Can GERD Cause Back Pain Between Shoulder Blades

Introduction: A Burning Question

If you've ever experienced that gnawing pain between your shoulder blades, you know how bothersome it can be. But, can GERD cause back pain between shoulder blades? In this article, we'll dive into the perplexing relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and upper back pain. We'll explore the reasons behind this connection, how to identify the symptoms, and steps you can take to manage the discomfort. So, buckle up and get ready to decode this mystery!

Key Takeaway: Yes, GERD can cause pain between the shoulder pains. This happens from the association of the nerve of the stomach and the close relationship to the mid back. If you have GERD and back pain, I'd suggest you consider using a digestive enzyme to help relieve your pain. Here's a premium digestive enzyme that works quite well.

Can GERD Cause Back Pain Between Shoulder Blades? Making Sense of the Connection

​​Yes, GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease can cause back pain between the shoulder blades. The pain between the shoulder blades is referred pain, which means that the pain originates in one part of the body but is felt in another part. The sensory nerves in the esophagus share the same signal pathway to the brain as the phrenic nerves that communicate pain in the diaphragm and abdominal area.

Therefore, the intensity of heartburn is so marked that the pain felt in the chest and esophagus will radiate to the area between your shoulder blades The pain from GERD can sometimes radiate to other parts of the body, such as the chest, neck, or back.

This is due to the close proximity of nerves in these areas. As the esophagus becomes inflamed, the nerves may send pain signals to the brain, which can be perceived as pain in the upper back or between the shoulder blades. This phenomenon is known as referred pain.

Understanding GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a chronic condition characterized by the backflow of stomach contents, including acid, into the esophagus. This occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter, a muscle that acts as a valve between the stomach and esophagus, becomes weakened or relaxes inappropriately, allowing the contents to flow back up.

The most common symptoms of GERD include:

• Heartburn: A burning sensation in the chest, often after eating
• Regurgitation: The feeling of stomach contents coming back up into the throat or mouth
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Chronic cough or hoarseness
• Nausea and vomiting

GERD can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Hiatal hernia: A condition where the upper part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity
• Obesity: Extra weight can put pressure on the stomach and weaken the lower esophageal sphincter
• Pregnancy: The growing fetus can put pressure on the stomach, leading to reflux
• Certain medications: Some prescription drugs, such as antidepressants and blood pressure medications, can relax the lower esophageal sphincter

The Link Between GERD and Back Pain

While the connection between GERD and back pain may not be immediately obvious, there is a clear physiological explanation for this relationship. The key lies in the concept of "referred pain."

Referred pain is a phenomenon where pain is felt in a location that is different from the actual source of the pain. In the case of GERD, the pain from the esophagus can be "referred" to the back, specifically the area between the shoulder blades.

Here's how it works:

The esophagus and the upper back share a common nerve supply, known as the vagus nerve. When the esophagus becomes irritated and inflamed due to reflux, the pain signals can be misinterpreted by the brain, causing the sensation of pain to be felt in the upper back, between the shoulder blades.

This referred pain is the body's way of trying to localize the source of the discomfort, even though the actual problem is in the esophagus. The brain struggles to pinpoint the exact location of the pain, leading to the perception of discomfort in the back.

Symptoms of GERD-Related Back Pain

GERD-related back pain can have some distinguishing features that set it apart from other causes of back pain. Some common symptoms include:

• Dull, aching pain between the shoulder blades
• Pain that worsens after eating or when lying down
• Pain that improves with antacid medication or when standing upright
• Accompanying symptoms of GERD, such as heartburn, regurgitation, or difficulty swallowing

It's important to note that the intensity and duration of the back pain can vary from person to person, and it may not always be accompanied by the more typical GERD symptoms. In some cases, the back pain may be the primary or even the only noticeable symptom of GERD.

Identifying GERD-Related Upper Back Pain

​​GERD-related upper back pain can be identified by a burning sensation in the abdominal region and chest, which can radiate from the front to the back. The pain can be between the shoulder blades in the upper back area or range from mid to lower back.

While people can experience GERD and back pain at the same time, it is more likely that the GERD is caused by something related to the existing back pain or its treatment, rather than GERD causing back pain.

However, acid reflux and GERD can cause referred pain between the shoulder blades. GERD-related upper back pain is often triggered by certain foods that cause acid reflux, such as spicy or fatty foods.

People with low mobility and those who are overweight are also at a higher risk of experiencing GERD-related back pain.

Stress from ongoing pain can also cause GERD in some people. It is important to note that while GERD can cause back pain, it is more likely that the GERD is caused by something related to the existing back pain or its treatment, rather than GERD causing back pain To determine if your back pain between shoulder blades is caused by GERD, consider the following factors:

• Timing: GERD-related back pain often coincides with digestive symptoms like heartburn, indigestion, or regurgitation. If your back pain occurs soon after eating or when lying down, GERD could be the culprit.
• Other symptoms: Look out for other GERD symptoms, such as chest pain, difficulty swallowing, chronic cough, and a sour taste in the mouth.
• Response to treatment: If your back pain improves with digestive enzyme it may be GERD-related.

Preventing GERD-Related Back Pain

In addition to the treatment options mentioned above, there are also several preventive strategies you can implement to help reduce the risk of GERD-related back pain:

1. Dietary changes:
2. • Identify and avoid trigger foods that may worsen your reflux symptoms
   • Eat smaller, more frequent meals to reduce the burden on your digestive system
   • Limit consumption of fatty, fried, and spicy foods
3. Lifestyle modifications:
4. • Maintain a healthy weight and avoid weight gain
   • Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption, as these can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter
   • Practice good posture and avoid activities that put excessive strain on your back
5. Timing of meals and sleep:
6. • Avoid lying down or going to bed immediately after eating
   • Elevate the head of your bed or use extra pillows to keep your upper body elevated while sleeping
7. Stress management:
8. • Engage in stress-reducing activities, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises
   • Seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional if you're experiencing high levels of stress

By implementing these preventive measures, you can help minimize the risk of GERD-related back pain and maintain a better quality of life.

Managing GERD-Induced Mid-Back Pain

To manage GERD-induced back pain, lifestyle changes are recommended. Some of these are eating well, staying at a healthy weight, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, improving posture, staying hydrated, quitting smoking, and making stomach acid better.

Over-the-counter medications like antacids can help neutralize stomach acid and decrease acidity, but I find that this makes it worse over time. GERD seems to be caused by lower stomach acid, not an overproduction of stomach acid.

Declining stomach acid initially causes heartburn symptoms, for which most people begin taking antacid medications.

Low stomach acid can also cause occasional heartburn or acid to come back up from the stomach.

Maintaining optimal stomach acid levels is key to preventing acid reflux and GERD If you suspect GERD is causing your back pain between shoulder blades, try these strategies to find relief:

• Improve stomach acidity: You can use a digestive enzyme to help with the breakdown of foods. I wouldn't suggest PPI's or ant acids, as they have long-term problems and make the problem typically worse long-term.
• Medication: Over-the-counter antacids, H2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors can help reduce acid reflux and alleviate back pain.
• Lifestyle changes: Avoid trigger foods, eat smaller meals, and don't lie down within 3 hours of eating. Elevating the head of your bed can also help.
• Stress reduction: Stress can worsen GERD symptoms. Incorporate relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your routine.
• Exercise: Engage in low-impact exercises to strengthen your back muscles and promote overall well-being.

How To Improve Stomach Acid Naturally

There are several natural ways to improve stomach acid levels. Some of these are taking HCL supplements, getting more zinc, taking probiotics, eating ginger, limiting refined carbohydrates, and eating fermented foods like pickles, sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, tempeh, miso, cheese, and kombucha.

Chewing food thoroughly is also a simple but overlooked tip to improve stomach acid levels and digestion.

Using digestive bitters before a meal can stimulate acid production and keep the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) closed. Ingesting apple cider vinegar before meals can also help balance the pH in the stomach

Conclusion: Putting the Pieces Together

In conclusion, the puzzling connection between GERD and back pain between shoulder blades can be explained by referred pain.

While it may seem counterintuitive for a digestive disorder to cause upper back pain, the close proximity of nerves in the esophagus and back allows for this phenomenon to occur.

By recognizing the signs and symptoms of GERD-related back pain, you can take steps to manage and alleviate the discomfort.