Pain In Upper Back. Is This GERD Or Acid Reflux?

Posted on Sun, 8 Jul 2012

Question: I have been having a pain just recently in my upper back right in the middle kind of below my shoulder blades but in that area. Could this be related to GERD or Acid reflux?

Answered by Dr. Poorna Chandra K.S (6 hours later)

Hi and thanks for the query
Back pain in the region indicated may be due to -
1) Vertebral and disc problems - usually associated with stiffness and pain running along the ribcage
2) Bad reflux - associated with heartburn and sour taste in the mouth
3) Penetrating gastric ulcer - abdominal bloating, appetite changes, nausea
4) Pancreatic problems - associated with loss of weight, nausea
A good history and physical examination will help to narrow down the diagnosis
Regards
Dr XXXXXXX

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

Follow up: Dr. Poorna Chandra K.S (5 hours later)

Well you can see i had a upper edoscophy performed as i have attached those results as well as a abdominal cat scan. Nothing was mentioned in either. Did you see those?

Answered by Dr. Poorna Chandra K.S (3 hours later)

hi again
Sorry but there are no attatchments
please resend them
Regards
Dr XXXXXXX

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

Follow up: Dr. Poorna Chandra K.S (3 hours later)

It should be under my profile. All attachments are there

Answered by Dr. Poorna Chandra K.S (35 hours later)

Hi
Checked the CT reports.
It is a non-contrast CT hence some lesions can be missed
Normally radiologist donot see the vertebrae on the CT unless specifically asked for
CT is not the investigation to look at reflux or a gastric ulcer - you need an endoscopy. Please attatch the endoscopy report
Regards
Dr XXXXXXX

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

Follow up: Dr. Poorna Chandra K.S (12 hours later)

Please see the attached edoscopy report

Answered by Dr. Poorna Chandra K.S (2 days later)

Hi
The OGD is showing only GERD, Grade A is the milder variant.
Pls get yourself evaluated for vertebral prblems as the GERD you have doesnot explain the pain in back
Regards
Dr XXXXXXX

Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

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