What Causes Pain In The Center Of The Chest And Upper Back?

Posted on Sat, 23 Aug 2014

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

Sat, 23 Aug 2014 Answered on

Sat, 13 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : hi im a 26 yr old female and have been havin a pain in the center of my check and center upper back for nearly a week. wondering what it could be? it feels like pressure, and I do have heartburn a lot.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It seems to be acid reflux.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!
I read carefully your query and understand your concern.

The symptoms you described of pain in the center of the chest and upper back seems to be related with Acid reflux.
It is a condition when the stomach acid moves up into esophagus causing inflammation and all the symptoms you have.
This happens especially at night when you body is in horizontal position making more easy for the stomach acid to moves up.
The diagnosis is confirmed with an Upper endoscopy and 24 hours PH monitoring.
The treatment consist in taking PPI drugs to inhibit the acid stomach production like Omeprazole.
You can use Omeprazole once a day for some days to see if the symptoms will subside.This serves to confirm the diagnosis.
You also need to do some lifestyle modifications like:
-Avoid fatty,processed foods,spicy foods ,coffee ,alcohol, and other foods that trigger your symptoms.
-Eat small,frequent meals instead of 3 major meals.
-Drink plenty of water
-Exercise regularly
-Raise the head of your bad at least 6-8 inches(use extra pillows etc).

I suggest to consult a physician and get examined to confirm the diagnosis.

Hope it was of help.Let me know if you have additional questions or doubt to clarify.I will be happy to assist you further.

Kind regards!

Dr.Rovena Murati

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

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