Can GERD Cause Back Pain?
Clifton Physical Therapy
If you’re experiencing persistent upper back pain, especially between your shoulder blades, alongside digestive issues, you may be wondering whether GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) could be the cause. At Clifton Physical Therapy, we understand that pain in the back isn’t always purely musculoskeletal. Sometimes, it can be linked to conditions like GERD. This article explains how GERD can contribute to back discomfort and what steps you can take to manage it effectively.
What Is GERD and How Does It Affect the Body?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. This occurs because the lower esophageal sphincter—a muscle that acts as a valve between the stomach and esophagus—fails to function properly. When acid escapes into the esophagus, it can cause heartburn, regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, and in some cases, back pain.
While GERD primarily affects the digestive system, it can have secondary effects on your musculoskeletal system. Chronic acid reflux may create tension in the chest and upper back muscles, aggravating posture and leading to discomfort between your shoulder blades. People with GERD often unconsciously hunch or tighten their torso to minimize reflux, which can further strain the spine and surrounding muscles.
How GERD Can Cause Back Pain
Back pain related to GERD usually arises through a mechanism called referred pain. The nerves that connect your esophagus to the spinal cord can transmit pain signals to the upper and mid-back when the esophagus is irritated. This is why you might feel a burning or aching sensation in your back after meals, especially following acidic or spicy foods.
Additionally, stress can worsen GERD-related discomfort. Chronic stress increases muscle tension and sensitivity in the nervous system, amplifying pain signals in areas like the upper back. Over time, this can lead to a cycle where GERD symptoms and back pain feed into each other, creating persistent discomfort.
Physical therapy can play a key role in breaking this cycle. By addressing muscular tension, improving posture, and guiding gentle exercises, PT can reduce back pain even when the underlying trigger is GERD.
How Physical Therapy Helps Manage GERD-Related Back Pain
Even though physical therapy cannot directly treat GERD or stop acid reflux, it plays a crucial role in addressing the musculoskeletal effects that often accompany this condition. Many patients with GERD develop back pain not because of a spinal injury, but due to the way acid reflux affects posture, muscle tension, and daily movement. At Clifton Physical Therapy, we help patients understand these connections and provide strategies to reduce discomfort and improve overall mobility.
Posture Correction: One of the most common contributors to GERD-related back pain is poor posture. When dealing with acid reflux, many people unconsciously hunch forward, tighten their chest, or slouch to reduce discomfort. Over time, this can strain the upper back muscles and lead to chronic pain between the shoulder blades. Physical therapists teach patients how to sit, stand, and move in ways that relieve pressure on the spine and abdomen, helping to reduce strain while also supporting better digestion.
Targeted Stretching: Muscle tension caused by referred pain from the esophagus can make the upper back, shoulders, and chest feel stiff or sore. Gentle, guided stretching can release this tension, improve flexibility, and decrease pain. For example, stretches that open the chest and shoulders counteract the forward-hunched posture often seen in GERD patients, allowing the spine to return to a more natural alignment.
Strengthening Exercises: Weak core and upper back muscles can make the spine more vulnerable to strain, particularly when reflux-related postures are repeated throughout the day. Strengthening exercises focus on the muscles that support the spine and improve overall posture. By reinforcing these muscles, patients experience less discomfort, greater stability, and an improved ability to maintain upright, healthy postures—both during daily activities and while at rest.
Ergonomic Guidance: Small adjustments to daily routines can have a significant impact on both GERD and back pain. Physical therapists provide guidance on creating ergonomically friendly workstations, adjusting seating, and optimizing sleeping positions. For instance, sitting upright during meals or elevating the head during sleep can reduce acid reflux while simultaneously relieving upper back tension.
Empowering Patients: Physical therapy isn’t just about exercises—it’s about education. Patients learn strategies to manage back pain day-to-day, reduce muscle tension, and prevent flare-ups before they start. Combined with medical interventions for GERD, such as dietary adjustments or medications, physical therapy helps patients regain comfort, maintain mobility, and improve their quality of life.
Lifestyle Strategies to Reduce GERD-Related Back Pain
Managing GERD-related back pain often starts with simple adjustments to daily habits. Eating smaller, more frequent meals helps reduce abdominal pressure and limits reflux, which can trigger upper back discomfort. It’s also important to stay upright for a couple of hours after eating to aid digestion and prevent pain caused by acid reaching the esophagus. Sleeping with your head slightly elevated can further reduce nighttime irritation and back strain.
Maintaining good posture throughout the day eases tension in the upper back, especially in those who hunch or slouch to relieve reflux symptoms. Stress can also worsen GERD and muscle tension, so incorporating deep breathing, gentle yoga, or meditation can help calm the nervous system and reduce pain.
Dietary Changes That Support Back and Digestive Health
What you eat can influence both GERD and related back pain. Acidic and spicy foods, such as citrus, tomatoes, garlic, onions, and heavily spiced meals, can worsen reflux and upper back tension. Caffeine, chocolate, and peppermint may also relax the lower esophageal sphincter, making reflux more likely.
Choosing lean proteins, vegetables, whole grains, and fiber-rich foods supports digestion and reduces acid production. Eating slowly and chewing thoroughly helps minimize stomach strain and eases referred back pain. While diet alone may not eliminate discomfort, combining it with physical therapy strategies at Clifton Physical Therapy offers a more complete approach to relief.
Exercise and Movement Recommendations
Regular, low-impact exercise benefits both GERD and back pain. Gentle walking after meals aids digestion and reduces abdominal pressure, helping prevent reflux and upper back discomfort. Stretching the chest, shoulders, and upper back releases tension caused by postural changes or referred pain.
Strengthening core muscles supports the spine and decreases strain on the upper back, while deep diaphragmatic breathing promotes relaxation and proper diaphragm movement, which can improve digestion and reduce reflux pressure. Clifton Physical Therapy provides personalized exercise programs that address GERD symptoms and target the root causes of back pain, helping patients regain mobility and comfort.
When to Seek Professional Care
While lifestyle adjustments, dietary changes, and exercise can provide relief, it’s important to seek professional care if:
Back pain persists despite home management and PT exercises.
GERD symptoms are severe, frequent, or causing difficulty swallowing.
You experience chest pain, unexplained weight loss, or other concerning symptoms.
A gastroenterologist can address the root cause of GERD with medication or other treatments, while a physical therapist focuses on relieving the musculoskeletal consequences. Combining both approaches often leads to the best outcomes.
What patients are saying
"I recently had ankle surgery and Clifton PT has been nothing short of amazing! My goal was to get back to playing soccer as quick as possible before the college season started and so far I'm right on track. Izzy, Bianca, Tiff, and John have gone above and beyond to make sure I'm back to 100%. Couldn't be more grateful to be treated by the best team ever!." - Nat Rufino
All the therapists at Clifton Physical Therapy are awesome, but I spend most of my time with Izzy and Bianca—and they’ve been amazing. They’re enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and always take the time to explain what I’m doing and what my issues are. Their positive energy and clear communication make a big difference in my recovery." - Bryan Tompkins
"Going Clifton physical therapy was one of the best thing that came out of my back pain! Every single staff member is amazing and cares for your recovery! I have been with them for the past couple of months and now continuing their workout program! I can’t recommend them enough! Tiffany, Izzy, Bianca and everyone else I have worked with there! Can’t rave about them enough!!." - Monica Mehta
"Clifton Physical Therapy has been a great place for me to heal my meniscus tear. The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly, and has been extremely helpful in guiding me through my recovery. I highly recommend their services.." - Kelly Bevando
Clifton Physical Therapy
✆ Phone (appointments): (973)-241-1338
Address: 1059 Bloomfield Ave, Clifton, NJ 07012
