Many people wonder if GERD causes the severe pain they get in their ribcage.
If they have not been diagnosed with GERD or acid reflux, they may hope that an acid problem is the cause of their intense ribcage pain – since acid reflux is a much more inviting diagnosis than is heart disease or cancer.
However, something really stands out whenever people ask about their “ribcage pain.”
And it’s this: Just HOW do you know the pain is emanating from your ribs in the first place?
There’s many other body tissues near and about your ribs. Pain in that vicinity doesn’t always mean it’s coming from the bones.
Thus, the term “ribcage pain” can be misleading when spoken by a layperson.
Nevertheless, it’s not imaginary when GERD causes really bad pain in the region of the ribcage.
“GERD (acid reflux into esophagus) should not cause true ribcage pain,” says Dr. Edward Brettholz, MD, with Vanguard Gastroenterology in NYC, NY.
“True ribcage pain is due to injury to the bones and muscles protecting the vital organs such as the heart and lungs,” explains Dr. Brettholz.
“However, severe erosive esophagitis can feel like the whole chest is hurting, as can esophageal spasm due to acid irritation.”
In short, gastroesophageal reflux disease does not have a direct or even indirect effect on the ribcage itself.
Erosive esophagitis is a condition where the lining of the esophagus becomes inflamed and damaged.
This inflammation leads to erosions or ulcers in the esophageal lining.
Chest pain from this can be burning or sharp. Drinking, smoking and infection are among other causes.
An esophageal spasm is when the muscles in the esophagus contract irregularly and intermittently, leading to chest pain.
In addition to GERD, mental stress and some very hot or cold foods can trigger these spasms.
If you’re suffering from pain that genuinely seems to be coming from those bones, it’s possible you have costochondritis – which gets worse upon certain movements or body positions.
Dr. Brettholz lectures extensively and is involved in cutting edge research trials. He has special interests and expertise in liver diseases, GERD, inflammatory bowel disease and hemorrhoid treatment. Dr. Brettholz lectures extensively and is involved in cutting-edge research trials.
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/Everyonephoto Studio
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