From treating elite athletes to discovering an overlooked cause of reflux, David Kulla shares how he became a go-to expert in hiatal hernia treatment, almost by accident.
From Scoliosis to Chiropractic: A Personal Journey
Josef Kreitmayer
Hello, in this session, we have another wonderful guest, Dr. David Kulla. Dr. Kulla specializes in the natural, non-pharmaceutical, and non-surgical treatment of hiatal hernias. It’s wonderful to have you here.
Dr. David Kulla
Thanks for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Josef Kreitmayer
Could you briefly introduce yourself? What led you to specialize in chiropractic care and, particularly, in treating hiatal hernias?
Dr. David Kulla
When I was 14, I was diagnosed with scoliosis and faced surgery. A chance encounter with a chiropractor changed my life. He treated me, and within six weeks, I was out of pain. Over time, my spine was corrected without surgery, allowing me to continue as a competitive swimmer.
Later, after a car accident, chiropractic care helped me again. These personal experiences inspired me to choose chiropractic as a career—a field that allowed me to treat a variety of conditions without drugs or surgery.
Discovering and Treating Hiatal Hernias
Dr. David Kulla
Initially, I didn’t intend to treat hiatal hernias. In chiropractic school, I surrounded myself with top professionals and learned the hiatal hernia maneuver early in my career. I realized that many patients, especially women post-pregnancy or those with scoliosis, were experiencing this issue.
Eventually, I began seeing how common it was, with literature indicating that 50% of those over 50 have a hiatal hernia. The sliding type is most common. I’ve treated this condition for over 25 years with around a 93% success rate.
What Is a Hiatal Hernia?
Dr. David Kulla
A hiatal hernia occurs when the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. The most common type is the sliding hernia, which can vary in severity and can go undetected in endoscopies.
Rare types, like paraesophageal hernias, involve more of the stomach or even the bowel moving into the chest cavity and typically require surgery.
Frustration With Diagnosis and Medication
Dr. David Kulla
Many patients struggle with false negatives in diagnostic tests. They get prescribed medications that often don’t work, and doctors aren’t aware of manual treatment options.
The hiatal hernia maneuver is an osteopathic technique that has been researched and practiced for decades, but few doctors or chiropractors are trained in it.
Symptoms and Vagus Nerve Involvement
Dr. David Kulla
Common symptoms include acid reflux, heartburn, bloating, difficulty breathing, chest discomfort, food regurgitation, and even panic attacks due to vagus nerve irritation.
Silent reflux symptoms, like morning nasal congestion and sore throat, are also common and can be relieved by the maneuver.
Posture, Diaphragm Health, and Chiropractic Support
Dr. David Kulla
Posture and breathing patterns greatly influence diaphragm health. Chest breathing weakens the diaphragm, especially for people who sit at desks all day.
We assess posture, breathing, and spinal alignment, particularly in the thoracolumbar area, which innervates the diaphragm. Chiropractic adjustments help stimulate the vagus nerve and support the maneuver’s effectiveness.
The Hiatal Hernia Maneuver Explained
Dr. David Kulla
The maneuver is a manual technique to pull the stomach back down from the diaphragm. Patients lie on their backs with their knees bent.
The practitioner massages the area just left of the xiphoid process, pushing gently but firmly. For some, it offers immediate relief. We’ve made several instructional videos demonstrating how to do it safely.
Developing the Reflux Shield Device
Dr. David Kulla
For those who can’t get the right leverage or want to self-treat, I developed the Reflux Shield, a patented device that mimics the maneuver.
It’s designed to be safe, adjustable, and less abrasive than fingers. It includes a beveled edge and is paired with instructional videos via QR code.
Treatment Plans and Chronic Management
Dr. David Kulla
Results vary. Some patients feel better after one treatment, while chronic cases may require ongoing care.
The Reflux Shield helps patients self-treat as needed. We recommend a gradual approach, using pain as a guide and incorporating exercises and stretches to support posture and diaphragm strength.
Demonstration and Practical Use of the Reflux Shield
Dr. David Kulla
The device is placed slightly to the left of the xiphoid process and used with light pressure, gradually sliding downward.
It’s important not to exceed a pain level of five out of ten. Lotion can help reduce skin irritation. People with conditions like an abdominal aortic aneurysm should avoid using it.
Contraindications and Patient Feedback
Dr. David Kulla
We advise against use in people with certain medical conditions or after specific surgeries.
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with only one return out of thousands sold. Patients report significant relief and improved quality of life.
Cold Laser Therapy (Photobiomodulation)
Dr. David Kulla
Photobiomodulation, or cold laser therapy, can reduce stomach spasms and inflammation, easing sensitivity so the maneuver can be performed.
It also promotes healing by stimulating mitochondria and improving cell function. It’s a promising tool we’re integrating into practice.
Clarifying Stomach Acid Myths
Dr. David Kulla
People often misinterpret the idea of low stomach acid. In reality, acid rises due to the hernia, so levels in the stomach drop.
HCL pills or medications may relieve symptoms but don’t treat the cause. Our goal is to reposition the stomach and strengthen the diaphragm to fix the root issue.
Exercises, Posture, and Long-Term Support
Dr. David Kulla
Postural exercises, diaphragmatic breathing, and specific stretches help prevent recurrence.
While some people benefit from stretches alone, most need the maneuver. Videos and guides help patients adopt the right techniques.
Encouragement and Self-Treatment Options
Dr. David Kulla
My YouTube channel offers resources for people looking to avoid surgery and medication.
The Reflux Shield and spouse-assisted techniques provide safe alternatives. HCL supplements and natural remedies like DGL licorice can help temporarily, but addressing the structural issue is key.
Global Practice, Licensing, and Misinformation
Dr. David Kulla
Licensing varies globally. In some countries, chiropractors and osteopaths aren’t widely available or properly recognized.
The technique isn’t commonly taught, even among chiropractors, so it’s important to ask if your provider is trained in the maneuver.
Bridging the Gap Between Conventional and Alternative Care
Dr. David Kulla
The medical system often lacks awareness of chiropractic approaches. Better integration requires education and openness.
Many doctors don’t understand what chiropractors do. I hope to bridge that gap through broader education and collaboration.
Final Thoughts
Dr. David Kulla
There are safe, effective non-surgical options for treating hiatal hernias. Surgery and medication help some, but many are left without answers.
With the right tools and techniques, healing is possible. I encourage anyone suffering to explore these options and find what works best for them.
