BACK PAIN AND ACID REFULX-AGONY

[Crazy680]

Hello again

Could do with some opinions please.  I am now at the 2 month stage of pounding back pain (although easing), possible a muscle injury although I am having my kidney blood tests today as routine as its lasted a while.  My Doctor mentioned something about acid weeks ago and told me to stop taking Volterol tablets for pain killers but to take paracetamol instead.  He pressed front under rib cage which sent pains through to the back.

The last 4 days I have had a trapped nerve and been in agony so I have been on a serious health kick, lost a few pounds and pilates seems to be helping.  I am not massively overweight but with a new job Ive put on 1.5 stone and can feel it and I also gave up alcohol a year ago.  My burning question is:

Since giving up alcohol my diet coke consumption has increased dramatically to a point where I am drinking 4-6 cans a day and not thinking twice about having a glass from a coke bottle, rarely drinking water in its pure form.  I have read a few bad things about diet coke and would like any one's opinion as to whether it could be causing this indigestion type pain which takes some shifting on a morning, I can barely breath.  Its like my inner has locked around the front rib area and yes it all seems to link to the back pain.  

I know that the only way to shift the trapped nerve which runs down the right side is to lose the weight and get back to full fitness but of course I would love to know if diet coke can have such serious effects on my upper tummy pain, I doubt very much but just trying to narrow this pain out.  Many thanks.

[LivingInHope]

You're welcome!  I hope you're back gets some relief soon!

[Crazy680]

Thanks Surgi for that, yes I really do need to get it under control and start drinking healthy drinks, love herbal tea so will do my best this week to get myself off it.  

Thanks for your help, my pain has in fact got tons worse, just need to think where to post the latest update.  Only just noticed your post as been away so thanks a million.

[LivingInHope]

I have heard that carbonated beverages can make you dehydrated.  Caffeine is a constipator.  And of course, carbonated beverages can give you gas, which could cause discomfort.  Caffeine can also make your pain level increase.  It also acts as a vasoconstrictor, which can raise your blood pressure.  Caffeine is also a diuretic, which can make you have to go to the bathroom more.  It sounds like you want to be more moderate in your diet coke consumption.  Why not try some grape juice, herbal tea, or something you enjoy and gradually cut down to one diet coke a day?  Purified water is also good for you and is easier on the system if you drink it at room temperature.