Chiropractors/gag reflex

Advertisement

Expert: - 6/4/2008


Question
Hi Victor,

Ive had a very sensitive gag reflex since I was very young. I am now 29 yrs old and it has bascially turned into a phobia almost. I have lots of anxiety about gagging (dry heaving). I am currently on a antidepressant PAxil to help with my anxiety about gagging.
I came across a chiropractics website which has a program to stop gagging for people with a sensitve gag. Can chiropractics help me or is this all in my head? I know for sure anxiety brings it on, but also just in general have a very sensaitive gag like even when brushing my teeth or eating. Any advice would be greatly appreciated thankyou

Answer
Hello Joe, sorry to hear of the over active gag reflex.

People often look for a magic bullet.  One simple, fast, easy, quick way to cure a problem.  Unfortunately many times the answer takes more than that.

You already mention that things are worsened by anxiety.  The overactive gag reflex is certainly made worse by anxiety.  Perhaps psychological or psychiatric intervention concurrent with other therapies could be helpful.

From my perspective as a Doctor of Chiropractic, I look at the word 'reflex' and think of nerves.  Not the 'nerves' as in anxiety above, but the actual physical nerves.  Perhaps Chiropractic analysis and adjustment to the cranial bones, cervical spine could be helpful to decrease the irritability of the nerves involved.

Look for a Doctor of Chiropractic who does cranial adjustments as well as the traditional cervical adjustments. Chiropractors or Osteopaths who are familiar with Upledger or Sutherland techniques might be helpful.  Google Upledger or Sutherland osteopathic manipulation to find further information on this avenue.

This is a tough question.  I wish you luck and good health naturally, your Staten Island Chiropractor, Dr. Victor Dolan.

http://www.DocDolan.net
http://www.GoodHealthNaturally.info
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com  (email newsletter)

Chiropractors

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP

Expertise

Staten Island Chiropractor Dr. Victor Dolan | 718-981-9755 | www.drvictordolan.net | www.statenislandchiropractor.com | Nutrition, Sciatica, Headache, Neck Pain, Back Pain, Herniated Disc, Workers Compensation, Auto Accident Claims, Vertebral Subluxation Complex, Muscle Spasm

Experience

Palmer College Graduate 1983; Thirty years in practice in my hometown of Staten Island, New York. Expert in Neuro-musculo-skeletal complaints. Utilizing techniques such as Chiropractic via Palmer Package, Diversified, Thompson, SOT, Activator, Manipulation Under Anesthesia and Nutritional Guidance. I am also a Certified Nutritionist.

Organizations
Pi Kappa Chi Alumni Association President; PKX Alumni Brother of the Year; Knights of Columbus Masons; Ancient Order of Hibernians

Publications
American Public Health Association (2003) - Oral Presentation

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Science (cum laude) Wagner College 1979; Doctorate of Chiropractic (cum laude) Palmer Chiropractic 1983; Licensed Doctor of Chiropractic, New Jersey (38MC00634000) & New York (X3567); Diplomat, National Board of Chiropractic Examiners; Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician - A.C.A./New York Chiropractic College (1986); Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians (1996); Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management (1998); Certified Personal Fitness Trainer; Certified Emergency Medical Technician - New York State and National Registry; Certified Manipulation Under Anesthesia (1998); Certified Clinical Nutritionist - International & American Assoc. of Clinical Nutrition (1999)

Awards and Honors
Prevention Magazine – Award for Chiropractic Excellence 1998; Chief of Chiropractic - Doctors Hospital - New York 1997; SICTV NOVA (Notable, Outstanding Video Achievement Award) - Award for Most Popular Series (1996/1997/1998); Volunteer Heart Resuscition Unit - Commendation for Meritorious Service (1994); SICTV NOVA (Notable, Outstanding Video Achievement Award) - Best Health Series (1994); Staten Island Richmond Lions - Melvin Jones Fellowship Award (1993); Pi Kappa Chi - Alumni Fraternity Brother of the Year (1987/1988); American Public Health Association (2003); American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians Symposium Presentation - Adolescent Athletic Injury (2004)

Past/Present Clients
Doctors Hospital of Staten Island - Chief of Chiropractic (1997-2001); Curtis High School Football (1988 to present)- New York City PSAL Football CHAMPION (2007)

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.