Acid Reflux Positional Therapy

Gravity is an important factor when the treatment of positional therapy is concerned. If the lower esophageal sphincter is not normal then the contents of the stomach reverts back to the esophageal track and cause heartburns. Positional therapy involves control of acidity with the help of gravity. It involves elevation of head while sleeping and is very easy to implement. If pharmacological therapy along with proper diet and positional therapy is practiced then, it is estimated that 95 % of the patient gets relief from Acid reflux problems. If still the problems persist then additional conservative methods can be used for complete relief.

The therapy involves elevating of head with the help of pillow or a wedge pillow, or other wooden or plastic risers, a bed wedge, pillows or risers. There are also bed wedge pillow or inflatable mattresses, lifter that fits into the mattress and box springs. The elevation is also critical and it must be minimum of 6 to 8 inches in order to be effective. They hinder the back flow of the acids from the stomach. Also some higher degrees of incline than provide by the commonly suggested 6 to 8 inches and above and can be able to achieve greater success.

Benefits:

Positional therapy is one of the easiest therapy to implement and it provides long term relief if the habit is inculcated while sleeping. This helps in strengthening the muscles around the LES valve and also helps in closing it. So now, the acid of the stomach doesn't goes back to esophagus. As the problems of acid reflux elevate in the night, hence, this therapy provides relief that is longterm.