What Causes Epigastric Pain Radiating Into Mid Back Along With Swallowing Difficulty?

Posted on Wed, 25 Feb 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 25 Feb 2015 Answered on

Mon, 16 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have epigastric pain radiating into my mid back and swallowing difficulty. It often bothers me when I go to bed. It feels like a belt starts tightening around me and can last a a few minutes to several hours. This has been going on for five years at least. I am a 46 year old female. I have a hx of diverticulitis. This has gotten so severe that I am considering going in to the ER.

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
if pain unbearable, go to ER

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concerns.

The pain you are reporting might be related to :
- stomach problems (ulcer, gerd)
- cholecyst / pancreas issues

If the pain is unbearable, I advise to go to ER as you need immediate medical attention.
Further diagnostic tests are necessary for final conclusion :
- abdominal ultrasound
- upper endoscopy
- complete blood count
- liver / pancreas function test

If everything is fine, then spondyliarthrosis to be considered.

Take otc analgesic like mephenamic acid and apply warm compresses on epigastrium and back.

Hope it was of help!
Dr.Albana

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar