Hiatal Hernia and Back Pain – How are they related?

Lifestyle today makes us do so much that we do not want to spend time on ourselves. We tend to ignore minor pain, body pain, or headaches which can trigger other bigger problems. One of them is hernia – back pain. Back pain can be due to several reasons and is difficult to diagnose. One of the reasons for back pain can be hiatal hernia.

How hiatal hernia can cause back pain?

Back pain and hiatal hernia may go together due to the location of hernia. Hiatal hernia is located at the junction of the stomach and esophagus and happens when the stomach shifts a little upward and is unable to fit in properly. Now, when the stomach changes its position, the acid formed in the stomach for digestion can also move upward. This causes heartburn and can make people very uncomfortable.

The symptoms of hiatal hernia are:

• Heartburn
• Regurgitation of food or liquids into the mouth
• Backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus (acid reflux or GERD)
• Difficulty swallowing
• Chest or abdominal pain
• Shortness of breath
• Vomiting of blood or passing of black stools, which may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding.

There can be a pain in the chest and even go up to back depending upon the condition of each and every person. Therefore, if you notice these symptoms along with back pain for a long time, consult a doctor. Do not leave either of them untreated.

What factors cause back pain along with hiatal hernia?

Hernia must be treated when you notice the symptoms because it might grow and worse with time. Back pain, which includes pain in the middle of the back, is not particularly a symptom of hiatal hernia. It can be due to health conditions such as herniated disk or osteoarthritis.

Also, in hiatal hernia, the pain may not just be in a particular area, it can radiate to hip, back, legs, or even genitals. This can hinder your day to day life affecting your daily activities.

Also Read: Everything you need to know about hiatal hernia

Pain in the middle of the back is less common than lower back pain. It could be dull or sharp. Depending on the underlying cause and how severe it is, it may come up with some of the following symptoms:

• Muscle stiffness or tightness
• Numbness or tingling in the belly, chest, legs, or arms
• Chest pain
• Poor for controlling bladder or bowel

Back pain can be due to:

• Obesity: Obesity is the primary factor of hernia, including hiatal hernia. Being overweight can definitely lead to back pain along with hiatal hernia.
• Abdominal pain: Abdominal pain and chest pain can also affect your back as for some people the pain receptors work quickly.
  
  Also Read: Difference between Groin Pain and Hernia Pain
• Heartburn or heartburn: Although heartburn pain is typically felt behind the breastbone, it can cause enough pain to radiate elsewhere in the body such as the neck, throat, or even the back.

Also Read: Signs of hernia that warrant doctors visit

What helps in treating back pain and hiatal hernia?

Consult a doctor for diagnosis especially if the symptoms are getting worse and home remedies are not helping. You can try some lifestyle changes and home remedies if your doctor suggests. These changes include:

1. Take a rest, especially when the pain flares up. But it’s also important to avoid strenuous activities and excessive bed rest. Keep active but do not put a strain on your muscles.
2. Avoid prolonged activities that aggravate the pain (e.g. sitting for long hours during the workday). Instead, practice good posture to prevent such body and muscle pain. Make sure to sit or stand properly so your back will not get hurt later.
3. Maintain healthy body weight. Keeping your body healthy and fit is equally important to prevent the hernia from getting worse and preventing back pain.
4. Do exercises that help strengthen the core and structures of your back! Moreover, exercise is a good way to control weight.
5. Avoid food that might cause heartburn or aggravate your hiatal hernia symptoms.
6. Stop smoking! It can hurt your esophagus.
7. Stop taking stress. In fact, emotional stress can affect you physically, making the pain worse, and inhibiting your recovery!

Also Read: Difference between hiatal hernia and GERD

What can be the treatment options?

Consult a doctor to understand the treatment options for hiatal hernia. You can book online consultation to talk to our experts and get answers and solutions to hiatal hernia problems immediately. You can also write to us below and our medical coordinator will get back to you as soon as possible.

Also Read: Alchalasia Disorder – Causes and Symptoms