What Causes Pain In The Middle Of Stomach Under Ribs Radiating To Back?

Posted on Wed, 23 Apr 2014

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

Wed, 23 Apr 2014 Answered on

Tue, 13 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been having a squeezing pain the at the top, middle of my stomach under my ribs. It radiates to my back since this past Saturday. These pains come and go every few minutes. I have also had diarrhea since Sunday. I went to my PA and she said that it sounded like esophageal spasms. She told me to start Prevacid. Today is my third day taking the Prevacid. The squeezing pain isnt going away. She also figured that the diarrhea was a virus that is going around. I am trying to get a second oppinion. I am pretty miserable and in pain.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Possible causes to squeezing pain top stomach... Detailed Answer: Hi there, I have gone through your medical history and understood your concerns. To my opinion, the pain in the middle of your stomach under your ribs, irradiating to your back might be related to: - pancreas problems (pancreatitis) - liver/gallbladder problems (gallbladder sludge, stones, etc.) - temporary gastritis due to a common viral infection. I suggest to run further tests in order to determine the right culprit: - abdominal ultrasound - culture of stool - examination of stool for ova/parasites - liver/pancreas/kidney function tests - urine analysis Depending on the tests results, specific treatment will be prescribed. Wish fast recovery! Dr.Klerida

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