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Does Pain In The Rib, Sternum, Shoulder And Neck Symptomatic Of GERD

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Posted on Mon, 6 Nov 2017
Question: Hi,
My previously diagnosed costochondritis was amended to GERD.
It sure doesn't feel like reflux, but the treatment (Maalox, basically) definitely helps.
Can GERD feel like rib pain, sternum pain, even shoulder and neck pain?
Thx!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (41 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
most likely, yes.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks choosing HealthcareMagic for your query.
I've gone through your details and I appreciate your concerns.

The stomach is lined by a natural layer of mucosa membrane which is resistant to acid, however, mucosa in the esophagus is easily destroyed by acid which regurgitates back from the stomach. This causes severe irritation of esophagus leading to inflammation. This inflammation on esophagus can be felt as pain in chest and its surrounding area which may radiate to neck or hand also. Usually, GERD presents as Heartburn which is retrosternal(felt behind the ribs) in nature.

Initially, you should go for basic cardiology tests like 2D-echocardiography and stress test.
If both of them are normal then your pain is mostly due to GERD only.

Hope it was helpful. Feel free to ask further.
Thanks!


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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. Ramesh Kumar

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :1986

Answered : 2914 Questions

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Does Pain In The Rib, Sternum, Shoulder And Neck Symptomatic Of GERD

Brief Answer: most likely, yes. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks choosing HealthcareMagic for your query. I've gone through your details and I appreciate your concerns. The stomach is lined by a natural layer of mucosa membrane which is resistant to acid, however, mucosa in the esophagus is easily destroyed by acid which regurgitates back from the stomach. This causes severe irritation of esophagus leading to inflammation. This inflammation on esophagus can be felt as pain in chest and its surrounding area which may radiate to neck or hand also. Usually, GERD presents as Heartburn which is retrosternal(felt behind the ribs) in nature. Initially, you should go for basic cardiology tests like 2D-echocardiography and stress test. If both of them are normal then your pain is mostly due to GERD only. Hope it was helpful. Feel free to ask further. Thanks!