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Why does GERD cause chest pain?
Digestive Health | Last Active: Feb 18 4:47pm | Replies (22)Comment receiving replies
Even if the chest pains are probably GERD related...you do have to have a cardiologist give you a work up and make sure it is not a pure cardiac issue. We can have two unrelated issues at once.
Though, from what you write, my quick guess is that it is probable GERD.
You should have your doctor give you a review of movements and GERD. Get a list of what kinds of movements aggravate GERD. And there may be movements and/or positions that calm GERD or even help GERD in some way. I am thinking stretching exercises? Position work? Maybe from Hatha Yoga? What came to mind was maybe something like an arch? I also know that Yoga does these kind of isometric exercises for the stomach. I know that something similar is used for folks who have problems with frequent urination. Strengthens some muscle groups that help. And that comes from regular urology, not from Hatha Yoga.
Also, sleeping positions re GERD? Maybe you need to have your upper body elevated a bit while sleeping?
And if you have a hiatal hernia and there is some fix for that....I would definitely consider that.
Maybe if the hiatal hernia is fixed, then some strengthening of the core might help the GERD a bit? I don't know...but I am guessing that, generally, if the stomach and abdominal muscles are healthier, properly stretched and strengthened, it can only aid GERD. Maybe not, but possibly...
And, of course, go into the therapy for GERD itself. I know that they recommend smaller meals more frequently, not eating close to bed time...some basic things. And, you know, in our crazy life, we do tend to forget some of the basics.
Sorry about the problems, best of luck.
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Thank you for your thoughtful response. I am doing the low-acid, whole food diet and lifestyle changes, including smaller more frequent meals and elevated upper body for sleeping. It definitely helps. The PPI helped too but that gave me side effects so I ditched those.
I have had cardiac workups with stress tests and others. Supposedly my CV system is fine.
The GI doc talks to me only when I am coming out of sedation after a scope. He did email me once enigmatically saying he could do laproscopic surgery on me. He didn't specify what it was for. I was left to guess a fundoplication surgery. In short, neither he nor my PCP know anything about diet/exercising to address GERD issues. Drugs and surgery are their tools. They are not good communicators either. I would have to travel to find a better doctor option, which I did do for my osteoporosis (6.5 hours round trip). I just don't know of anyone else worth the travel to do the GI consult.
I have signed up with various exercise coaches explicitly stating my GERD condition and how it affects my exercise comfort. They all assure me they have dealt with GERD patients before and know how to approach abdominal exercises. Then guess what? Same old same old.
I read about the Iqoro device, which isn't available in the US. Based on someone else's comments, I bought a mouthguard with strap to replicate the Iqoro and do the associated breathing exercises to mitigate the hiatal hernia. I think there was limited success with that approach.
So ..... I have done the plain vanilla recommendations and have found success for the most part. The exercise question is the last big remaining puzzle piece.
I asked the question because if the pain is just esophageal spasms, I wouldn't care that much. I could ignore it, and hope it lessens over time. However, if it's the stomach poking through the hernia, that could mean bigger problems down the line. Ditto if it was also acid/pepsin shooting up that I couldn't feel or taste, but would still do damage.
I will continue to search for abdominal exercises that don't cause chest pains. I need a strong core for balance and bone health. GERD surgery is a last resort for me.
Thanks again for caring!