Can Stomach Ulcers Cause Back Pain

What About Complicated Ulcers

CAN ULCERS CAUSE BACK PAIN

While most ulcers are successfully treated with medication, some complicated ulcers may require surgery. Ulcers that are bleeding, or that have perforated your stomach or intestinal wall, will need to be surgically repaired. An ulcer that is malignant, or obstructing a passageway, will need to be surgically removed. In severe cases, an ulcer that keeps coming back may be treated by surgery to cut off some of the nerve supply to the stomach that produces stomach acid.

Kidney Stones Or Kidney Infection

The kidneys rest on either side of the mid-back. Experiencing pain in this area, especially if it is just on one side, may signal either a kidney stone or a kidney infection. The person may also experience nausea, and they may have pain that radiates to the groin.

Many kidney stones pass on their own, but it is important to seek medical care to assess them. A doctor can also offer pain medication.

Kidney infections are very serious and can spread to other areas of the body. A person with a kidney infection may also:

develop a fever

In most cases, a doctor will prescribe antibiotics.

When To Get Help For Chest Pain

You should call 999 for an ambulance immediately if you develop sudden severe chest pain, particularly if:

the pain feels heavy, pressing or tight
the pain lasts longer than 15 minutes
the pain spreads to other parts of your body, such as your arms, back or jaw
you also have other symptoms, such as breathlessness, nausea, sweating, or coughing up blood
you are at risk of coronary heart disease for example, you smoke, are obese, or have high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol

If the discomfort is only minor or has resolved, it may be more appropriate to either:

speak to your GP

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Common Causes Of Chest Pain

Most chest pain is not heart-related and isnât a sign of a life-threatening problem. Some common causes of chest pain are outlined below.

This information should give you an idea of whether these conditions may be causing your chest pain, but you should always seek medical advice to make sure you get a proper diagnosis.

Youre More Bloated Than Usual

If you notice your stomach feeling particularly bloated, it may be more serious than a little bit of gasit could be one of the signs of an ulcer. According to RM Healthy, bloating is often one of the earliest ulcer symptoms, with patients especially complaining of pain in their midsection. Of course, bloating can also be caused simply by eating something your body doesnt agree with or not drinking enough water, but when combined with these other symptoms, its worth checking out.

Dont miss these home remedies for bloating.

What Are The Possible Complications Of Peptic Ulcer Disease

An ulcer left untreated may cause serious complications, including:

Internal bleeding: While most people with ulcers wont have bleeding, this is the most common complication that can occur. A slow bleeding ulcer can cause anemia or even severe blood loss.
Perforation: An ulcer that is continuously eroded by acid can eventually become a hole in the stomach or intestinal wall. This is intensely painful and also dangerous. It allows bacteria from the digestive tract to enter the abdominal cavity, which can lead to an infection of the abdominal cavity called peritonitis. From there, the infection is at risk of spreading to the rest of the body . This can lead to a life-threatening condition called .
Obstruction: An ulcer in the pyloric channel, the narrow passageway that leads from the stomach into the duodenum, can become an obstruction that blocks the flow of food into the small intestine. This can happen after the ulcer has healed. Ulcers that have gone through a healing process may build up scar tissue that enlarges them. An ulcer that is big enough to obstruct the small intestine can stall the digestive process, with numerous side effects.
Stomach cancer: Some gastric ulcers can become malignant over time. This is more likely when your ulcer is caused by H. pylori infection. H. pylori is a contributing cause of gastric cancer, though fortunately this is uncommon.

What Natural Home Remedies Help Peptic Ulcer Pain

Home care for peptic ulcers often centers on neutralizing the stomach acid.

Dont smoke, and avoid coffee and alcohol. These habits increase gastric acid production and weaken the mucosal barrier of the GI tract promoting ulcer formation and slowing ulcer healing.
Dont take aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Acetaminophen is a good substitute for some conditions. If acetaminophen doesnt help, talk to your health-care professional about alternatives.
If your symptoms are mild, try an over-the-counter antacid or nonprescription histamine blocker to neutralize stomach acid. Usually stronger prescription medications are needed.

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What It Means When You Feel Upper Stomach And Back Pain Together

Back pains are quite common because there are a plethora of possible reasons why they happen from simple ones like stress or more serious diseases, such as herniated discs or scoliosis. The same goes for stomach aches they may be caused by overeating or autoimmune disorders. But if the co-occurrence of these symptoms happens too often, its time to consult a doctor to find out the exact reason.

So why do the upper stomach and back feel painful at the same time? These two uncomfortable symptoms are causes for concern because they might be a sign of more serious health conditions like pancreatitis, kidney stones, peptic ulcer, and gallstones.

What Is A Stomach Ulcer

Can Back Pain Cause Stomach Pain?

Peptic ulcers are painful sores that line the stomachand they affect about 4.5 million people per year. Normally the stomach has a protective layer that keeps the acidic juices in the stomach from getting to sensitive tissue and causing an ulcer. However, some people are at risk for developing stomach ulcers, most often due to long-term use of NSAIDs, the class of pain reliever that includes ibuprofen or aspirin, or an infection with a type of bacteria called H. pylori. The good news is that treatment can help many ulcers to heal. Here are the signs of an ulcer you shouldnt ignore.

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What Is The Cause Of Peptic Ulcers

When you eat, your stomach produces hydrochloric acid and an enzyme called pepsin to digest the food.

The food is partially digested in the stomach and then moves on to the duodenum to continue the process.
Peptic ulcers occur when the acid and enzyme overcome the defense mechanisms of the gastrointestinal tract and erode the mucosal wall.

In the past it was thought that ulcers were caused by lifestyle factors such as eating habits, cigarette smoking, and stress.

Now it is understood that people with ulcers have an imbalance between acid and pepsin coupled with the digestive tractâs inability to protect itself from these harsh substances.
Research done in the 1980s showed that some ulcers are caused by infection with a bacterium named Helicobacter pylori, usually called H pylori.
Not everyone who gets an ulcer is infected with H pylori. Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause ulcers if taken regularly.

Some types of medical therapy can contribute to ulcer formation. The following factors can weaken the protective mucosal barrier of the stomach increasing the chances of getting an ulcer and slow the healing of existing ulcers.

Aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , and newer anti-inflammatory medications
Cigarette smoking
Radiation therapy:-used for diseases such as cancer

People who take aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medications are at an increased risk even if they do not have H pylori infection.

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Peptic Ulcer Disease As A Cause Of Chest Pain

Treatment Options

Peptic ulcer disease is a common medical problem that is often mistaken for cardiac disease. Peptic ulcers often produce symptoms that can be a challenge to distinguish from angina or even the symptoms of a heart attack.

In peptic ulcer disease, ulcers or sores are produced in the lining of the stomach, or of the duodenum . These ulcers are often quite painful.

What Signs And Symptoms Are More Likely To Occur With A Heart Attack Than With Heartburn

The textbook version of a heart attack consists of a sudden crushing pain in the chest with breathing difficulties as a result of exertion.

The fact is, many heart attacks do not happen this way because the symptoms can vary between people.

But the typical heart attack warning signals are A feeling of pressure or tightness in the chest and that can spread to the left arm, the neck, jaw or back.

Shortness of breath

If you experience any of these symptoms get to ER immediately!

If there is any kind of recurring or chronic back and chest pain get checked by a doctor to rule out heart disease.

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What Is Indigestion And What Is An Ulcer

A lesion or sore that develops on the lining of your stomach or in the first part of your small intestine is called an ulcer. Ulcers are usually caused by the bacterium H. pylori or by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen. A lesion can get aggravated by your stomach acid and causes pain and other symptoms.

Indigestion or dyspepsia, on the other hand, describes a chronic or recurring pain in your upper abdomen. Indigestion can be caused by many things, including stress, eating too much, taking certain medications, or having an underlying condition, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease or gallbladder disease.

Pressure On The Spinal Nerves

Herniated discs can be caused by lifting heavy objects or by injuries, such as whiplash. This condition is also referred to as a slipped or ruptured disc. When a disc in your back ruptures, pressure may be placed on the spinal nerves.

A herniated disc occurs if the soft inside of a spinal disc pushes out, bulging through a tear in its outer coating. Herniated discs are most common in the lower back, but can also occur in the neck, causing pain in the upper back. They may be more likely to occur in people who are overweight, or in older people.

Other symptoms of a herniated disc include:

arm or shoulder pain that may be made worse by coughing or sneezing
tingling sensation
muscle weakness in the arm or shoulder

Research And New Developments

Previous research has shown that ankylosing spondylitis has a strong genetic component and were currently funding several research projects to further understand this. Previously, we part funded research that identified a specific gene, called IL23R, thats linked to the condition. Were now funding a follow-on project to investigate how changes in this gene lead to the development of ankylosing spondylitis.

Were also supporting a study thats investigating a gene called RUNX3. Researchers are investigating whether this molecule can be targeted with drugs. Results from this research may lead to the development of new and more effective drug treatments.

Were funding a project investigating the protein HLA-B27. This protein is found in over 90% of people with ankylosing spondylitis. Its thought that HLA-B27 proteins tend to fold incorrectly inside cells, which may lead to the immune system releasing chemicals that cause inflammation. This research aims to generate HLA-B27 specific treatments that overcome the problems associated with current treatment options.

Can Stomach Ulcers Just Go Away

Stomach Ache vs. Stomach Ulcer How Do You Know? | Gastroenterologist Dr. Anish Sheth

Some ulcers follow a chronic pattern of healing temporarily on their own and then returning. This might happen if the factors contributing to your ulcer, such as NSAID use, smoking and alcohol, are temporarily reduced and then resumed. You wont completely heal your ulcer until you eliminate the cause, whether that is chronic NSAID use, H. pylori infection or an overactive stomach. Even after successful treatment, you can get another ulcer.

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How Are Stomach Ulcers Treated

Ulcers can heal if they are given a rest from the factors that created them. Healthcare providers treat uncomplicated ulcers with a combination of medicines to reduce stomach acid, coat and protect the ulcer during healing and kill any bacterial infection that may be involved. Medicines may include:

Antibiotics. If H. pylori was found in your digestive tract, your healthcare provider will prescribe some combination of antibiotics to kill the bacteria, based on your medical history and condition. Commonly prescribed antibiotics include tetracycline, metronidazole, clarithromycin and amoxicillin.
Proton pump inhibitors . These drugs help reduce stomach acid and protect your stomach lining. PPIs include esomeprazole,dexlansoprazole,lansoprazole, omeprazole,pantoprazole and rabeprazole.
Histamine receptor blockers . These reduce stomach acid by blocking the chemical that tells your body to produce it . H2 blockers include famotidine, cimetidine and nizatidine.
Antacids. These common over-the-counter medicines help to neutralize stomach acid. They may bring some symptom relief, but they arent enough to heal your ulcer. They also might interfere with some antibiotics.
Cytoprotective agents. These medicines help to coat and protect your stomach lining. They include sucralfate and misoprostol.
Bismuth Subsalicylate. This over-the-counter medicine, commonly found as Pepto-Bismol, can help coat and protect your ulcer from stomach acid.

How Can I Be Sure Its An Ulcer

The only way to be sure an ulcer is causing your discomfort is with a medical diagnosis. We will evaluate your medical history and conduct a thorough physical examination.

To determine the root cause of your ulcer, we may run blood, stool, or breath tests. These tests are designed to look for signs of helicobacter pylori, the bacteria linked to ulcers.

Depending on your unique symptoms, we may also order an endoscopy. During an endoscopy, we insert a tube with a tiny camera down your throat and into your stomach to take pictures of any potential damage and collect tissue samples for analysis.

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Is Your Persistent Stomach Pain An Ulcer

Digestive Health, Gastroenterology

Its normal to have a stomachache every now and then. Maybe you ate something that isnt agreeing with you or youre having a stressful day. These run-of-the-mill pains usually resolve on their own or with basic treatment.

But if you experience daily abdominal pain, or pain that comes and goes frequently, you could have a more serious problem, such as a peptic ulcer.

UNC Rex Digestive Healthcare gastroenterologist Silpa Yalamanchili, MD, explains how peptic ulcers can develop and how to find relief.

Replenish Gastric Acid And Digestive Enzymes

At his Tahoma clinic Dr Wright Wright has conducted thousands of tests on stomach acid levels since 1976.

In all those years, the test results have consistently shown that hypochlorydria occurred in 90% of people with mild to moderate heartburn.

He also found that replenishing low stomach acid with HCL supplements were successful in helping to increase production of stomach acid and eliminate the symptoms of GERD and heartburn.

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When Should I Go To Er

Seek emergency care if you have:

Severe pain that doesnt go away.
Signs of blood in your poop or bloody vomit.
Signs of severe blood loss, such as paleness and faintness.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Stomach ulcers are common and treatable, but they should be taken seriously. Even when they dont cause symptoms, they arent a good sign. A stomach ulcer means that your natural stomach acid is overwhelming your protective stomach lining. Thats a situation that can only get worse if it isnt managed. Lifestyle changes may help, but youll still need to treat the underlying cause. Its probably either NSAID use or a common bacterial infection. Your healthcare provider can help prescribe the right medicines for your condition.

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Typical And Not So Common Symptoms Of Heart Attack

Intense pressurepain and shortness of breath often indicates heart attack or a heart problem such as angina . You can have a kind of early warning about heart problems several days or even several weeks before you actually have a heart attack. Maybe you will get out of breath more easily when you are going up and down stairs, or you will break out in a sweat on a cool day even with little exertion. You might have a passing sensation as if someone reached into your chest and squeezed your heart.

If you have these potential early warning signs of a heart attack, donât wait until you keel over in pain to see a doctor. There are many things your doctor can to prevent a heart attack: blood pressure control, high-dose statins , and nitroglycerin pills to open your arteries . If you are diabetic, keeping your blood sugar levels under control can help prevent heart attack .

If you are at the point of experiencing the symptoms of a heart attack, the sweating, chest pain, and shortness of breath usually increase, and there may also be pain radiating to the left arm or neck. When there isnât a feeling of crushing or burning pain, there may be a feeling of fullness in the chest. There can be nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and confusion. Shortness of breath may be severe after physical exertion, but improve after a few minutes rest.