Experiencing back pain after eating can ruin your dining experience. Continue reading below for 5 things that may be causing you back discomfort as well as treatment options and prevention tips.
Back pain after eating is often the result of referred pain. This is pain that originates in one area of the body and radiates to another. Several problems can cause back pain after eating, ranging from poor posture to ulcers.
Causes
The following issues can lead to back pain after eating:
1. Allergies and intolerances
People with allergies or intolerances to certain foods may experience inflammation after eating them. If they already have back pain, the inflammation can make symptoms worse.
Examples of foods that may trigger inflammation and back pain include:
- alcohol
- dairy
- gluten
- peanuts
- sugar
Some foods can aggravate underlying conditions, resulting in back pain. For example, very spicy foods can cause heartburn, making back pain worse.
2. Gallbladder inflammation and gallstones
The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ that sits below the liver. It stores and releases bile, a fluid that helps the body to digest fats.
The gallbladder can become inflamed, especially if hard deposits known as gallstones are present. Eating fatty foods can trigger a gallbladder attack, in which the organ becomes inflamed and causes pain.
Typical symptoms of a gallbladder attack include nausea and severe pain in the upper abdomen. This pain may radiate to the back.
3. 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. Certain foods may trigger heartburn symptoms, including:
- alcohol
- caffeine
- chocolate
- spicy foods
- tomatoes
Experiencing heartburn more than twice a week may indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can lead to ulcers if not properly managed.
4. Poor posture
Bad posture is a common cause of back pain. A person who is hunched over during meals may experience this pain after eating.
Poor posture while sitting, standing, or working at a desk can also lead to back pain at any time of the day.
5. Ulcer
An ulcer in the stomach or esophagus may lead to pain that radiates to the back. Other ulcer symptoms include:
- belching
- bloating
- burning pain in the stomach
- feeling full after eating
- gas
- heartburn
- nausea
Infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) often causes ulcers. They may also be caused by long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen sodium (Aleve).
Spicy or acidic foods can make ulcer symptoms worse.
Treatment
Treatment for back pain after eating depends on the underlying cause. Common treatments are listed below.
Dietary changes
If back pain results from heartburn, ulcers, or food intolerances, it may be helpful to remove trigger foods from the diet.
Trigger foods vary from person to person, but common culprits include:
- alcohol
- bread and gluten
- caffeine
- chocolate
- peanuts
- spicy foods
- sugary foods
- tomatoes
To identify trigger foods, it may be helpful to keep a food diary or work with a dietitian.
Medications
Medications used to treat back pain after eating will vary significantly, depending on the problem. For example:
- Antibiotics can treat kidney infections and H. pylori infections.
- Pain relievers may control symptoms of pancreatitis and gallbladder inflammation, when these cases are mild.
- Proton pump inhibitors and acid blockers can help to treat heartburn, GERD, and ulcers.
- Physical therapy and exercise
- Physical therapists are able to correct poor posture. They may recommend stretches and exercises to help strengthen the core muscles and support the back and spine.
Exercises practiced in yoga, Pilates, and tai chi may be particularly beneficial.
Other treatment
If a doctor cannot identify the cause of back pain after eating, try common remedies for generalized back pain. These include resting, applying ice, and taking pain relievers.
Prevention
Here are some tips to prevent back pain after eating:
- exercising regularly, to keep muscles strong and prevent poor posture
- sitting up straight when eating or sitting at a desk, and use lower back support if necessary
- avoiding foods that trigger heartburn and intolerances
- reducing stress to avoid irritating ulcers and contributing to muscular tension
- limiting alcohol consumption
- avoiding fatty, spicy, or sugary foods
- addressing underlying medical conditions and infections without delay
When to see a doctor
Anyone with persistent or worsening back pain should speak to a doctor.
Seek prompt medical treatment if the pain is accompanied by symptoms such as:
- burning pain while urinating, or other urinary symptoms
- black or tarry stools, which suggest an ulcer
Contact emergency services if back pain is accompanied by any of the following symptoms of a cardiac event:
- chest pain
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- nausea
- pain in the abdomen, arm, jaw, or neck
- shortness of breath
- sweating
Takeaway
Back pain after eating is usually the result of referred pain from another area of the body, and it is not always a cause for concern. However, if the pain persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to see a doctor. Most causes of back pain after eating can be easily treated with medication, lifestyle changes, and dietary modifications.
Original article published on medicalnewstoday.com
