When you hear the words “peptic ulcer,” you might picture a stressed-out 1980s stockbroker, fuelled by black coffee and cigarettes, yelling down a phone while clutching his stomach. And yes, lifestyle stress and stomach issues did often go hand-in-hand in that image — but let’s clear something up: peptic ulcers are not just an 80s problem, nor are they confined to Wall Street stereotypes. They’re very real, very current, and can affect anyone, from busy parents to hardworking healthcare professionals.

At Thrive Body Clinic, we often see people suffering with unexplained abdominal discomfort, pain, or digestive complaints that have lingered for months. Sometimes, peptic ulcers are part of the picture. This blog aims to explore what they are, what causes them, how they’re treated, and how osteopathy can play a supportive role in recovery.

What Are Peptic Ulcers?

Peptic ulcers are open sores that form on the inside lining of your stomach (gastric ulcers) or the upper part of your small intestine (duodenal ulcers). These areas are normally protected by a thick layer of mucus, but when that protective lining is damaged or overwhelmed by stomach acid, ulcers can develop.

There are two main types:

• Gastric ulcers – these occur in the stomach.
• Duodenal ulcers – these occur in the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms of peptic ulcers can vary from person to person. Some people may experience no symptoms at all until the ulcer causes a more serious issue like bleeding. Common signs include:

• Burning or gnawing stomach pain (especially between meals or at night)
• Bloating and fullness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
• Heartburn or indigestion
• In more severe cases, vomiting blood or passing black stools

These symptoms can come and go, often being mistaken for general indigestion or stress-related gut discomfort.

Causes of Peptic Ulcers

There are a few well-established causes of peptic ulcers, some of which might surprise you:

1. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection

This spiral-shaped bacterium is one of the leading causes of ulcers worldwide. It lives in the digestive tract and can damage the protective mucosal lining, leading to ulcers over time.

2. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Regular use of painkillers like ibuprofen and aspirin can weaken the stomach lining, increasing the risk of ulcers, especially when used over a long period or without food.

3. Lifestyle Factors

Although no longer considered primary causes, lifestyle factors like smoking, excessive alcohol intake, high stress, and spicy foods can exacerbate symptoms or slow healing once an ulcer has formed.

4. Excess Stomach Acid

Conditions that lead to increased stomach acid production, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (rare, but real), can also contribute to ulcer formation.

How Are Peptic Ulcers Treated?

Once diagnosed (usually via endoscopy, breath test, or stool test for H. pylori), treatment focuses on:

1. Eliminating H. pylori

A combination of antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) is typically prescribed to kill the bacteria and reduce stomach acid.

2. Reducing Acid Production

Medications like PPIs and H2-receptor antagonists help reduce acid, allowing the ulcer to heal.

3. Protecting the Stomach Lining

Sometimes medications like sucralfate are used to coat the ulcer and protect it from further acid damage.

4. Lifestyle Adjustments

• Cutting down on alcohol and caffeine
• Quitting smoking
• Managing stress levels
• Avoiding NSAIDs where possible

Ulcers generally heal within 6–8 weeks with proper treatment, but without addressing the underlying causes, recurrence is likely.

Where Does Osteopathy Come In?

At first glance, ulcers might seem like a purely medical problem. And yes, diagnosis and primary treatment should absolutely come from your GP or a gastroenterologist. But there’s a supportive role for osteopathy in the overall recovery and long-term wellbeing of people suffering from peptic ulcers.

1. Supporting the Autonomic Nervous System

Your digestive function is closely tied to your autonomic nervous system — the “rest and digest” part needs to be in top form to allow your body to heal. Osteopathic treatment can help regulate this system by reducing musculoskeletal restrictions, easing tension, and supporting the body’s self-regulating processes. Think of it as helping to switch off the constant fight-or-flight mode that many of us live in.

2. Improving Postural and Diaphragmatic Function

Tension in the diaphragm, rib cage, or thoracic spine can physically affect how well your organs function — especially the stomach and small intestine. If you’re hunched over from stress or tension, your diaphragm and digestive tract may be compressed. Osteopathic techniques can gently restore mobility and function in these areas, promoting better digestion and less internal pressure on the ulcerated area.

3. Reducing Referred Pain and Musculoskeletal Discomfort

People with ulcers often present with mid-back, upper abdominal or shoulder tension — sometimes due to referred pain, and sometimes as a result of the body’s protective responses. Osteopathy can help ease that muscular tension and reduce the overall pain burden.

4. Stress Management and Recovery Support

While osteopaths don’t provide psychological therapy, we do recognise how physical tension and stress are deeply connected. A gentle, hands-on approach can promote deep relaxation, which many of our patients find helpful in managing stress-related flare-ups or nervous system overload.

A Whole-Body View of Digestive Health

Osteopathy is never about treating one part of the body in isolation. With peptic ulcers, that holistic approach is especially important. We look at posture, breathing, spinal alignment, rib and abdominal mobility, diet and hydration habits, and how all of these influence your recovery and long-term health.

When to See a GP First

It’s crucial to see your GP if you suspect you have an ulcer — especially if you’re experiencing severe pain, vomiting blood, or black stools. Osteopathy is not a replacement for medical diagnosis or treatment, but it can be an excellent adjunct in your healing journey.

Final Thoughts

Peptic ulcers are far more common than most people think, and they’re certainly not limited to high-flying professionals from a bygone era. If you’ve been dealing with gut discomfort, chronic indigestion, or vague abdominal symptoms that won’t go away, it’s worth exploring whether an ulcer could be the cause.

At Thrive Body Clinic, we’re here to help you manage the physical stress, tension, and biomechanical factors that can contribute to or worsen digestive problems. If you’re recovering from an ulcer or just want to support your gut health holistically, we’d be happy to see how osteopathy can play a part in your care.

Book in today or drop us a message to learn more – your gut will thank you.