Can Acid Reflux Cause Back Pain?

Back pain is not typically a symptom of acid reflux. However, symptoms of acid reflux can cause back pain. For example, heartburn can cause a burning sensation in the neck and chest that can spread to the back, causing back pain.

Understanding acid reflux

Acid reflux happens when stomach acid enters the esophagus and causes symptoms such as heartburn. If acid reflux happens to you often, it’s considered gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Causes and symptoms of acid reflux are:

Causes:

• Overeating
• Being overweight
• Eating heavy before bed
• Smoking
• Carbonated beverages
• Caffeine
• Pregnancy

Symptoms include:

• Burning sensation (heartburn)
• Difficulty swallowing
• Regurgitation of food
• Feeling of a lump in your throat
• Chest pain
• Chronic cough
• Trouble sleeping 
• Asthma issues 
• Pain in the lower back

Does acid reflux lead to back pain?

Since back pain is not typically considered a direct symptom of acid reflux, it stems from other symptoms. Back pain that happens during acid reflux is often due to heartburn. Heartburn causes burning in the chest and neck. This can spread to the back and cause pain between the shoulder blades, or even spread to the lower back. 

Stress caused by recurrent acid reflux can also cause back pain. If you’re experiencing back pain along with acid reflux, visit an online doctor to discuss treatment options.

How to cure back pain due to acid reflux?

There are preventative measures you can take in order to alleviate acid reflux. If you’re experiencing back pain along with it, stopping the acid reflux should also stop the back pain. Working on dietary and lifestyle changes can make a world of difference. 

Dietary changes

Certain food groups are beneficial in helping with acid reflux symptoms. 

• High-fiber foods. Foods high in fiber are less acidic and promote a healthy digestive system. They’re an excellent addition to an acid reflux diet. 
• Overeating is one of the causes of acid reflux, so eating filling foods will help eliminate symptoms.
• Alkaline foods. Alkaline foods are foods with a higher pH (lower in acid). Foods like bananas, melons and nuts are good for an acid reflux diet. 
• Foods with high water content. Foods that contain a lot of water are excellent for an acid reflux diet. These include foods like celery, cucumbers, watermelon and broths.

Lifestyle changes

Along with diet changes, there are lifestyle changes to incorporate to help with acid reflux.

• Eat smaller meals and eat more frequently during the day
• Quit smoking
• Stop eating 2-3 hours before bed
• Don’t wear tight clothes 
• Exercise

Why Omeprazole (Generic Prilosec) is your best treatment option for acid reflux

With moderate to severe cases of acid reflux, making simple lifestyle and dietary changes may not be enough to curb your symptoms. The good news? Prescription drug Omeprazole has been proven to be incredibly effective treatment, alleviating all symptoms!

Take control of your treatment by speaking with one of our online doctors today. They can help you discuss your best course of action, including prescription medication Omeprazole.

The best part? Omeprazole works the same as brand name acid reflux medications—at a fraction of the cost! It works by reducing stomach acid, effectively preventing recurring episodes of acid reflux. Plus, most adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, can safely take Omeprazole.

Schedule a virtual doctor’s appointment, today.

Get help for your acid reflux, today!

Acid reflux is incredibly bothersome & inconvenient. While diet & lifestyle changes may help, your best option to treat acid reflux is to speak with a doctor.

Schedule a virtual visit with one of EMD's reputable doctors & get a personalized treatment plan that works.

Stop living with acid reflux. Get help, today!