STABBING BACK PAIN AFTER EATING

[MAS659]

I AM UNABLE TO EAT BLAND OR OTHER FOODS WITHOUT A STABBING PAIN IN MY UPPER LEFT BACK (BREAST LEVEL).  THE PAIN RADIATES FROM UNDER THE LEFT BREAST THRU TO THE BACK.  IT HAPPENS ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AFTER EATING.  IT FEELS LIKE A KNIFE STABBING PAIN.  I AM AFRAID TO EAT.  I AM 44 YRS OLD, AND IN GOOD HEALTH.  I COULD STAND TO LOSE A FEW POUNDS.  I AM FEMALE.  PLEASE ADVISE.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Pain radiating to the back may be suggestive of a peptic ulcer.  Other causes would be inflammation of the lining of the esophagus, stomach or small intestine.  To evaluate this an upper endoscopy or upper GI series can be considered.

I would also consider pancreatitis or gall bladder pain.  This can be evaluated by liver function tests, a serum amylase and lipase test, and a gall bladder ultrasound.  

I would discuss these tests with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[surgeon]

it could be many things, from an ulcer or esophageal problem to gallbladder problems, etc. It sounds like you need to see your doctor. It might well be that seeing a gastroenterologist would be needed, with upper endoscopy a likely recommendation (looking down your esophagus and stomach with a flexible scope.)

[VegasVic]

hello
I had similar pains the other night- almost passed out it was so bad- felt like a knife from the middle of my chest to my back-
went to the ER- the doc suspected peptic ulcer-
they also thought it to be a possible stone stuck in a duct- (gallstone)
My ultrasound was negative for stones- so I have to follow up w/ my GI- I'm going to ask him to test me for Duodenal ulcers.
you should get an ultrasound for stones and/or an upper GI to see if you have an ulcer-
good luck

[Applegeek]

I have the same thing and have had it for a over 3 years.
It hurts after I eat and longer. The muscles in my upper chest and back now spasm in pain frequently.

STATS: white 43 female, 25lbs overweight, good health, exerciser

MY TESTS....

1. MRI
2. Ultra sound (one tiny stone in gallbladder) so...
2. Gallbladder removed----didn't relieve the pain
4. Ultrasounded after gallbladder removal—looking for stones in the bile ducts. Found Nothing!
3.  Been on EVERY acid relux medication there is. Nothing has worked.
(Even double doses). I still get acid.
4. Endoscope (2x)
5. 24-Ph moniter (showed postive for Acid Reflux)
6. Blood tests for pancreas and liver problems. All fine-no problems
7. Heart has been throughly checked out as well as a stress test. Passed flying colors.
8. UW GI doctor does not want to do an operation, since my symptoms are very A typical. Being I had a perfect Endoscope and that relux meds aren't working.
9. Chest X-rays

Next month I go in for a Manometry test for esophageal spasms.
Although, I have tried many medications for esophageal spasms, nothing so far has brought relief.

I strongly believe it's Acid Reflux...but medication does not work for me. Since I have acid frequently coming up despite being on the medication.

I have noticed that fats and foods that aggrevate acid reflux make it worse.

But I still have not had RELIEF.

If you get any anwsers I would appreciate it if you would drop me a line at: (***@****)

Good luck!

[Applegeek]

SO vegasvic...what did you do to get rid of the pains?

[Applegeek]

Please take down my email and get back to me if you find out anything that helps.

[malik854]

A related discussion, pain after eating was started.