@sstone11 - Welcome to Mayo Connect!
I know the pain and discomfort you are having.
As @wendymb mentioned, I also feel that anxiety can worsen the symptoms. I have had GERD for years- sometimes barely noticeable, other times there is significant pain. You mentioned pain felt in the back- I went to ER for that too. Turned out to be esophagitis.
I was then also given Maalox to coat the area and I also have Rx Carafate that also coats the lining of your stomach. Has anyone talked to you about diet?
Eating less fatty foods etc. maybe you should contact your doctor’s office to go over what you should and shouldn’t eat.