Heart Burn, esophageal reflex and hiatal hernia all have symptoms in common
DEFINITION 
A Hiatal Hernia is caused by Gap in the diaphragm due to congenital defects, laxity of tissue, decreased digestive enzymes or trauma allowing viscera to project through the crura. The most common herniation is through the esophageal hiatus. Primarily, due to increased intra-abdominal pressure as occurs in coughing, straining, vomiting or ascites (swelling of the abdomen). Predisposing factors include obesity, pregnancy, advancing age and tissue laxity of the diaphragm.
TREATMENT PURPOSE
The goal is to reduce the symptomatology associated with the hernia, namely the heartburn, chronic belching, vomiting, anemia, 
difficulty in swallowing, ulceration and perforation, and pain in the mid and upper back. The removal or inhibition of these symptoms allows the muscle tone to return to a more optimal level.
