Unexplained pain of any type in your upper back needs to be checked by a doctor, since this can mean an imminent heart attack – or just some GERD or even occasional heartburn.
GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease and is not the same as periodic heartburn or acid reflux.
GERD is when the acidic contents of the stomach reflux upward into the esophagus (the so-called food pipe) on a chronic or ongoing basis.
Over time this can lead to a condition called Barrett’s esophagus, which is a risk factor for esophageal cancer.
The hairy problem with GERD or occasional heartburn is that both can cause chest pain – which scares people into thinking they’re either having a heart attack or have something else going on with their heart.
“First and foremost recurrent chest pain should be examined by a physician to rule out heart disease,” says John P. Geibel, MD, Professor of Gastrointestinal Surgery at the Yale University School of Medicine.
GERD, acid reflux and a pending heart attack or even stable angina (deprived oxygen flow to the heart upon physical exertion) can also cause pain in the back.
Dr. Geibel explains that “acid reflux can and most often leads to irritation of the esophagus lining that causes mild to severe erosion that can give a widespread burning pain that affects the chest, abdomen and sometimes even the upper back.”
Upper back pain can be caused by an assortment of medical conditions, and even though it can be caused by acid reflux, this is not common.
However, if you’ve noticed that your upper back pain occurs only when you experience occasional heartburn (and a heart problem has been ruled out), see what happens when you begin treating this heartburn.
TummyZen is an over the counter zinc-based formula that’s validated by Dr. Geibel’s research.
TummyZen provides fast relief that lasts for hours and also supports the esophageal lining.
With the lining of the esophagus being supported by the zinc salts, this will help prevent the back pain caused by acid reflux.
TummyZen is for occasional heartburn rather than for GERD and is minus the side effects typical of PPI drugs.
Dr. Geibel
is the author of over 250 publications and presents his research findings both nationally and internationally, and has made the America’s Top Doctors list numerous times.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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Top image: Shutterstock/staras
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