Can a Hiatal Hernia Cause Back Pain? Understanding the Connection

September 1, 2025
Written By Admin

Hiatal hernias are complex medical conditions that can cause various symptoms, leading many patients to question the extent of their potential impact. One common concern is whether these hernias can cause back pain, a question that requires careful medical examination and understanding.

Official Medical Reference Links

Understanding Hiatal Hernias

A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. There are two primary types:

  1. Sliding Hiatal Hernia: More common, where the stomach and esophagus slide up into the chest
  2. Paraesophageal Hernia: Less common but potentially more serious

Back Pain and Hiatal Hernias: What the Research Says

According to the Medical College of Wisconsin, back pain is not a typical primary symptom of hiatal hernias. The sources indicate:

  • Sliding hiatal hernias typically do not cause back pain
  • Paraesophageal hernias may potentially cause back pain in very large hernias, but this is not a common symptom

Who Can Experience Related Symptoms

Patients might experience symptoms such as:

  • Chest pain
  • Epigastric pain (upper middle abdomen)
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Early satiety

Diagnostic Considerations

While back pain is not a definitive indicator of a hiatal hernia, patients experiencing persistent back pain alongside gastrointestinal symptoms should:

  • Consult a healthcare professional
  • Undergo comprehensive medical evaluation
  • Consider potential diagnostic tests like endoscopy or imaging studies

Potential Treatment Approaches

Treatment depends on the hernia’s severity and symptoms:

  • Asymptomatic hernias might be observed
  • Symptomatic hernias may require:
    • Lifestyle modifications
    • Medication
    • Surgical intervention

Benefits of Proper Diagnosis and Treatment

Proper management of hiatal hernias can:

  • Reduce discomfort
  • Prevent potential complications
  • Improve overall quality of life
  • Mitigate risks of associated conditions like GERD

When to Seek Medical Attention

Patients should consult a healthcare provider if experiencing:

  • Persistent chest or abdominal pain
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Chronic digestive issues

While hiatal hernias can cause various symptoms, back pain is not a primary or common manifestation. Patients experiencing persistent back pain should seek professional medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause.

Main Keyword

Can a hiatal hernia cause back pain

Reference Links

  1. https://www.mcw.edu/departments/surgery/divisions/minimally-invasive-and-gastrointestinal-surgery/patient-care/gerd-and-gastrointestinal-surgery-program/paraesophageal-hernia-hiatal-hernia
  2. https://www.healthcentral.com/article/hiatus-hernia-cause-upper-back-ache-burning

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized medical guidance.

FAQ

Where is the back pain with a hiatal hernia?

    • HealthCentral
      https://www.healthcentral.com
      Can Hiatus Hernia Cause Upper Back Ache And Burning? – HealthCentral
      Sep 11, 2023 — The Connection Between Hiatal Hernias and Back Pain. Pressure on nerves from this condition can lead to pain in multiple places on the body—includin…

    • Jefferson Health
      https://www.jeffersonhealth.org
      Hiatal Hernia – Jefferson Health
      Where is hiatal hernia pain located on a woman? Where is hiatal hernia pain located on a woman? Hiatal hernia pain can be different for everyone, but it’s not n…

    • Total Ortho Sports Medicine
      https://www.totalorthosportsmed.com
      Does Hernia Cause Back Pain? – Total Ortho Sports Medicine
      A hiatal hernia can affect back pain by putting pressure on the diaphragm and surrounding muscles, which can cause pain in your upper back. Additionally, the he…

    • RefluxUK
      https://refluxuk.com
      Hiatus Hernia Symptoms: What to Look Out For – RefluxUK
      Apr 28, 2025 — Stomach Fullness or Pain – A hiatus hernia can make you feel bloated, tight, or uncomfortable in the upper abdomen — especially after eating. You mi…

    • paininstituteofga.com
      https://www.paininstituteofga.com
      Pain Under Your Shoulder Blades – Pain Institute of Georgia
      Jul 4, 2023 — Digestive Issues: Certain digestive conditions, such as acid reflux or hiatal hernia, can cause pain under the shoulder blades.

What are signs that a hiatal hernia is getting worse?

    • UChicago Medicine
      https://www.uchicagomedicine.org
      Hiatal Hernia (Paraesophageal Hernia)
      People may notice more frequent or severe heartburn, chest pain, coughing or other symptoms as their hernia gets worse. Symptoms like sharp chest pain, vomiting…

    • Medical College of Wisconsin
      https://www.mcw.edu
      Paraesophageal Hernia (Hiatal Hernia) | Minimally Invasive and Gastrointestinal Surgery
      Early or prolonged satiety—Because the stomach is twisted or compressed due to the hernia, it may be difficult for patients to eat a normal sized meal. Patients…

    • Healthline
      https://www.healthline.com
      Hiatal Hernia: Symptoms, Surgery, Treatment, and More
      This can cause symptoms like heartburn, acid reflux, and chest pain. An anatomy diagram of hiatal hernias.

    • thelapbandcenter.com
      https://thelapbandcenter.com
      Hiatal Hernia Repair
      A person with a large hiatal hernia may feel full even before they have finished a small meal or snack. As the condition persists or worsens, increasing symptom…

    • HealthCentral
      https://www.healthcentral.com
      How Relieve Hiatal Hernia Pain
      Feb 13, 2012 — A burning sensation and pain in the middle of the chest are the most common symptoms of hiatal hernia, due to stomach acid coming upward, she ( Dr.

    • Matthew Lublin, MD
      https://drmatthewlublin.com
      Hiatal Hernia Surgery Overview in Santa Monica & Encino, CA
      Symptoms of Hiatal Hernia Larger hiatal hernias can cause signs and symptoms such as: Chest pain Heartburn, worse when bending over or lying down Swallowing dif…

    • Dr. Danny Shouhed
      https://www.drdannyshouhed.com
      Causes, Symptoms & Treatment of Hiatal Hernia | Los Angeles
      Acid reflux; Difficulty swallowing; Chest or abdominal pain; A feeling of fullness after eating a small amount; Shortness of breath; Vomiting blood or passing b…
    • Houston Heartburn and Reflux Center
      https://houstonheartburn.com
      Slipped Nissen Wrap
      Shortness of breath may result from a slipped Nissen fundoplication, aka recurrent hiatal hernia. Shortness of breath may be precipitated by a heavy meal or gas…

    • Prof. Dr. Mehmet Çağlıkülekçi
      https://mehmetcaglikulekci.com
      What is the Treatment of Hiatal Hernia?
      Feeling overly full after eating, bloating and gas accumulation may also be among the symptoms of a hiatal hernia.

    • Dr. Ishan Shah
      https://drishanshah.com
      Laser Treatment for Pile
      Sep 19, 2024 — Common Symptoms of Hiatal Hernia The symptoms of a hiatal hernia can vary but typically include: Heartburn, usually 30-60 minutes after eating These…

Does hiatus hernia cause pain between shoulder blades?Other symptoms patients suffer include severe chest pain which may extend to just below the shoulder blades. The page following this one describes the serious condition called Barrett’s Oesophagus – an important possibility following long-term reflux. At its worst, hiatus hernia pain can mimic that of a heart attack.

What does hernia back pain feel like?Pain is often described as sharp or burning. Numbness or tingling. People who have herniated disks often have radiating numbness or tingling in the body part served by the affected nerves. Weakness.

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