It’s not unusual to have an upset stomach after eating every now and then. You may even feel a little tired following a hearty meal, which is also perfectly normal. For some people, eating can also contribute to spine-related discomfort and make them think they need to see a Santa Monica spine surgeon. However, the discomfort may be nothing more than a minor digestive irritation. Other times, it could be a sign of
something potentially serious, including issues not specifically related to the spine. Here’s a closer look at possible underlying causes of back pain associated with eating. Show
1. HeartburnWhile most people associate heartburn (acid reflux) with a burning sensation in the chest or throat, it’s possible to have discomfort that extends to the middle part of the back. Referred pain may also be felt in the arms and shoulders. If there are no detected
issues with nerve compression around your spine that may be causing such symptoms, reduce your consumption of overly acidic or spicy foods to minimize issues with acid reflux or GERD (gastrointestinal reflux disease). 2. UlcersA sore in the small intestines or stomach is called an ulcer. One possible symptom associated with an ulcer in this location is back pain felt in the mid-back (thoracic) area. Since ulcers can also develop in the esophagus, it’s not
unusual for symptoms to become more noticeable when food is consumed. If an ulcer is found, treatment usually involves a combination of antibiotics and stomach acid suppression medication. 3. Poor PostureEating is often a social experience with a focus on conversation and the various dishes and beverages being enjoyed. Consequently, you may not notice you are hunching over or shifting excessively to one side or the other. However, poor posture patterns can contribute to back pain that seems to coincide with eating. Similar posture issues can result from slouching on the couch while snacking and watching TV. The remedy for this type of eating-related back pain is to be more mindful of your posture by:
4. Gallbladder InflammationLocated under the liver on the right side of the abdomen, the gallbladder is the organ that breaks down fat from various foods. If you’re one of the 20 million or so Americans with gallstones or related inflammation, eating may produce abdominal pain that radiates to the middle or upper part of your spine. If this is the source of your back pain, talk to your doctor about treatment options such as medication, diet adjustments,
or surgery. 5. PancreatitisPancreatitis is a disease characterized by abdominal pain triggered by inflammation of the pancreas, a gland located behind the stomach in the upper abdomen that helps with digestion and blood sugar regulation. Because of the way the pancreas functions, otherwise mild symptoms may become more noticeable when eating. In some instances, the discomfort is relegated to the abdomen and back area, which may be mistaken for pain related to muscle spasms. Treatment sometimes includes fasting for a few days to give the gland time to recover or medication to control the inflammation. If back-related symptoms from any of the above sources are mild and not too disruptive, you may benefit from anti-inflammatory medications, diet or lifestyle changes, and a little rest. However, back pain accompanied by nausea and chest pain may not just be severe heartburn. It could also be a sign of a heart attack. Kidney infections and urinary tract infections can also be underlying conditions contributing to discomfort around the back. Should you have other symptoms in addition to back pain or don’t have any existing spine issues that could be the source of your discomfort, err on the side of caution and seek medical attention. Chronic back pain typically isn’t caused by diet. Oftentimes, the only way to alleviate the pain is to undergo a minimally invasive procedure such as decompression surgery or total disc replacement. Santa Monica residents who are seeking relief for their back pain can call The Spine Institute today at 310-828-7757 to schedule an in-person evaluation. Chronic pancreatitis is a condition where the pancreas has become permanently damaged from inflammation and stops working properly. The pancreas is a small organ, located behind the stomach, that helps with digestion. Chronic pancreatitis can affect people of any age. It is more common in men. It's different from acute pancreatitis, where the inflammation is only short term. Most people with chronic pancreatitis have had 1 or more attacks of acute pancreatitis. Symptoms of chronic pancreatitisThe most common symptom of chronic pancreatitis is repeated episodes of severe pain in your tummy (abdomen). The pain usually develops in the middle or left side of your tummy and can move along your back. It's been described as a burning or shooting pain that comes and goes, but may last for several hours or days. Although the pain sometimes comes on after eating a meal, there's often no trigger. Some people might feel sick and vomit. As the condition progresses, the painful episodes may become more frequent and severe. Eventually, a constant dull pain can develop in your tummy, between episodes of severe pain. This is most common in people who continue to drink alcohol after being diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis. Some people who stop drinking alcohol and stop smoking may find the pain is less severe. Advanced chronic pancreatitisOther symptoms develop as the damage to the pancreas progresses and it becomes unable to produce digestive juices, which help to break down food. The absence of digestive juices means it's harder to break down fats and some proteins. This can cause your poo to become very smelly and greasy, and make it difficult to flush down the toilet. The pancreas usually only loses these functions many years after the first symptoms started. You may also experience:
When to get medical adviceSee a GP immediately if you're experiencing severe pain, as this is a warning sign that something is wrong. If this is not possible, contact NHS 111 for advice. You should also see a GP as soon as you can if:
Jaundice can have a range of causes other than pancreatitis, but it's usually a sign there's something wrong with your digestive system. Diagnosing chronic pancreatitisA GP will ask about your symptoms and may examine you. They'll refer you to a specialist for further tests if they think you have chronic pancreatitis. The specialist will be able to confirm whether you have the condition. TestsTests and scans are usually carried out in your local hospital. They may include:
BiopsySometimes the symptoms of chronic pancreatitis can be very similar to pancreatic cancer. You may need a biopsy, where a small sample of cells is taken from the pancreas and sent to a laboratory to be checked, to rule this out. Causes of chronic pancreatitisThe most common cause of chronic pancreatitis is drinking excessive amounts of alcohol over many years. This can cause repeated episodes of acute pancreatitis, which results in increasing damage to the organ. Find out more about alcohol misuse In children the most common cause is cystic fibrosis. Less common causes include:
In some cases, no cause can be identified. This is called idiopathic chronic pancreatitis. Treatment for chronic pancreatitisThe damage to the pancreas is permanent, but treatment can help control the condition and manage any symptoms. People with chronic pancreatitis are usually advised to make lifestyle changes, such as stopping drinking alcohol and stopping smoking. They're also given medicine to relieve pain. Surgery may also be an option for those experiencing severe pain. ComplicationsLiving with chronic pain can cause mental as well as physical strain. See a GP if you're experiencing stress, anxiety or depression caused by chronic pancreatitis. Some people with chronic pancreatitis will eventually develop a type of diabetes known as type 3c diabetes. This occurs when the pancreas can no longer produce insulin because it's become so damaged. People with chronic pancreatitis can sometimes develop sacs of fluid on the surface of their pancreas (pseudocysts). These can cause bloating, indigestion and dull tummy pain. These cysts often disappear on their own. But sometimes they need to be drained using a technique called endoscopic ultrasound drainage, or endoscopic transpapillary drainage. Chronic pancreatitis increases your risk of pancreatic cancer, although the chance is still small. Support for people living with chronic pancreatitisAny long-term health condition, particularly one that causes recurring episodes of pain or constant pain, can affect your emotional and psychological health. See a GP if you're experiencing psychological and emotional difficulties. There are medicines available that can help with stress, anxiety and depression. Talking to other people with the same condition can often reduce feelings of isolation and stress. The charity Guts UK, may be able to put you in touch with a local support group. Page last
reviewed: 26 May 2022 Why does my stomach hurt and my back hurt when I eat?Heartburn
Back pain after eating may result from heartburn, a digestive condition characterized by burning pain in the chest. It is estimated that over 15 million Americans experience heartburn every day. Other symptoms may include a sour taste in the mouth, a sore throat, and a cough.
What causes lower abdominal pain that radiates to the back?Lower abdominal pain and back pain
Sometimes pain caused by abdominal organs radiates to other parts of the body. Organs that have a close relationship to the back are the kidneys and the pancreas in particular. But diseases of the urinary tract and genital organs can also cause back pain.
Why my lower abdomen and lower back hurts?Many disorders within the abdomen, such as appendicitis, aneurysms, kidney diseases, kidney infection, bladder infections, pelvic infections, and ovarian disorders, among others, can cause pain referred to the back.
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