Dr.Jeff
The lower esophageal shincter (LES) is where the esophagus empties into the stomach and is responsible for keeping stomach contents from passing back up into the esophagus (reflux). The esophagus passes through the diaphragm and the LES is located below this point. Sometimes the LES and stomach can protrude up through the diaphragm and get stuck. This is a hiatal hernia. This will usually lead to refluxing of stomach contents back up into the esophagus. Many Chiropractors know how to adjust this hiatal hernia condition to pull the stomach and lower esophagus back down.
A condition called achalasia is where this sphincter has difficulty relaxing to allow food to pass through it. A Chiropractor may also be able to help with this if a structural imbalances is taking place.