GERD and acid reflux can be a real pain in the back. Forget the bellyache and burning heart; the sharp pain that wraps around your back during a bad attack can often be mistaken for pulled muscles, or even a heart attack. This pain may radiate, with the exact location unknown. Many complain that it feels like a knife is going from the stomach to the back.
Treating acid reflux back pain can be a little tricky. With acid reflux, the nerve fibers in the throat/esophagus are stimulated. This results in a pain in the area of the heart that can radiate to the back. Whether heartburn occurs occasionally or daily, the pain is still intense and can be nearly debilitating.
So, if you are suffering with this pain, what can you do? Is there hope for relief?
Relief from your heartburn pain may be as simple as a few lifestyle changes. Diet - including WHAT we eat, as well as what time and portions, can all contribute to acid reflux back pain. By exploring options for diet, and excluding trigger foods (usually things such as acidic foods and spicy items, as well as heavy, greasy foods), the back pain may be lessened.
Eating smaller portions is another way to manage acid reflux. The stomach will often have a hard time digesting huge portions of food, which will result in indigestion. By simply eating smaller portions more often, you may relieve some of the back pain and heartburn.
Fatty foods are famous for causing heartburn. Eliminate fattening food from your (especially) night time diet, and you may be surprised at how much symptoms are alleviated.
Aside from diet, you can also try propping the head end of the bed 6-8" up so you are raised at nighttime. This will help gravity do its work and keep those acids where they belong. In your stomach.
If your reflux back pain is not helped by making these minor changes, try taking an over the counter relief. These will often help relieve your pain and indigestion. There are several options for powerful over the counter pain relief for heartburn.
While back pain is a normal side effect from heartburn, if you don't experience relief from trying these steps, speak with your doctor. Back pain may be totally unrelated to your heartburn, and your doctor can help diagnose what it is. If more extreme steps need to be taken, your doctor can consult with you about your options.
You don't have to live with the pain of heartburn. Start making changes today and the secondary health benefits may give you a lift - weight loss, healthier living, and feeling great will accompany the dietary and lifestyle changes to relieve your acid relux back pain.
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