1. < Digestive Health

Digestion and upper back pain

Posted by warrendog @warrendog, Oct 1, 2021

Sometimes I have a slight feeling of fullness while eating followed by pain in my upper left back. Ultrasound has ruled out gallbladder, liver and pancreas problems. H pylori and giardia have been ruled out. I’m scheduled for an endoscopy next month. It feels like severe gas pains, but I have never heard of gas like this. Also these episodes are very random, usually about 2 weeks apart.
Does anyone else have such symptoms, or is there a group here with similar problems?

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Moderator
Amanda Roe | @amandajro | Oct 2, 2021

Hello @warrendog and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am wondering if this always, and only, happens when you are eating? How many times in total over how many weeks/months has this occurred?

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warrendog | @warrendog | Oct 3, 2021

Always while eating or shortly after. I’ve been keeping track of it since April. It happens every 2 or 3 weeks. It has only happened two times at home and all the other times when I go out to eat. It’s also very random in regards to what I eat. Thanks for your reply! I’m trying to investigate as much as possible before my endoscopy.

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2 replies
suzbyrne | @suzbyrne | Oct 3, 2021

@warrendog Hi, Warren. Thanks for the post. I've had multiple symptoms and one of the culprits complicating things and showing up unreliably was a heart issue. I have an arrhythmia that was much improved by cutting out coffee. I still have it, but not nearly as bad.
Glad you've found Connect. I've gotten a lot of helpful information here. Best to you. Suzanne

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Moderator
Amanda Roe | @amandajro | Oct 3, 2021
In reply to @warrendog "Always while eating or shortly after. I’ve been keeping track of it since April. It happens..." + (show)
@warrendog

Always while eating or shortly after. I’ve been keeping track of it since April. It happens every 2 or 3 weeks. It has only happened two times at home and all the other times when I go out to eat. It’s also very random in regards to what I eat. Thanks for your reply! I’m trying to investigate as much as possible before my endoscopy.

Jump to this post

@warrendog have you ever considered keeping a food and symptom journal? You may be able to pinpoint a particular ingredient or situation that sets off your pain. Perhaps just a pocket notebook you can keep in your car? Are you someone who is well-hydrated typically?

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1 reply
warrendog | @warrendog | Oct 5, 2021
In reply to @amandajro "@warrendog have you ever considered keeping a food and symptom journal? You may be able to..." + (show)
@amandajro

@warrendog have you ever considered keeping a food and symptom journal? You may be able to pinpoint a particular ingredient or situation that sets off your pain. Perhaps just a pocket notebook you can keep in your car? Are you someone who is well-hydrated typically?

Jump to this post

I’ve only kept a record of when the attacks happen, but I think a food journal is a good idea. I’m sure I need to drink more water.

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1 reply
debkl | @debkl | Oct 6, 2021

I had a similar problem that went on for years. It became so severe that i drove to the ER on a few occasions. It turned out to be dorsal scapular nerve irritation. Once I began mid back and shoulder exercises, it quickly subsided.

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Moderator
Amanda Roe | @amandajro | Oct 6, 2021
In reply to @warrendog "I’ve only kept a record of when the attacks happen, but I think a food journal..." + (show)
@warrendog

I’ve only kept a record of when the attacks happen, but I think a food journal is a good idea. I’m sure I need to drink more water.

Jump to this post

@warrendog whenever my kids have leg cramps, a headache, or feel "off" I always remind them to "drink more water". (They make fun of my predictable response, however, I swear it is my secret cure for 90% of their ailments.) It really is so important so I will be curious if you make any correlations with journaling!

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ZeeGee | @fourof5zs | Oct 6, 2021
In reply to @warrendog "Always while eating or shortly after. I’ve been keeping track of it since April. It happens..." + (show)
@warrendog

Always while eating or shortly after. I’ve been keeping track of it since April. It happens every 2 or 3 weeks. It has only happened two times at home and all the other times when I go out to eat. It’s also very random in regards to what I eat. Thanks for your reply! I’m trying to investigate as much as possible before my endoscopy.

Jump to this post

@warrendog

Pay attention to how you eat as well as what you eat.

Are you eating too quickly?

Are you taking BIG bites?

Sometimes when we are distracted we eat differently.
Is the tv on.. is there a lot of conversation going on around you?

Does food seem to pause in portions of your throat and esophagus?

Does there seem to be any muscle spasms in your esophagus when you swallow?

Do you seem to be swallowing a lot of air when you swallow your food or drink?

Are you using a straw when you drink? It can cause you to swallow air.

Do you drink a lot of carbonated drinks?

ZeeGee

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1 reply
warrendog | @warrendog | Oct 7, 2021
In reply to @fourof5zs "@warrendog Pay attention to how you eat as well as what you eat. Are you eating..." + (show)
@fourof5zs

@warrendog

Pay attention to how you eat as well as what you eat.

Are you eating too quickly?

Are you taking BIG bites?

Sometimes when we are distracted we eat differently.
Is the tv on.. is there a lot of conversation going on around you?

Does food seem to pause in portions of your throat and esophagus?

Does there seem to be any muscle spasms in your esophagus when you swallow?

Do you seem to be swallowing a lot of air when you swallow your food or drink?

Are you using a straw when you drink? It can cause you to swallow air.

Do you drink a lot of carbonated drinks?

ZeeGee

Jump to this post

I’ve just started working on some of these things! Thanks for the suggestions. There are a few I haven’t tried yet.

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