightness around my lower back.
I have had a great experience every time I come in for my appointment! The office staff is very welcoming & attentive. Dr. Eric was also very attentive when listening to my concerns and intentional when coming up with the best plan of treatment for me. Highly recommend!
It was the best decision I made coming here and he does a good job helping you with your back problems. I’m able to walk without pain and everyone should come to him with problems
I highly recommend Dr. Chludzinski. He is extremely knowledgeable in his profession and takes the time to truly understand the issues his patients are experiencing. His ability to identify the root cause of discomfort and provide effective solutions is impressive. He maintains a professional, welcoming environment and genuinely cares about helping people feel better. The level of attention, expertise, and care he provides makes a noticeable difference.
I am very happy with my experience at Fanwood Back Pain Relief Center. The staff is very friendly. I am already feeling an improvement with my back and neck pain and feel better mobility. Office hours are convenient to fit my bust schedule.
My son is a soccer player and in the past few months has started complaining about back pain. We decided to give a chiropractor a try. We found Fanwood Back Relief Center and recently started seeing doctor Eric for treatment. My son is already feeling better after about a month.The office is nice, the doctor friendly, and Jacqueline and the rest of the front desk very prompt and courteous. They accommodate our busy schedule but most importantly my son is feeling like himself again.
i was having trouble with my back for sometime now and i decide to start looking for a chiropractor and i found fanwood back relief center and decide to make a visit and i'm amazed from the first visit on April 7 i have less back pain and feelin much better i would recommend 100% if u want your back ,back to continue living and out of pain this is the place .i recommend.
I have been to Dr Eric for many times over the years and he is beyond a doubt not only a great Dr but if you get a chance to read and listen to his podcast he explains all of his methods and how procedures are related. His staff is also very courteous and can answer questions for you. I personally would recommend his services to anyone
Dr. Eric has been an incredible help with my neck pain. I came in with limited mobility, and he took the time to understand exactly what was going on before tailoring a treatment plan. You can tell he genuinely cares about long‑term improvement rather than quick fixes. Highly recommend.
I have been coming to Fanwood Back Relief Center for about a month now, and I couldn't be happier with the experience. One of the best parts is that I never have to wait—they see me immediately every time! The facility is spotless, and the environment is very professional yet welcoming. The doctor is incredibly kind, friendly, and inviting, making every visit a pleasant one. I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for great care."
Dr. Eric truly has healing hands. I’ve been seeing him for 6 years now, and the level of care he provides is unmatched. He has not only helped me, but also my entire family. We always leave feeling better than when we walked in. I’m so grateful to have found someone so skilled and genuinely caring.
Always greeted with a smile. Seldom a wait. Dr Eric listens to my symptoms - carefully read my MRI and reviewed it to be sure I understood each issue - took an x-ray to confirm treatment modality - Dr Eric identified each area requiring attention… I am a work in progress and I am pleased with my results. I highly recommend Dr Eric and the Fanwood Back Relief Center.
Amazing experience! I had a lot of back tension and pain and they helped me feel so much better. The doctor is very knowledgeable and actually cares about your progress. The office is clean and the staff is very friendly. I always leave feeling relief.
Amazing! I can’t say enough good things. I was totally crippled before coming to see Dr. Eric. In a few sessions he had me pain free and back to myself.
I had a great experience at this chiropractic office. The staff was friendly and welcoming, and Dr. Eric was knowledgeable and attentive. After just a few visits, I noticed a big improvement in my pain and mobility. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for professional and caring chiropractic care.
Ok so for the first time in my life I tweaked my back during the 2026 blizzard. I had a sharp stabbing pain in my back when I’d try to lay down and lost a night of sleep it was so bad. Tried all my at home remedies and nothing worked—massage, muscle creams, Advil, stretching, etc. Did a google search and found Dr. Eric right here in town with an appointment available same day, and wow! He did an x-ray 🩻 right there on the spot and we saw that my rib was out of alignment with my spine!? He also explained how everything I was doing at home was the OPPOSITE of what the injury needed, lol! Omg it was very eye opening. He adjusted my rib back into place, and set me up for a treatment plan. After 1 month of treatments we looked at my second x-ray and you can see the alignment difference - everything is back in place and I’m all set to get back to lifting (carefully, of course). I highly highly recommend Dr. Eric as a chiropractor! He answers all my questions and is patient yet effective. It’s good energy. The office is clean and run extremely well; they get you in and out really quickly, and the staff are super nice and welcoming. I like that they are bilingual to Spanish speakers too - I speak English but I just think that’s so cool. I feel grateful for finding you all and will be referring friends, family and clients of mine in the future. Sending big hugs and love! 🙏💖💖💖💖
Absolutely love it there! For the first time my back pain and problems are being addressed. The staff is very nice and accommodating and the doctor is awesome and goes real in depth with what is wrong and how he is gonna fix it.
My family is so happy that we found Fanwood Back Relief. The entire team is professional, knowledgeable, friendly, and efficient. We initially came because my daughter was recently diagnosed with scoliosis. Dr. Eric has been wonderful explaining everything to us, developing a treatment plan, and giving exercises for her to do at home. As a result, my husband also started seeing Dr. Eric for his chronic cluster headaches. While they do take appointments, having the walk-in option is great as well. The facility is very clean, organized, and welcoming. Highly recommend!
My experience with Dr. Eric was fabulous, and the courtesy of the employees was wonderful. I loved it, they were super professional. I truly recommend it 100%.
Best doc ever. I had a herniated disk surgery in 21', went through all the therapy and what not and then eventually came upon this doc since my back started acting up again. He has gifted hands. He relieved my pain for well over a year after the first treatment sessions I had with him. The pain I had went from lumbar to leg and he put and end to it for a while. He is kind and efficient. It came back again after a long time, went to get a massage, did sauna, and cold plung, it helped very temporarily. So I had to come back. As soon as I came back I got the same warm welcome from the ladies upfront, and amazing help from the doc. Already feeling so much more relief 2 sessions in. The roller machine is great. The ladies upfront are very kind, accommodating, respectful, and great at what they do. They greet you kindly and go over your plan throughly. I appreciate this place alot. God blessed this doctors hands trust me.
Kept driving past this office suffering from back pain and finally decided to go in. I’m an idiot and should have done it much sooner! Felt the difference after one visit and well on my way to being able to walk without worrying about throwing my back out. Great Doctor, great location, excellent staff.
I was in pain for last 8 months for my herniated disc and facet joint irritation. I got epidural and RFA helped a lot but not enough after first visit with Dr. Eric my pain started fading away
Never been to a chiropractor. I woke up with significant pain and a stiff neck. DR. Eric discovered I had whiplash and within three sessions my pain was relieved. I’ll we doing quarterly sessions, recommend more people to do this. 👍🏾
From the moment I walked in, the staff is warm, welcoming, and incredibly professional. They make you feel comfortable right away and are always helpful with anything you need.<br><br>Dr. Eric is exceptional. He takes his time to explain everything clearly, and personalize the treatment to what your body actually needs. I have been feeling so much better since coming here!
Great and knowledgeable staff. Each practitioner and doctor takes their time getting to know you and your problems and makes a personalized program to fit your needs.
I moved to the area about a year ago and I’ve been looking for a chiropractor since then and I finally found the perfect place. Everyone is super friendly. They remember your name and they work around your schedule. It’s great that they take insurance as well. I came in with such back pain on the left side of my body and Dr. Eric was able to work with me to help adjust and clear up all of my issues.
Found a lot of relief with some neck issues I've had. Dr. Eric is amazing, I've found A LOT of relief in a short amount of time. The staff is excellent, very accommodating & especially efficient. Thanks so much!
