What Else Could Be Causing This Pain I've Been Having Pain In My Back?

Posted on Tue, 29 Sep 2020

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

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 Answered on

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : For the past 3 months I've been having pain in the middle to middle left side of my back when I belch. I feel the pain as the gas is building and it's relieve by belching. Sometimes I can also feel the pain when something is moving down my esophagus. This doesn't happen every time I belch, but it seems more often than not. It's not a horrible pain, but any means...more of a short-lived ache that builds until after I belch.
I had taken oregano oil capsules (2 per day) for over 2 months as immune support before reading that it's only to be taken for 2 weeks at the most. Could this have damaged my esophagus?
What else could be causing this pain? Other than some heartburn, I don't have nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite.

Answered by Dr. Abhijit Deshmukh (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
hello

Detailed Answer:

Hi,
worthwhile getting an ecg once and consulting a cardiologist to rule out cardiac problem (though unlikely).
also can try taking an antacid like pantoprazole once a day before breakfast and see how you feel. In addition also try following things which will help you in long run.
1. eat on time
2 exercise regularly
3 develop some hobbies
4 go for regular walk
5 sleep adequately for 8 hrs
6 avoid stress
7 avoid coffee, aerated drinks, tobacco, smoking, alcohol if any.
8 avoid sleeping or lying down 2 hours after meals
9 take small frequent meals
10 do some yoga and mind relaxation techniques
all this will help you in long run.
Once it is sure that you do not have a cardiac problem then can consider doing an endoscopy to rule out other problems especially since your age is 61 years. Also unlikely its a capsule you took related problem.
it could possible an reflux related symptom but need to rule out any internal swelling / ulcer especially at your age.

hope this answers your query.
happy to help
wish you a speedy recovery.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Abhijit Deshmukh (5 hours later)

Thank you, Dr, for your response.
I realize that I neglected to add a few things - I do suffer from anxiety, but do already follow most of your suggestions. I exercise daily, have been vegan for about 12 years (no red meat since 1976), don't drink or smoke. I also had blood work done on 6/5 and, other than slightly elevated A1c (5.8) and mild signs of dehydration (sedimentation rate-44, bun/crea ratio-25 everything else was really good.
I am not thrilled with the idea of going into a medical office building at this time of Covid, so am trying to avoid a doctor visit. Of course, if things got worse, or other issues developed, I certainly would.
Thank you

Answered by Dr. Abhijit Deshmukh (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
hi

Detailed Answer:

really appreciate the way you are taking care of yourself.
Great to hear about your healthy lifestyle and dietary habits too.
Avoid anxiety as much as possible.
Best wishes.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad