[40F] Experiencing backache and indigestion

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, here are a few possibilities:

• Musculoskeletal Back Pain: This is a common condition, especially in adults, and can be caused by strain, poor posture, or underlying conditions like arthritis. The pain is often worse in the morning and may improve with movement.

  • Treatment usually involves over-the-counter pain relievers, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications such as improving posture and strengthening exercises.

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This condition occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the stomach, sour stomach, and indigestion.

  • Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. If these don't help, prescription medications or even surgery might be an option.

• Gastritis: This is an inflammation of the stomach lining, often caused by the same bacteria that cause most stomach ulcers. It can also be caused by regular use of certain pain relievers or drinking too much alcohol.

  • Treatment usually involves taking antacids and other drugs to reduce stomach acid, which helps relieve gastritis symptoms and promotes healing.

• Peptic Ulcer Disease: These are sores that develop in the lining of the stomach, lower esophagus, or small intestine. They're usually caused by inflammation caused by the bacteria H. pylori, or from erosion caused by stomach acids.

  • Treatment typically involves medications to decrease stomach acid and antibiotics to kill H. pylori, if present.

Please note that these are potential explanations for your symptoms based on the information you've provided, but they are not definitive diagnoses.

What you can do

Here are some steps you can take:

1. For your backache, try to maintain good posture, engage in low-impact exercise like swimming or walking, and take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed.
2. For your indigestion and sour stomach, try to identify and avoid foods that trigger your symptoms. Over-the-counter antacids may help. Eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of three large meals a day may also help.
3. Avoid lying down or going to bed soon after eating, as this can exacerbate GERD symptoms.
4. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can irritate the stomach lining.
5. If you smoke, try to quit. Smoking can increase stomach acid and make gastritis worse.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Severe, sudden, or persistent back pain
• Back pain accompanied by fever, loss of bowel or bladder control, pain when coughing, or progressive weakness in the legs
• Indigestion accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, or pain radiating to the jaw, neck, or arm
• Stomach pain with nausea, vomiting, or weight loss
• Dark or bloody stools or vomit that looks like coffee grounds

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.