Indigestion and back pain are often the signs of a gallbladder attack, stomach ulcers, or a heart attack. They can be made worse by stress and anxiety. These symptoms will most likely occur with other symptoms, and their severity will vary.
A gallbladder attack often occurs after a person has eaten a big spicy or greasy meal. It is usually caused by gallstones that have gotten stuck in a duct or by bile that has backed up into the gallbladder. The pain is usually located in the upper part of the back, between the shoulder blades. A person having a gallbladder attach might also experience nausea, vomiting, gas, and pain in the abdomen.
Surgery to remove a gallbladder is sometimes needed to prevent further gallbladder attacks. Medication may also be prescribed as an alternative. The medicine will typically be used to dissolve any gallstones that are present.
Stomach ulcers occur when the lining of the stomach or intestines is damaged by bacteria, the overuse of alcohol, a bad diet, or because of stress. Indigestion is often a symptom of a stomach ulcer. When back pain occurs with it, the stomach ulcer is usually more severe. A person might also experience pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting, or in some cases, intestinal bleeding.
Medication is typically prescribed to help with stomach ulcers, and usually fulfills three functions. It can protect the stomach lining and reduce the amount of acid in a person’s stomach. Some medicines also kill bacteria that might be causing the ulcer.
There are many different signs that can indicate a heart attack. Many men have very obvious symptoms: they often experience crushing chest pain and pain that radiates down their arm. Women, however, tend to have symptoms that are masked and can easily be confused with other problems. Indigestion and back pain may indicate a heart attack in some women.
Any symptoms of a heart attack that a person experiences should be taken seriously, and immediate medical attention is required. A medical professional will be able to run tests that will help him decide whether the symptoms indicate that a person is having a heart attack or if indigestion or back pain are signs of another illness.