What Causes Sharp Pain In Upper Abdomen And Back?

Posted on Thu, 10 Dec 2015

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

Thu, 10 Dec 2015 Answered on

Mon, 4 Jan 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Have been having sharp back and upper abdomen/chest pain for a week. Worse after eating. Haven't eaten since yesterday and still having pain. Cardiac work up negative. Labs normal. Had an abdominal ultrasound today. Waiting on results. Pain is constant and nothing is relieving. Have tried ibuprofen. Started ultram today with little relief. Tums helps a little. Would gallbladder cause this much pain?

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Gastritis esophagitis may be with ulcer

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query and an elucidate history.

To recapitulate: Female/46 - ** sharp back and upper abdomen/chest pain for a week - *worst after eating - cardiac negative - Labs normal - waiting for result of abdominal ultrasound - Ibuprofen tried - Ultram and Tums helps a little -

Gall bladder does not cause back pain .

Your history of back, upper abdomen/chest pain together is more suggestive of gastritis with esophagitis.
I would advise you to go for upper GI Endoscopy ASAP.
Add on PPI like omeprazole
Antacid liquid 3 tsf every 3 hours
soft bland / liquid diet
avoid stress and anxiety

I hope this answer helps you for an early diagnosis and proper treatment.

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