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
- Medical College of Wisconsin – Paraesophageal Hernia Explanation
- HealthCentral Article on Hiatal Hernia
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:
- Sliding Hiatal Hernia: More common, where the stomach and esophagus slide up into the chest
- 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
- https://www.mcw.edu/departments/surgery/divisions/minimally-invasive-and-gastrointestinal-surgery/patient-care/gerd-and-gastrointestinal-surgery-program/paraesophageal-hernia-hiatal-hernia
- 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?
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HealthCentralhttps://www.healthcentral.comCan Hiatus Hernia Cause Upper Back Ache And Burning? – HealthCentralSep 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…
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Jefferson Healthhttps://www.jeffersonhealth.orgHiatal Hernia – Jefferson HealthWhere 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…
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Total Ortho Sports Medicinehttps://www.totalorthosportsmed.comDoes Hernia Cause Back Pain? – Total Ortho Sports MedicineA 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…
What are signs that a hiatal hernia is getting worse?
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UChicago Medicinehttps://www.uchicagomedicine.orgHiatal 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…
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Medical College of Wisconsinhttps://www.mcw.eduParaesophageal Hernia (Hiatal Hernia) | Minimally Invasive and Gastrointestinal SurgeryEarly 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…
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Healthlinehttps://www.healthline.comHiatal Hernia: Symptoms, Surgery, Treatment, and MoreThis can cause symptoms like heartburn, acid reflux, and chest pain. An anatomy diagram of hiatal hernias.
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thelapbandcenter.comhttps://thelapbandcenter.comHiatal Hernia RepairA 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…
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HealthCentralhttps://www.healthcentral.comHow Relieve Hiatal Hernia PainFeb 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.
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Matthew Lublin, MDhttps://drmatthewlublin.comHiatal Hernia Surgery Overview in Santa Monica & Encino, CASymptoms 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…
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Dr. Danny Shouhedhttps://www.drdannyshouhed.comCauses, Symptoms & Treatment of Hiatal Hernia | Los AngelesAcid reflux; Difficulty swallowing; Chest or abdominal pain; A feeling of fullness after eating a small amount; Shortness of breath; Vomiting blood or passing b…
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Houston Heartburn and Reflux Centerhttps://houstonheartburn.comSlipped Nissen WrapShortness 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…
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.