Saturday, October 18, 2008 robczyk asks

Q: Could a burning feeling in my mid to upper back on the left side be GERD?

My family has a history of GERD. I am 44 years old and am generally in good health with an above average diet. I exericise semi-regularly. Recently (2-3 weeks) I've been noticing a burning sensation in my (mid to upper) back, to the left of my spine, that comes and goes. It feels like a specific spot, not a general feeling. When I swallow sometimes I can feel what I'm eating/drinking "passing over" that burning area. The symptoms I read about for GERD do not mention a sensation in the back. It's always in the chest. So I'm curious if that might still be the cause.

I recall these 'symptoms' happening about 4-5 years ago, and then they subsequently went away. I have had no major diet changes recently, but my wife and I have been going through infertility treatments for a while, and for the last 6 months have been taking chinese herbs and additional supplements, plus introducing a few new foods, but nothing that appears to be GERD promoting. If anything, our diet has gotten a little better in that regard. Lastly, I stopped taking the majority of herbs/supplements about 4-5 days ago and have not noticed any difference.

Thanks in advance.

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Answers (2)

susansea

12/31/10 12:20pm

I am very new to this site and am interested in your question. It's been over 2 years since you posted it. Did you never get any answers? Did you ever figure out what the pain was from? I have had a similar pain for the last while, and also live with GERD.

robczyk

12/31/10 4:49pm

Yes, it turned out to be GERD. I now take prescription Omeprazole twice a day, and the symptoms are virtually gone. My doctor has also scheduled regular endoscopies to keep an eye on things as the first one indicated that I have Barret's esophagus. If you haven't already, you should check in with your doctor.

susansea

12/31/10 5:58pm

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. I have had GERD for many years, and take Nexium once to twice a day, even after having a fundoplication (operation to keep acid in stomach). This burning in my back is relatively new. I have had all the tests many times and didn't want to start all over again because of this new symptom. Sometimes goes away for days/weeks. I am a woman of a certain age, so I keep hoping that when menopause is done, I'll feel all better. I can only hope!

I am glad that you are experiencing relief!

I hope that you also had success with the infertility treatments.

Best wishes to you for a wonderful 2011!

Susan.

Kaye

1/10/11 2:47pm

Hello I also have that same burning feeling in my upper back and was told it was Gerd and given nexium. I was also told to raise head of bed. I would have never thought that that would have caused back pain. I hope the nexium will take the pain away. Kaye

susansea

1/10/11 10:17pm

I hope that the Nexium works well for you. Did the doctor mention that you should take it at least 1/2 an hour before you eat? The first doctor that prescribed it to me forgot to mention that. I still think that the best thing is to avoid the foods that cause you too much trouble. I know that's sometimes hard to do, though. Good luck!

Pastor

3/ 2/12 9:14am

I have been told that I have GERDS. I have burning in my upper middle back. I realize yesterday that foods such as spagetti sauces, tomatoes, soda pop, coffee is the worse for this condition. I am praying for everyone with this condition, because it don't feel good at all.

Q: Could a burning feeling in my mid to upper back on the left side be GERD?

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