Peptic ulcers are open sores or holes that develop on the inside lining of your stomach and the upper portion of your small intestine. Over 25 million Americans suffer from an ulcer at some point during their lifetime. Ulcers can occur at any age and equally affect women and men. Symptoms include burning stomach pain; feelings of fullness, bloating, or belching; fatty food intolerance; heartburn; and nausea. Below we’ll discuss causes, prevention, and how to treat ulcers.


There are two main causes for ulcers. First, an infection of the Helicobacter pylori bacteria can cause ulcers. This bacteria live in the mucous layer that covers and protects the lining of the stomach and small intestine. Though it’s not clear how H. pylori are spread, it’s thought to be transmitted via close contact with others or through food and water. Second, regular use of certain pain relievers such as NSAIDs and medications containing ibuprofen are culprits of causing ulcers. Other medications can also greatly increase the chance of developing ulcers.

Although not a cause of ulcers, two other major contributors to ulcers are stress and eating spicy foods. These things do not cause the ulcers but they can increase your risk, irritate the ulcers, or cause them to worsen. Drinking alcohol and smoking can also increase your risk.


You can prevent ulcers by a number of measures, including: 

  • Using caution with pain relievers
  • Eliminating certain foods such as coffee and sugar from the diet
  • Increasing water consumption
  • Reducing stress
  • Chiropractic care


Treatment for ulcers often involves a slew of medications but, as one could imagine, many of these are simply a band-aid for the problem rather than the actual solution. They may reduce symptoms but don’t provide healing.

Enter Chiropractic!

As we often discuss, Chiropractic is one of the safest, most natural measures to treat any disease or ailment. To treat ulcers, Chiropractors look for nerve pressure in the middle back or upper neck region. When tension is removed from these areas, the nerve function is restored and the stomach can function normally. Regular Chiropractic adjustments help your body function optimally as a whole, which can aid in preventing ulcers. Because each area of the spine is tied through nerves to specific areas of the body, your Chiropractor can tailor those adjustments to help in areas needed, including the stomach and small intestine. So, not only can Chiropractic care treat ulcers, it can help prevent them as well.

Are you suffering from ulcers? Would you like to prevent them from ever happening? We’d be happy to help. Stop in and see us today.