Those suffering from back pain usually think that this type of pain is associated with muscular or skeletal problems exclusively. This might lead them through all types of testing and pain medications, only to find the problem is not getting any better, and in fact, might be getting worse. What isn't always known is that there can be a connection between acid reflux and back pain, especially for those who have had GERD for a long time, and whose symptoms are not kept under control.
For the most part, the association between back pain and acid reflux is an indirect one, but unless that link is found, the condition may continue to get worse.
There is a lot of information about GERD and treatments, as well as things you can do to help with the problem. Though medications and dietary changes are the most common and helpful things you can do, there are other steps you can take that will help, but in return, may be contributing to back pain in some.
One common thing that has been shown to help with acid reflux is sleeping with your head and chest elevated to help keep acid from refluxing at night. This approach can be very successful, but if you do it wrong, you could be putting pressure on your back in the wrong way. This can lead to muscle strain and other problems that contribute to the aching pain in the back that some feel.
Sleeping on you left side also seems to improve acid reflux symptoms, however, sticking to this one sleeping position can lead to back pain as well.
Other times, back pain is simply caused by regular reflux pain when reflux is left untreated. When the pain becomes intense, it might feel like it is radiating around in to the back.
Generally, those who have their acid reflux under control, who are taking medications and have modified their diet, won't feel back pain for this reason.
If you are sure there is no other reason for your back pain, you may want to consider it is related to your heartburn. The first thing you should do is to be sure that you have your acid reflux under control through the guidance of your doctor. This means taking any medications as directed and also learning to avoid those foods and beverages that cause your symptoms to flare.
After that, you can help your acid reflux and back pain by being sure you know what you are doing when you are trying to position your body as you sleep. Stuffing two pillows under your head is not the way to stop acid from flowing up the esophagus. This will only cause back pain. Instead, find a way to gently raise the mattress from underneath so the entire top of your torso is slight elevated. Some people also tend to slouch when the have acid reflux pain, and that not only makes the reflux worse in many cases, it can also contribute to back pain. With the proper lift of the mattress, and proper posture, back pain from acid reflux can be a thing of the past.
