How To Treat Acid Reflux Back Pain

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How To Treat Acid Reflux Back Pain
What should I do if I have acid reflux with back pain? – There are several lifestyle changes that you could implement, including eating healthy, avoiding trigger foods, maintaining a healthy weight, improving posture, and more. If the symptoms persist, it is best to visit a physiotherapist. : Understanding Acid Reflux with Back Pain: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

What part of your back hurts with acid reflux?

GERD – GERD is a severe form of acid reflux. It usually develops when acid reflux isn’t treated properly or at all. The heartburn and indigestion caused by GERD are often so intense that severe pain can radiate to your lower back. GERD may also cause pain between your shoulder blades. You might experience the following symptoms in addition to those brought on by acid reflux:

Difficulty swallowing or speaking Shortness of breath Swelling Inflammation

Seek professional medical advice if you suspect you have GERD. A healthcare professional will be able to give you the best treatment options.

How long does it take for acid reflux pain to go away?

Treatment might include changing your diet or taking medicine to relieve your symptoms. It might also include changing a medicine that is causing your symptoms. If you have reflux, medicine that reduces the stomach acid helps your body heal. It might take 1 to 3 weeks to heal.

Is it normal to have back pain with acid reflux?

Heartburn from acid reflux may cause pain in the chest, which can radiate to the back. To treat back pain caused by acid reflux, a doctor may recommend lifestyle changes and certain medications. Surgery may also be an option in severe or persistent cases.

  • Acid reflux can cause heartburn, which causes pain in the chest that may radiate to the back,
  • People may also experience pain in the neck and throat.
  • Acid reflux and back pain may also share some of the same risk factors.
  • Having obesity, carrying excess weight, and smoking may all lead to acid reflux.

These factors are also risk factors for back pain. Musculoskeletal conditions may cause acid reflux, too. Upper cross syndrome (UCS), also known as upper crossed syndrome, is an imbalance in the neck, shoulder, and chest muscles and may occur from extended periods of poor posture.

  • UCS may cause pain in the back, neck, and chest.
  • According to a 2021 case report, UCS may cause a range of other symptoms, and it may trigger acid reflux and heartburn.
  • Staying in positions with poor posture for long periods of time can put pressure on the abdomen and force stomach acid up through the esophagus.

If acid reflux is causing back pain, treating acid reflux may relieve back pain. Treatments for acid reflux may include :

Does drinking water help acid reflux pain?

Will Water Ease Your GERD Symptoms? – Sometimes, when heartburn symptoms set in, a few sips of water will bring relief. This can be the result of water neutralizing acids and washing them out of the esophagus. Water has a pH that, at 7, is neutral. This dilutes the more acidic stomach fluids, bringing relief.

  • But when you have had a meal that is too large, drinking water at the same time or immediately after can make GERD symptoms worse.
  • Be cautious about overeating and sip water slowly with a meal instead of gulping down large quantities.
  • Too much volume can make the stomach distended, leading to more pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter.

Drinking water during the later stages of digestion can reduce acidity and GERD symptoms. Often, there are pockets of high acidity, between a pH or 1 and 2, just below the esophagus. By drinking tap or filtered water a little while after a meal, you can dilute the acid there, which can result in less heartburn.

Can acid reflux cause pain in ribs and back?

What is rib cage pain? – In general, rib pain makes it hard for you to take a deep breath, twist your body or put pressure on your chest. A range of conditions can cause sore ribs, include a pulled muscle, bruised or broken rib, or even acid reflux. Broken ribs are quite common and can take six weeks to six months to heal.

Can vitamin D supplements cause acid reflux?

The shape and size of vitamin pills can irritate the oesophagus, or allow stomach acid to creep back up the oesophagus when it enters the stomach leading to heartburn. – Vitamin supplements have several benefits: it can boost energy, help you lose weight, beat stress, improve performance, and reduce wrinkles, Heartburn could be caused by the pill’s shape or size, and switching brands may help reduce pain.(Shutterstock) The pills could irritate the oesophagus, or allow some stomach acid to creep back up the oesophagus when it enters the stomach, said Dr David Katz.

He also noted that heartburn could be caused by the pill’s shape or size, and switching brands may help reduce pain. But if the problem continues, it may be a good idea to stop taking the supplements altogether. Katz noted, “Heartburn is a catch-all term for a burning sensation in your oesophagus. A vitamin pill, which can be fairly large, could cause either irritation in the oesophagus as it goes down or allow some acid from the stomach to pass up into the oesophagus as the pill goes through the muscular ring separating these two organs — the gastro-oesophageal sphincter.” “If the problem persists despite changing brands or formulation, you might give up multivitamins altogether.

Although I recommend such supplements, there’s no definitive evidence that they confer health benefits,” he added. Liquid vitamins could be an alternative as they are easier to swallow and minimise irritation. If patients choose to give up multivitamins, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, and whole grains, help to regain the extra nutrients that the body needs, he added.

Does acid reflux go away?

How Gastroenterologists Help with GERD – The key to treating your GERD: a board-certified gastroenterologist If you are suffering from chronic acid reflux, a specialist can help. GERD is a potentially serious condition, and it will not go away on its own.

Untreated GERD can lead to inflammation of the esophagus and cause complications like ulcers, strictures and increased risk of Barrett’s esophagus, which is a precursor to esophageal cancer. A gastroenterologist is a physician with specialized training in managing diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts and liver).

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Our gastroenterologists are fellowship-trained and qualified to diagnose GERD and help develop a meet your treatment plan.

Why wont my acid reflux pain go away?

Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest. Heartburn for multiple days in a row can result from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a hiatal hernia, Barrett’s esophagus, or esophageal cancer. Heartburn refers to the burning sensation in the chest that happens as a result of stomach acid.

This is called acid reflux. Occasional acid reflux is normal, However, if a person experiences persistent or frequent heartburn, it may be due to other medical conditions. This article examines the causes of persistent heartburn and when to contact a doctor. Heartburn occurs as a result of acid reflux,

Between the lower esophagus and stomach is a tight ring of muscle called a sphincter. It stays closed until the combination of saliva chewed food reaches it. At this point, it relaxes to allow food to pass to the stomach. Once food has passed through, it closes and prevents food and stomach acid from traveling back up the food pipe.

  • After a large meal, the stomach may stretch.
  • This loosens the esophageal sphincter.
  • In some people, the sphincter also opens without identifiable reason.
  • Stomach contents can travel up the esophagus, causing pain and irritation.
  • GERD occurs when acid reflux happens regularly.
  • If a person experiences heartburn more than twice per week, it may be a sign of GERD.

About 20% of people in the United States have GERD. Not everyone with GERD will experience heartburn. Other symptoms might include:

chest pain nausea issues or pain while swallowing chronic cough hoarseness tasting food or stomach acid after eating

When should I go to the hospital for acid reflux?

Telling The Difference Between a Heartburn & a Heart Attack – Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. Many people experience a feeling of burning in their lower esophagus–close to the entrance of their stomach–before it moves up into the chest.

Squeezing/tightening in the chest Feeling out of breath Pain, aching or discomfort radiating from the chest to the arms, back or neck Sudden fatigue, dizziness or feeling lightheaded Cold sweat Shortness of breath Arm pain

Even if it is not a heart attack, it could be angina or another issue that needs to be addressed quickly.

What is the longest acid reflux can last?

What to expect from heartburn The uncomfortable symptoms of heartburn can last for two hours or longer, depending on the cause. Mild heartburn that occurs after eating spicy or acidic food typically lasts until the food has been digested. Heartburn symptoms may also return several hours after they first appeared if you bend over or lie down.

  • Occasional heartburn that responds to at-home treatment is usually nothing to worry about.
  • But if you consistently get heartburn a few times a week or more, it can be a sign of an underlying condition requiring a doctor’s care.
  • In this case, your heartburn will most likely continue to occur until the condition causing it is treated or managed.

Heartburn symptoms can include:

burning sensation in the chest or throatcoughingstuffed nosewheezingtrouble swallowingsour taste in the mouthbeing woken up out of sleep by a cough or gastric discomfort

If your heartburn isn’t the symptom of an underlying condition, you should be able to successfully treat it with over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as antacids, proton pump inhibitors, or H2 receptor antagonists. You may also find relief from the following lifestyle changes:

Avoid lying down within two hours of eating, Instead, take a walk to help stimulate digestion.Avoid eating any additional food until your heartburn has passed, especially spicy, acidic, or citrus foods.If you have any specific food triggers, such as tomato-based foods, citrus, alcohol, coffee, or soda, avoid them while you have heartburn.If you smoke, avoid cigarettes or other types of nicotine while you’re experiencing heartburn.If heartburn bothers you at night, try elevating your upper body while you sleep. You can do this by using a special wedge pillow or elevating the head of the bed with blocks. Note: It’s not a good idea to prop yourself up with extra pillows to get this elevation. This can bend your body in such a way that it increases pressure on your stomach and can actually worsen your heartburn symptoms.Wear loose clothing, especially around the waist. Constrictive clothing may make your heartburn worse.

If OTC medication or lifestyle changes don’t help your heartburn or if you experience heartburn frequently, talk to your doctor. They can help identify underlying causes for your heartburn and an appropriate treatment plan. There are many ways you may be able to prevent occasional heartburn or reduce the frequency of chronic heartburn.

Identifying food triggers can help you eliminate or reduce heartburn. Food triggers may include garlic, onions, citrus foods, tomatoes and tomato products, alcohol, soda, and coffee.Reducing your serving sizes at meals can help. Try to eat several mini-meals during the day rather than a few large ones.Avoid eating late at night or right before bed.Stop smoking cigarettes, if you smoke.Being overweight or obese may increase your risk of having heartburn. Losing weight may help reduce heartburn.Avoid lying down for at least two hours after eating.

If you have heartburn more than twice a week or if it interferes with your life, talk to your doctor. You may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Heartburn is a symptom of GERD. Unlike occasional heartburn, GERD is defined by having heartburn or other reflux-related symptoms at least twice a week. It can range from mild to severe. In addition to heartburn, GERD symptoms can include:

regurgitation of undigested food or sour liquid into your mouth or throattrouble swallowingthe feeling of having a lump in your throat

Frequent heartburn may be a sign that there is constant irritation to the lining of the esophagus. Too much irritation to the esophagus for extended periods of time can lead to ulceration as well as to precancerous and cancerous changes to the esophagus.

If your heartburn is severe or occurs often, see your doctor. GERD often improves with lifestyle changes or medication. Heartburn is a common occurrence during pregnancy, It can occur at any time, starting in the first trimester. Episodes of heartburn during pregnancy may be longer in duration than heartburn caused by food alone.

However, the amount of food and types of food you eat can make heartburn worse as can bending over or lying on your back too soon after eating. Heartburn in pregnancy is also made worse by progesterone, a hormone which is necessary for maintaining a healthy pregnancy.

Progesterone relaxes a muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter, which acts like a valve, separating the stomach from the esophagus. When this muscle relaxes, it allows stomach acid to rise up out of the stomach and into the esophagus. Because it isn’t made to handle stomach acid, the esophagus becomes irritated and causes the burning sensation we know as heartburn.

The size of the fetus also plays a role. Heartburn can worsen as pregnancy progresses and the fetus starts to fill out the entire uterus. This can cause the uterus to press up against the stomach, pushing its contents up into the esophagus. Heartburn can also be worse for women carrying multiples, such as twins or triplets, because of the additional pressure placed upon the stomach.

Where is gastritis back pain?

Symptoms – Assessing the severity of gastritis is sometimes complicated because the more severe cases may present with only mild symptoms and vice versa. This can mean that the condition goes unidentified and untreated until a more severe complication develops such as a peptic ulcer. Some of the symptoms of gastritis include:

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Upper abdominal pain is the primary symptom of gastritis. The pain may be felt just underneath the breast bone, in the left upper portion of the abdomen and in the back. The pain may also radiate from the front of the abdomen towards the back. Usually, the pain is sharp and sudden. Belching may relieve the pain momentarily. Gastritis may lead to abdominal bloating and a feeling of fullness, especially after a meal. Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of gastritis. The vomitus may be clear, green or yellow and may contain blood, depending on the degree of damage and inflammation. Green or yellow vomit indicates biliary reflux. In cases of gastritis caused by pernicious anaemia, other anemia symptoms may be present such as pale appearance, breathing difficulty and fatigue.

What painkillers can I take with acid reflux?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which the stomach contents leak backwards from the stomach into the esophagus (the tube from the mouth to the stomach). This article tells you what you need to do to manage your condition. You can make many lifestyle changes to help treat your symptoms. Avoid foods that cause problems for you.

Do not drink alcohol.Avoid drinks and foods that have caffeine, such as soda, coffee, tea, and chocolate.Avoid decaffeinated coffee. It also increases the level of acid in your stomach.Avoid high-acid fruits and vegetables, such as citrus fruits, pineapple, tomatoes, or tomato-based dishes (pizza, chili, and spaghetti) if you find that they cause heartburn.Avoid items with spearmint or peppermint.

Other lifestyle tips that may make your symptoms better are:

Eat smaller meals, and eat more often.Lose weight, if you need to.If you smoke or chew tobacco, try to quit. Your health care provider can help.Exercise, but not right after eating.Reduce your stress and watch for stressful, tense times. Stress can bother your reflux problem.Bend at the knees, not your waist, to pick things up.Avoid wearing clothes that put pressure on your waist or stomach. Do not lie down for 3 to 4 hours after eating.

Avoid medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn). Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) to relieve pain. Take any of your medicines with plenty of water. When you start a new medicine, remember to ask if it will make your heartburn worse. Try these tips before going to sleep:

Do not skip meals or eat a large meal for dinner to make up for missed meals.Avoid late night snacks.Do not lie down right after you eat. Remain upright for 3 to 4 hours after your last meal before you go to bed.Raise your bed 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) at the head of your bed, using blocks. You can also use a wedge support that raises the top half of your body when you are in bed. (Extra pillows that raise only your head may not help.)

Antacids can help neutralize your stomach acid. They do not help to treat the irritation in your esophagus. Common side effects of antacids include diarrhea or constipation. Other over-the-counter drugs and prescription drugs can treat GERD. They work more slowly than antacids but give you longer relief.

H2 antagonists: famotidine (Pepcid), cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), and nizatidine (Axid)Proton pump inhibitors (PPI): omeprazole (Prilosec or Zegarid), esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), rabeprazole (AcipHex), and pantoprazole (Protonix)

You will have follow-up visits with your provider to check your esophagus. You may also need to have dental check-ups. GERD can cause the enamel on your teeth to wear away. Contact your provider if you have:

Problems or pain with swallowingChokingA full feeling after eating a small meal portionWeight loss that cannot be explainedVomitingLoss of appetiteChest painBleeding, blood in your stools, or dark, tarry looking stoolsHoarseness

Peptic esophagitis – discharge; Reflux esophagitis – discharge; GERD – discharge; Heartburn – chronic – discharge Abdul-Hussein M, Castell DO. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In: Kellerman RD, Rakel DP, Heidelbaugh JJ, Lee EM, eds. Conn’s Current Therapy 2023,

Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier 2023:220-222. Falk GW, Katzka DA. Diseases of the esophagus. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine,26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 129. Katz PO, Gerson LB, Vela MF. Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Am J Gastroenterol,2013;108(3):308-328.

PMID: 23419381 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23419381/, Richter JE,Vaezi MF. Gastroesophageal reflux disease. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease,11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 46.

Why does acid reflux cause chest and back pain?

Pain in the middle of the chest or upper back can result from disorders of the esophagus Overview of the Esophagus The esophagus is the hollow tube that leads from the throat (pharynx) to the stomach. Food does not just fall through the esophagus into the stomach.

  1. The walls of the esophagus propel food to.
  2. Read more or from disorders of the heart or aorta ( see Chest Pain Chest Pain Chest pain is a very common complaint.
  3. Pain may be sharp or dull, although some people with a chest disorder describe their sensation as discomfort, tightness, pressure, gas, burning, or aching.

read more ). Symptoms may be similar. Gastroesophageal reflux disease Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) In gastroesophageal reflux disease, stomach contents, including acid and bile, flow backward from the stomach into the esophagus, causing inflammation in the esophagus and pain in the bottom. (GERD), caused by stomach acid splashing up into the esophagus, can cause a burning sensation or a tightness under the breastbone (sternum), which may resemble the pain of heart disease. Spasms of the esophagus Esophageal Spasm Esophageal spasm is a disorder of the rhythmic waves of muscular contractions (peristalsis) of the esophagus.

  • The cause of this disorder is not known.
  • Symptoms include chest pain and difficulty.
  • Read more and other esophageal muscle disorders can cause a severe squeezing sensation also resembling the pain of heart disease.
  • Some symptoms are more suggestive of esophageal disorders.
  • Severe pain that occurs suddenly after vomiting or after a procedure involving the esophagus suggests a rupture of the esophagus, although this is rare.

Heartburn is a burning pain caused by GERD that rises into the chest and sometimes the neck and throat, usually after meals or when lying down. Heartburn is among the most common digestive symptoms in the United States. Difficulty swallowing Difficulty Swallowing Some people have difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).

  1. In dysphagia, foods and/or liquids do not move normally from the throat (pharynx) to the stomach.
  2. People feel as though food or liquids become.
  3. Read more and discomfort that occurs only with swallowing also suggest an esophageal disorder.
  4. Chest discomfort that occurs routinely with exertion and goes away after a brief rest suggests a heart problem.

However, because symptoms frequently overlap, and because heart disease is particularly dangerous, doctors often do a chest x-ray X-Rays of the Chest Anyone thought to have a heart disorder has chest x-rays taken from the front and the side. Typically, the person is standing upright, but chest x-rays can be done with people lying in bed if., an electrocardiogram Electrocardiography Electrocardiography (ECG) is a quick, simple, painless procedure in which the heart’s electrical impulses are amplified and recorded. This record, the electrocardiogram (also known as an ECG). read more (ECG), and sometimes a cardiac stress test Stress Testing Stressing the heart (by exercise or by use of stimulant drugs to make the heart beat faster and more forcibly) can help identify coronary artery disease. In coronary artery disease, blood flow. read more before doing tests to look for esophageal disease. Treatment of chest or back pain is usually given only when the cause is known, but people with very typical symptoms of GERD may be given a trial of acid-blocking drugs. NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION Copyright © 2023 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. All rights reserved.

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Is Yogurt good for acid reflux?

Is yogurt a good choice? – Yogurt that is not too sour is also excellent for acid reflux, because of the probiotics that help normalize bowel function. Yogurt also provides protein, and soothes stomach discomfort, often providing a cooling sensation. It is easy to choose foods by looking them up to see how acidic they are.

What can I drink to calm acid reflux?

When to call a doctor – Acid reflux, though uncomfortable, can be highly treatable. People may manage acid reflux at home with some lifestyle changes and the avoidance of triggers. Severe symptoms of GERD may require medication or, in rare cases, surgery.

  1. If an individual has severe or frequent symptoms of acid reflux, their doctor can help rule out other conditions.
  2. It is especially important to get medical attention if someone thinks they might be experiencing acid reflux or any other symptoms of GERD.
  3. These symptoms may indicate a more serious health problem, such as a heart attack,

Acid reflux can be uncomfortable, but will typically resolve independently. However, diet changes may help reduce symptoms of acid reflux in some cases. Drinks such as ginger tea, certain fruit and vegetable juices, and plant-based milks may benefit people experiencing acid reflux and heartburn.

Is Coke good for acid reflux?

Soda and Acid Reflux Disease – If you are experiencing regular heartburn or acid reflux, then drinking soda is an especially bad idea. This is because soda will actually exacerbate the symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn, making the pain more severe and the symptoms more frequent. There are a few primary reasons as to why soda is bad for GERD:

Soda has a high level of acidity, which increases stomach acids The carbonation or bubbles in soda puts stress on the lower esophageal sphincter, thereby increasing the risk for acid to reflux into the esophagus Drinking soda, especially quickly, often causes burping, which releases stomach acid into the esophagus by opening the lower esophageal sphincter

If you are going to drink soda and heartburn is a concern that you have, experts suggest that you at least opt for a caffeine-free variety. Caffeine is known to relax the lower esophageal sphincter, which can further increase the likelihood of experiencing reflux.

Do you feel heartburn in your back?

Ulcer and heartburn – Signs of digestive distress often include pains in your abdomen or reactions that include vomiting or diarrhea. Depending on the condition, however, you could feel pain in your back as well. A peptic ulcer can cause referred pain in your back. This type of ulcer is a sore in your stomach or the small intestines. Typical symptoms include:

heartburnabdominal painbloatinggas

Ulcers can be mild or quite painful. For the more serious cases, pain can be felt in the back as well. Heartburn is another digestive disorder that may cause pain in your back. Symptoms of heartburn caused by gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), include a burning sensation in the chest, a sour taste in the mouth, and pain the middle of your back.

How long does a damaged esophagus take to heal?

Although healing of the esophagus may occur in 6 to 8 weeks, it should not be misunderstood that gastroesophageal reflux can be cured in that amount of time.

Can stress cause acid reflux?

Could stress be making my acid reflux worse? – Harvard Health May 1, 2022 By, Contributor; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing, and, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women’s Health Watch Q. I have gastroesophageal reflux disease and I’ve been very stressed with work lately. My heartburn has gotten a lot worse. Could there be a connection? A. Yes, it’s possible. Emotional stress can increase acid production in the stomach, aggravating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

not smoking eating a healthy diet limiting coffee, tea, and cola drinks eating smaller meals avoiding meals close to bedtime.

You might also try relaxation strategies, such as mindful meditation, yoga, tai chi, massage, and deep breathing. Cognitive behavioral therapy is another option for reducing chronic stress. Also try to exercise regularly. It’s a natural stress buster and can also help you maintain a healthy weight, which can help with GERD. Toni Golen, MD, Contributor; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing Dr. Toni Golen is a physician specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, practicing in Boston. Dr. Golen completed her residency training at George Washington University Medical Center in 1995, and is an associate professor at Harvard Medical Hope Ricciotti, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women’s Health Watch Hope A. Ricciotti, MD, is Editor in Chief of the Harvard Women’s Health Watch. She is an Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology at Harvard Medical School and leads the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. When your digestive system is running smoothly, you tend not to think about it. Once trouble begins, your gut — like a squeaky wheel — suddenly demands your attention. This Special Health Report, The Sensitive Gut, covers the major sources of gastrointestinal distress: irritable bowel syndrome, gastric reflux, upset stomach, constipation, diarrhea, and excess gas.

What position helps acid reflux pain?

News briefs – It’s hard to fall asleep at night when heartburn is your frequent bed partner. How can you give it the boot? In addition to elevating your upper body with a wedge pillow, avoiding meals close to bedtime, and taking heartburn medications, a small study suggests that sleeping on your left side may help.

The findings were published in the February 2022 issue of The American Journal of Gastroenterology, A total of 57 people with chronic heartburn were monitored during sleep, spending about the same amount of time on their left side, right side, or back. The positions didn’t make a difference in the number of times participants experienced stomach acid backing up into the esophagus (which causes heartburn pain).

But the acid cleared much faster when participants were on their left side, as opposed to their back or right side. Less exposure to acid can reduce heartburn pain and also reduce the risk of tissue damage and more serious problems. Image: © miya227/Getty Images As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content.

Can acid reflux cause pain in ribs and back?

What is rib cage pain? – In general, rib pain makes it hard for you to take a deep breath, twist your body or put pressure on your chest. A range of conditions can cause sore ribs, include a pulled muscle, bruised or broken rib, or even acid reflux. Broken ribs are quite common and can take six weeks to six months to heal.