Can Acid Reflux Cause Back Pain?

 

When you eat a large meal, do you experience back pain? Since the pain can appear suddenly, you might assume it is related to digestive issues.

 

Your other symptoms, including heartburn, will help you determine whether your back pain is caused by gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD). A person experiencing heartburn can feel it in their chest, throat, and lower back, as well as between their shoulder blades.

 

GERD can cause burning sensations in the throat, chest tightness, and stomach upset.

 

A GERD attack, typically caused by eating too quickly or too much, can leave you feeling debilitated, mainly if back pain is also present.

What Is Acid Reflux?

 

When you experience a sour taste in your throat after eating too quickly or consuming a large meal, or a burning sensation in your oesophagus and tightness in your chest, you likely have acid reflux.

 

When stomach acid or bile irritates the lining of the lower oesophagal sphincter, acid reflux occurs. The discomfort may make swallowing and speaking difficult. Although you may be tempted to get in bed and relax if you have acid reflux, lying down may exacerbate the condition.

 

Acid reflux and back pain usually go away on their own after a few hours with over-the-counter medications or home remedies. Still, you should see a doctor if you experience it regularly.

 

Symptoms

You may experience any or all of the following symptoms if acid reflux is causing your back pain:

After eating a large meal, your spine becomes sore.

 

• Heartburn: A burning sensation that can travel from your stomach to your lower abdomen to your chest.

 

• Dyspepsia (indigestion): Symptoms include burping, belching, bloating, and heartburn when your stomach is upset.

 

• Nausea: The act of burping, heaving, or regurgitating that causes an upset stomach.

 

• Abdominal pain

 

• Regurgitation: Wet burps can be caused by sour or bitter tastes in the mouth or throat. It is also possible to experience dry-heaving.

 

• Dysphagia: Having food stuck in your throat.

 

Causes

 

Several factors can cause acid reflux and back pain.

 

The following are among them:

 

• Posture: You may experience back pain and acid reflux if you hunch over while eating. It is a good idea to sit up straight when you consume food.

 

• Pregnancy: You are more likely to experience back pain after eating because of the pressure on your stomach.

 

• Peptic ulcers are characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and gas. A doctor should be consulted if it is accompanied by back pain.

 

• Heartburn: Heartburn or GERD may cause burning sensations in your chest and back pain.

 

• Obesity: Obesity can cause GERD by putting pressure on your stomach.

 

• Late-night eating can cause acid reflux if you eat a large meal and lie down.

 

• Physical injury: When your lower oesophagal sphincter is injured, acid reflux can occur more frequently.

 

Back Pain Caused By Acid Reflux

 

Do you have sharp chest or back pain?

 

This article explains why it happens and includes some risks and warnings to remember.

 

Why It Happens

 

A chronic case of GERD can develop if acid reflux is not effectively treated. Lower back pain can be caused by GERD symptoms such as heartburn. Your chest and throat pain can radiate to your lower back.

As your posture applies more pressure to your stomach and diaphragm during a large meal, it can also cause back pain.

 

Risks And Warnings

 

Heartburn and GERD symptoms may intensify if you suffer from chronic cases. In addition to your chest pain, you may also experience pain between your shoulder blades, lower back, and abdomen. Back pain caused by heartburn should be treated by a doctor.

 

Treating Back Pain Caused By Acid Reflux

 

It's natural to want to lie down when you experience nausea caused by acid reflux. Finding a calm, quiet place to sit may be better than lying down if you're suffering from acid reflux. Stretch your diaphragm when you sit to relieve back pain caused by acid reflux. Home remedies, lifestyle changes, and over-the-counter medications are usually effective in treating acid reflux.

 

Lifestyle Changes

 

• Drink plenty of water
  
  
• Eat a diet free of alcohol
  
  
• Smoking should be stopped
  
  
• Eating should be done with a straight back
  
  
• Elevate your head while you sleep
  
  
• Caffeine should be eliminated from your diet
  
  
• Make sure you maintain a healthy weight
  
  
• Don't eat a large meal two hours before going to sleep or lying down
  
  
• Food triggers (such as citrus, spicy foods, etc.) should be avoided.
  
  
• Reduce the size of your meals

 

Medications

 

In addition to over-the-counter medications, you may need a prescription for some medications that help treat acid reflux.

 

• Antacids: An antacid such as Mylanta, Rolaids, or Tums neutralizes stomach acid and works quickly and efficiently to relieve symptoms. An antacid can be purchased over the counter. A doctor should treat regular recurrences of acid reflux.

 

• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): Prevacid, Nexium, and Prilosec L reduce stomach acid and heal the lining of the esophagus.

 

• .H-2-receptor blockers: The H-2-receptor blockers Zantac 360, Pepcid, Tagamet, and Axid reduce stomach acid production. Unlike antacids, they do not reduce stomach acid as quickly but may last up to 12 hours.

At-Home Remedies

Additionally, there are some remedies you can try at home, such as:

 

• Chew gum: When experiencing acid reflux, chewing gum may increase your swallowing frequency. Esophageal reflux is cleared out by doing this.

 

• Take Ginger: Traditionally, ginger has been used in Chinese medicine as an anti-inflammatory ingredient. Ginger can help calm your stomach if you take a small amount. Take ginger supplements, chew ginger or steep ginger root.

When To See A Doctor

In the event that you have tried home remedies, over-the-counter medications, and lifestyle changes but still suffer from GERD regularly, you should consult a doctor.

 

Symptoms that persist may be an indication of something more serious.

 

You should seek medical attention immediately if any of these symptoms occur:

• Unintentional weight loss
  
  
• Breathing difficulties
  
  
• Severe back pain
  
  
• Feeling like food is stuck after swallowing or having difficulty swallowing.
  
  
• Coughing or choking sensations that last for a long time
  
  
• Your stool contains blood
  
  
• Severe chest pain
  
  
• An arm, neck, or jaw ache
  
  
• Having a black vomit or vomiting blood

 

You can treat acid reflux with over-the-counter medicine, but you should consult your doctor if the symptoms are recurring or severe.

 

The doctor will likely perform a physical examination and may order an endoscopy.

 

To determine if your recurring GERD is due to a bacterial infection that will require antibiotic treatment, your doctor may also order a blood or stool test.

How Mobi Doctor Can Help

Mobi Doctor offers online urgent care. In minutes, you can check your symptoms, research conditions and treatments, and text a healthcare provider if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What Is The Duration Of Back Pain Caused By Acid Reflux?

You could experience back pain, chest pain, and other heartburn symptoms for two hours or more, depending on the cause.

 

Does Acid Reflux Back Pain Cause Lasting Damage?

You should consult your doctor if you are experiencing ongoing back pain from GERD. The oesophagus can become inflamed or bleed if you have GERD recurringly.

 

Acid Reflux Can Cause Back Pain, But Will It Go Away?

Pain can be alleviated through several treatments. Acid reflux can be treated with NSAIDs, and back pain can be relieved with antacids.