Back pain after eating is frequently caused by referred pain. Referred pain is pain that originates in one place of the body and transfers to another. A range of reasons, ranging from bad posture to an ulcer, can cause back pain after eating.
Causes of Back Pain After Eating
The following medical conditions can induce back pain after eating:
Allergic Reactions and Intolerances
People who have food allergies or intolerances may experience inflammation after eating particular foods. Swelling might increase the signs and symptoms of back pain if they already have them.
A variety of foods can induce inflammation and back pain, including:
- Alcoholic beverages;
- Milk-based products;
- Gluten;
- Peanuts;
- Sweetener or sugar
Certain foods can aggravate back pain, which can exacerbate hidden disorders. Heartburn from hot foods, for example, might increase back pain.
Gallstones and Inflammation of the Gallbladder
The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ that sits underneath the liver. Bile is a liquid that aids in the digestion of fats, and it sells and distributes it.
Inflammation of the gallbladder can occur, particularly if there are hard deposits in the form of gallstones. Eating fatty foods can result in a gallbladder attack. The organ gets inflamed in this scenario, causing discomfort.
A gallbladder attack is characterized by nausea and severe pain in the upper abdomen. This pain could migrate to your back.
Heart Attack
Back pain can be an indicator of a heart attack, particularly if it’s accompanied by symptoms like:
- Throbbing pain in the chest;
- Feeling dizzy;
- Sickness and nausea
- Arm, jaw, and neck aches;
- Perspiration
Women are more likely than males to experience atypical heart attack symptoms. The following are some examples:
- A persistent backache;
- A tightening sensation in the upper back;
- Feeling dizzy;
- Stomachache;
- Breathing problem
It’s worth noting that women with heart problems don’t always experience chest pain.
Heartburn
After eating, heartburn, a digestive system disorder, can cause back pain. It’s characterized by scorching pain in the chest. According to estimates, about 15 million Americans have heartburn on a regular basis.
Additional signs and symptoms include a foul taste in the mouth, a sore throat, and a cough. Certain foods, such as those listed below, might cause heartburn.
- Alcohol;
- Consuming too much caffeine;
- Tomatoes
- Spicy foods
- Chocolate
Heartburn that occurs more than twice a week could indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It can develop into ulcers if not addressed properly.
Read Also: Can Gas Cause Back Pain? Fact or a Myth?
Mesenteric Artery Anemia
When cholesterol plaques form in the arteries that supply the intestines, blood flow through these blood vessels is restricted, resulting in mesenteric anemia.
When you eat, the cells in your intestines become more active to help you digest your food. There is a need for more oxygen-carrying blood. Eating a meal may induce pain when plaque builds in the abdominal arteries because the blood flow is insufficient to fulfill the extra needs of these cells.
The pain induced by mesenteric ischemia in the abdomen is usually severe and extensive. Common adverse effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and flatulence. It occurs 15 to 60 minutes after eating and can last up to two hours. The signs of mesenteric anemia include weight loss and eating pain. Food phobia is an anxiety disorder in which you are afraid to eat because it makes you feel bad.
Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of chronic mesenteric ischemia. This ailment is linked to gender (more common in men), smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity, lack of physical activity, stress, and anxiety.
A variety of tests can be performed by your doctor to detect if your arteries are hardening. In the most severe cases, surgery will be required to address the condition.
Kidney Infection
A kidney infection, as well as the following, can cause back pain:
- Abdominal pain;
- Blood in the pee
- Burning sensation during urinating;
- Shivers;
- Temperature;
- Frequent urination;
- Nausea;
- Becoming unconscious.
Symptoms can appear at any time during the day. However, some folks may feel them more after eating. To avoid complications, anyone who suspects they have a kidney infection should get medical help right away.
Pancreatitis
The pancreas is a gland in the body that aids digestion and regulates blood sugar levels. Pancreatitis is a condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed. Some of the signs and symptoms are listed below:
- Stomach pain;
- A persistent backache;
- A rapid heartbeat;
- A high temperature;
- A feeling of sickness
- Becoming unconscious.
Long-term, excessive alcohol intake is responsible for nearly 70% of pancreatitis occurrences, according to a 2013 study.
Read Also: Can Constipation Cause Back Pain? What Do the Experts Say?
Poor Posture
Back pain is frequently caused by poor posture. A person who has been hunched over for a long time may experience this pain after eating.
Poor posture while sitting, standing, or working at a desk can cause back pain at any time of day.
Ulcer
Back pain might be caused by an ulcer in the stomach or esophagus. An ulcer can also cause the following symptoms:
- Gurgling;
- Constipation;
- A sweltering feeling in the gut;
- Feeling full after eating;
- Gas;
- Indigestion;
- Vomiting or nausea
Helicobacter pylori infection is the most common cause of stomach ulcers. They can also be caused by long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such Advil (Ibuprofen, Motrin) or naproxen sodium (Aleve).
Spicy and acidic foods can exacerbate ulcer symptoms.
Peptic Ulcers
Peptic ulcers develop when the stomach’s protective cellular lining or the duodenum, the first section of the small intestine, is insufficiently protected from the stomach’s acid, resulting in an open sore (or ulcer) in the stomach or duodenum’s wall.
Pain from a peptic ulcer usually occurs in the upper left or upper center of the abdomen. A stinging, searing, or dull soreness that radiates to the back is the most typical symptom.
Stomach ulcer pain usually starts during or shortly after eating. The pain from a duodenal ulcer normally goes away after you eat, but it returns several hours later.
When a peptic ulcer bleeds, tar-like or red feces and vomit that resembles coffee grounds are produced. A hole can form when an ulcer extends all the way through the wall of the gut or belly. Significant stomach pain, as well as shock symptoms such as weakness, lightheadedness, or loss of consciousness, are usually caused by this hole.
Treatment of Back Pain After Eating
Eating out what caused your back pain in the first place is the greatest method to treat it. This is where you’ll find the majority of traditional treatments.
Dietary Changes
Eliminating trigger foods from the diet may be effective if back pain is caused by heartburn, ulcers, or food intolerances.
Migraine-inducing foods differ from person to person; however, the following are common culprits:
- Alcohol;
- Gluten and wheat products;
- Caffeinated beverages
- Chocolate;
- Peanuts;
- Spices;
- High-sugar foods;
- Tomatillos
Keeping a meal journal or seeing a nutritionist may be helpful in identifying trigger foods.
Medications
Depending on the situation, the medicines used to relieve back pain after eating vary substantially. Consider the case below:
- Both kidney infections and H. pylori infections can be treated with antibiotics.
- Pain medications may be beneficial in mild cases of pancreatitis and gallbladder inflammation.
- Heartburn, GERD, and ulcers can all be helped with acid blockers and proton pump inhibitors.
Related: Gabapentin for Back Pain: Does It Really Help?
Physical Therapy and Exercise
Your posture can be improved with the help of physiotherapists. Stretches and exercises to help strengthen the core muscles and support the back and spine may be provided.
Yoga, Pilates, and tai chi are examples of helpful workouts.
Other Treatment Options
You might try normal back pain therapies if a doctor is unable to pinpoint the reason for back pain after eating. Rest, cold application, and medication are all choices.
How to Avoid Back Pain after Eating
Here are some tips to help you avoid back pain after eating:
- Keep muscles healthy and avoid improper posture by exercising on a regular basis;
- When eating or sitting at a workstation, sit up straight and, if necessary, utilize lower back support;
- Avoiding heartburn-causing foods and intolerances;
- Reducing anxiety and stress, both of which can exacerbate ulcers and cause muscle strain;
- Cutting down on alcohol consumption;
- Avoiding oily, spicy, or sweet foods;
- Quickly detecting and treating hidden medical concerns and infections.
When to See a Doctor?
Anyone who has persistent or worsening back pain should contact a doctor.
Seek medical attention right away if the pain is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Having a burning sensation when peeing or other urinary symptoms;
- Stools that are dark or tarry, indicating the existence of an ulcer.
If your back pain is accompanied by any of the following heart-related symptoms, dial 911 right away:
- Throbbing pain in the chest;
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness;
- Vomiting or nausea;
- Pain in the stomach, arm, jaw, or neck;
- Sweating
- Breathing problem
Summary
Back pain after eating is frequently the result of pain that has been transferred from another region of the body, and it is not always the source.
If the soreness persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, you should consult a doctor.
Back pain after eating can be relieved with a variety of drugs, lifestyle adjustments, and dietary changes.
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