What Causes Severe Pain In The Chest And Back?

Posted on Tue, 6 Sep 2016

Question: I have severe pain in my chest,back, almost like my muscles around my organs are having spasms all the time now foe almost 4 weeks. Sometimes at night they gat so bad I vomit and roll up into a ball duo to pain.

Answered by Dr. Nishad BN (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Peptic ulcer should be ruled out.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thank you for asking HCM

I have gone through your query. It can be due to peptic ulcer. If you provide some more information it will be more helpful.
Is the pain constant or there is any provoking factors like food or drinks or exertion?
Is there increased pain while fatty food intake?
Is there any relieving factors like rest or by taking antacids or applying heat?
Is the pain more at night or while getting hungry?

It is better to take an ECG to rule out cardiac problems to be on safe side. Avoid advil , aspirin or other NSAIDs as it can worsen the problem if it is peptic ulcer.
Taking acid lowering drugs like Ranitidine (Zantac) or Esomeprazole (Nexium) for long term will be helpful if it is peptic ulcer disease. Avoid carbonated drinks , coffee , fried and fatty foods. Take light foods at short intervals. If there is no improvement then an ultrasound examination to exclude acute abdominal conditions like cholecystitis should be done and a consultation with Gastroenterologist should be carried out.

Let me know if anything not clear.
I am happy to help you.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Nishad BN (2 hours later)

Thank you very much. To answer your last question,yes the pain is more at night and while I'm hungry. The pain is constant but not as bad during the day. We don't eat fried food fatty foods due to family members having heart problems I'm feeding my family healthy food to prevent problems.I don't like coffee or sodas so I drink water or decaffeinated teas. But I have a ton of stess duo to a new job and trying to get us back on our feet. Could that cause the ulcer?

Answered by Dr. Nishad BN (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Stress is also a risk for ulcer.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome again.

Thank you for your follow up query.

Stress is also a risk factor for peptic ulcer. Hunger pain and pain during night is characteristic for peptic ulcer.
Taking proton pump inhibitors like esomeprazole ( Nexium ) and mucosal protectors like sucralfate for one month will be helpful.
If that is not helping then a consultation with gastroenterologist and fibrogastroduodenoscopy should be done to find out the exact status and to manage it.
For relieving stress you can practice deep breathing exercises. Sit relaxed and take deep breaths. You can repeat it a couple of times daily.

Let me know if anything not clear.
I am happy to help you.
Thanks.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad