Acid Reflux and Back Pain - Options for Relief

Acid Reflux and Back Pain - Options for Relief

The worst of both worlds

You have acid reflux. To add insult to injury, you also have back pain! People suffering from acid reflux often feel helpless to do anything to relieve their pain but also add back pain, sometimes just too much. However, if you are one of those people who suffer from both acid reflux and back pain, do not give up hope because solutions are available to you. It just takes a little personal research to find out what they are and which ones are best for you.

Your options

The answer could already be in your kitchen

According to acid reflux and back pain patients, one of the best treatments for acid reflux is a very simple remedy – vinegar! Vinegar is a natural and safe way to treat acid reflux and back pain. You simply drink a tablespoon of vinegar every day, preferably in the morning. This helps reduce acid reflux by basically counteracting the overproduction of acid in your stomach.

For those who don't have the stomach (or taste buds) for vinegar, apple cider vinegar can replace regular vinegar. Take about a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar before each meal. If you use the vinegar method to treat acid reflux, you should start seeing results within a few weeks, although some people report seeing relief after just a few days. However, it is important to continue taking the vinegar daily even if you notice improvement. Otherwise, your pain and acid reflux may return.

Or it can be in your medicine cabinet

For those who prefer drugstore acid reflux treatment, another method is to combine antacids and pain medications to relieve both acid reflux and back pain. The antacids work against acid reflux by neutralizing stomach acid, while the painkiller relieves back pain. In general, antacids are a gentle medication and are usually safe to take in conjunction with other medications. However, be sure to consult your doctor to determine which antacid/pain reliever combination is best for your specific condition.

Various over-the-counter options as well as prescription medications are now available to provide targeted relief from back pain. Some of the most commonly used are acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These over-the-counter medications typically show results within a few days. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you should not take ibuprofen. Make sure you talk to your doctor in detail before taking any other painkillers.

Prescription painkillers and muscle relaxants can also be used, but these should never be considered a long-term solution. When used for long periods of time, they can actually make the condition worse.

Choose the right option for you

As difficult as it is, if you are suffering from both acid reflux and back pain, try to maintain a positive outlook. Effective solutions are available. It may just be a matter of time and trial and error before you find the method or combination that works best for you. It is also extremely important to consult a doctor instead of attempting to diagnose and treat yourself. A doctor can better assess and diagnose your condition and determine which specific combination of medications or treatments is best for you. It is also important to stay in close contact with your doctor so that they can monitor your progress and make any changes necessary for your overall recovery and health.

Inspired by Stefani Padilla