Acid Reflux and Back Pain

Is there a connection between acid reflux and back pain? It depends on who you talk with. However, since I have had both, I have my own opinion.

Based on what I have read, and my own experience...

I don't think that acid reflux DIRECTLY causes back pain. On the other hand, I think there is an INDIRECT relationship. And knowing a bit about acid reflux helps with understanding the possible linkage.

What is Acid Reflux Disease?

Acid reflux disease occurs when the contents of the stomach rise up into the esophagus. When this happens food or fluid that has recently been consumed may be tasted in the back of the mouth.

Although there are may be many triggers for acid reflux, such as...

• food
• stress
• eating habits

...there is really only one cause of acid reflux disease.

According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, acid reflux disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease, GERD, are caused when the lower esophageal sphincter opens spontaneously, for varying periods of time, without properly closing. This allows acid to move upwards.

Although the terms acid reflux disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease, GERD, are often used interchangeably, the Mayo Clinic makes a distinction. They explain that acid reflux can be a cause of GERD, but since GERD can be caused by either an acid OR bile backup, the term acid reflux specifically describes acid as being the cause.

The Acid Reflux and Back Pain Connection

As acid builds in the stomach and begins to travel upwards to the esophagus varying sensations may be felt, most commonly a burning pain in the lower abdomen, the mid chest, or behind the breast bone. Many people refer to this sensation, or pain, as heartburn.

As the sensation is felt in the chest and abdomen, it can also radiate to other areas of the upper torso including the back. Thus the acid reflux and back pain connection. An indirect link, but one that I and others have experienced on many occasions.

What can you do to relieve acid reflux?

Since acid reflux can have serious health consequences you should talk with your doctor about acid reflux treatment.

If in addition to acid reflux you are experiencing back pain, DO NOT assume an acid reflux and back pain connection. Discuss both with your doctor and let them decide if one exists.

As in my case, my doctor recommended three things...

First, was an acid reflux diet. Since I drank a lot of it, I was advised to eliminate my daily intake of orange juice, replacing it with water. Within days I began feeling results.

My doctor also suggested that I either eliminate from my diet, or only consume in small portions:

• gravies
• chocolate
• spicy foods
• tomato based sauces
• carbonated beverages
• garlic, peppers and onions
• caffeine or alcohol drinks

Secondly, I was prescribed medications for acid reflux disease. In my case, I took Nexium for thirty days followed by over the counter acid reflux medication on an as needed basis.

Third, several imaging tests were done to make sure that no long term stomach or esophagus damage had occurred, prior to treatment.

The result, with a bit of diet experimentation I have been able to substantially reduce my incidences of discomfort.

You may also be interested in:
Back Pain, Chronic Back Pain, Extreme Lower Back Pain

Acid Reflux at Night

Often, acid reflux can be worse at night. Actually, it's at night when I am most likely to get acid reflux and back pain. I have discovered that any type of movement, a short walk around the house or even some stretch exercise can be very useful in relieving the reflux.

A suggestion my doctor had for relieving acid reflux at night...

Sleep with my feet elevated. Although this may be useful to others, I did not find it effective. Instead, keeping my head slightly elevated seems to encourage the release of acids in my upper chest and throat. Experiment and you may find your own remedy.

One thing I do know - and it is sound advice for almost anyone who suffers from acid reflux disease - DO NOT lie down within the first hour after eating. Let your food digest first!

Are you interested in more information about acid reflux disease, gastroesophageal reflux, GER, or gastroeshopageal reflux disease, GERD?

The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, NDDIC, provides the following:

American College of Gastroenterology
P.O. Box 342260
Bethesda, MD 20827-2260
Phone: 301-263-9000
Internet: www.acg.gi.org

American Gastroenterological Association
National Office
4930 Del Ray Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: 301-654-2055
Fax: 301-654-5920
Email: member@gastro.org
Internet: www.gastro.org

International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
P.O. Box 170864
Milwaukee, WI 53217-8076
Phone: 1-888-964-2001 or 414-964-1799
Fax: 414-964-7176
Email: iffgd@iffgd.org
Internet: www.aboutgerd.org

North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition
P.O. Box 6
Flourtown, PA 19031
Phone: 215-233-0808
Fax: 215-233-3918
Email: naspghan@naspghan.org
Internet: www.naspghan.org

Pediatric/Adolescent Gastroesophageal Reflux Association, Inc.
P.O. Box 486
Buckeystown, MD 21717-0486
Phone: 301-601-9541
Email: gergroup@aol.com
Internet: www.reflux.org

Hopefully, with a visit to your doctor, and with just a few diet and lifestyle changes you will be able to find relief for your own acid reflux and back pain!