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Can Gastritis Cause Pain Under The Ribcage And Back?

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Posted on Thu, 14 Dec 2023
Question: I'm having sharp pains under my rib cage on the left side that runs up to the middle of my back (between my shoulders).
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (57 minutes later)
Brief Answer:

GERD or gastritis likely.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Based on your symptoms, I think you might be suffering from Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

In this condition stomach contents (food or liquid) leak backwards from the stomach into the oesophagus (the tube from the mouth to the stomach) causing irritation of the oesophagus, heartburn, watery feeling in the mouth and other symptoms.

You will need proton pump inhibitors for a week or two.

Omeprazole is usually available over the counter and can be taken once a day before breakfast. Check with your pharmacist about its availability.

In addition, you also need some strict life style modification like-

Avoid hot and spicy foods and beverages - they worsen symptoms.
If you smoke, stop smoking. Lose weight if needed.

Eat small but frequent meals at regular intervals. Avoid lying down immediately after a meal. A minimum of 2-3 hours should have elapsed after a meal.

Raise the head of your bed 6 to 8 inches by securing wood blocks under the bedposts. Just using extra pillows will not help.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Praveen Tayal, Orthopaedic Surgeon
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 12315 Questions

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Can Gastritis Cause Pain Under The Ribcage And Back?

Brief Answer: GERD or gastritis likely. Detailed Answer: Hello, Based on your symptoms, I think you might be suffering from Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In this condition stomach contents (food or liquid) leak backwards from the stomach into the oesophagus (the tube from the mouth to the stomach) causing irritation of the oesophagus, heartburn, watery feeling in the mouth and other symptoms. You will need proton pump inhibitors for a week or two. Omeprazole is usually available over the counter and can be taken once a day before breakfast. Check with your pharmacist about its availability. In addition, you also need some strict life style modification like- Avoid hot and spicy foods and beverages - they worsen symptoms. If you smoke, stop smoking. Lose weight if needed. Eat small but frequent meals at regular intervals. Avoid lying down immediately after a meal. A minimum of 2-3 hours should have elapsed after a meal. Raise the head of your bed 6 to 8 inches by securing wood blocks under the bedposts. Just using extra pillows will not help. Hope I have answered your query. Take care Regards, Dr Praveen Tayal, Orthopaedic Surgeon