The worst of both worlds
You have acid reflux. Now, to add insult to injury, you also have back pain! Acid reflux sufferers often feel powerless to do anything to relieve their pain, but to add back pain, sometimes it’s too much. However, if you are one of the people who suffer from both acid reflux and back pain, don’t lose hope, there are solutions available to you. It will only take a little personal research to find out what they are and which one is best for you.
your options
The answer may already be in your kitchen
According to acid reflux and back pain sufferers, one of the best treatments for acid reflux is a very simple remedy: vinegar! Vinegar is a natural and safe way to treat both acid reflux and back pain. Simply drink a tablespoon of vinegar every day, preferably in the morning. This helps reduce acid reflux by basically counteracting the overproduction of acid in the stomach.
For those who think they may not have the stomach (or taste buds) for vinegar, apple cider vinegar can replace regular vinegar. With apple cider vinegar, take about a tablespoon before each meal. Using the vinegar method to treat acid reflux, you should start to see results within a few weeks, although some people report relief after just a few days. However, it is important to continue taking the vinegar daily, even after you start to notice improvement. Otherwise, your pain and acid reflux may return.
Or it can be in your medicine cabinet
For those who prefer drugstore acid reflux treatment, another method is to combine antacids and pain relievers to relieve both acid reflux and back pain. Antacids will work for acid reflux by neutralizing the acid in the stomach, while pain medicine will relieve back pain. In general, antacids are a mild medication and can usually be safely taken in conjunction with other medications. However, be sure to consult with your doctor to determine which antacid/pain reliever combination is best for your particular condition.
For specific back pain relief, there are several over-the-counter options as well as prescription medications that are now available. Some of the most used are paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These over-the-counter medications tend to show results within a few days. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, you should not take ibuprofen. Be sure to talk to your doctor in detail before taking any other pain medication.
Prescription pain relievers and muscle relaxants can also be used, but these should never be considered a long-term solution, and if used for an extended period of time, they can actually end up making the condition worse.
Choose the right option for you
As difficult as it is when you suffer from both acid reflux and back pain, try to stay positive. There are effective solutions available, it may just be a matter of time and trial and error before you find the method or combination that works best for you. It is also extremely important to see a medical professional rather than trying to diagnose and treat yourself. A medical professional will be able to better assess and diagnose your condition and determine which specific combination of medications or treatment would be best for you. It’s also important to stay in close contact with your doctor, so he or she can track your progress and make any necessary changes for your recovery and overall health.