Upper-back pain can occasionally be associated with GERD in that esophageal pain may get reflected to the back, although the pain won’t be muscular in origin. Learn how upper-back pain that is associated with GERD may be a result of a perception withhelp from a gastroenterologist in this free video on acid reflux and GERD symptoms. Expert: Miguel J. Rodriguez Contact: www.miamigastro.org Bio: Dr. Miguel J. Rodriguez is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. Filmmaker: Paul Muller

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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a term used to describe the variety of symptoms and forms of tissue damage resulting from chronic reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus.

Over 15 million Americans suffer from daily heartburn, the most common symptom of GERD. In addition to heartburn, other symptoms associated with GERD include regurgitation, chest pain, hoarseness, wheezing, and chronic cough.
GERD is a major healthcare problem with many sufferers reporting worse emotional well-being than patients with diabetes or high blood pressure. Normally, a muscular valve at the end of the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) keeps stomach contents from refluxing into the esophagus. However, in GERD, the LES is weak or relaxes too frequently, allowing stomach contents to flow freely into the esophagus. Left untreated, GERD can lead to a variety of esophageal complications including inflammation, ulceration, bleeding, and strictures. In addition, GERD patients are at risk to develop a pre-cancerous condition known as Barretts esophagus.

The Full-Thickness Plicator Procedure is a non-surgical, endoscopic GERD treatment based on the proven principles of anti-reflux surgery. The procedure allows the physician to create a full-thickness plication at the gastroesophageal junction under direct endoscopic visualization; enhancing the competency of the gastric cardia and restoring the normal anti-reflux barrier. Patients are treated on an outpatient basis and usually are able to return to normal activities the following day.