Gastritis and Back Pain: Understanding the Connection

If you're dealing with unexplained back pain—especially after meals—it might not be a spinal issue at all. Digestive conditions like gastritis and GERD can trigger discomfort that radiates to your upper or lower back. Commonly described as a burn or bloating, gastritis is a condition that inflames the stomach lining, leading to stomach pain, nausea, and more. In this article, we break down how your gut health can influence back pain, the difference between gastric and muscular causes, and how physiotherapy can offer lasting relief from this often-overlooked connection.

What Is Gastritis and Why It Can Hurt Beyond Your Stomach?

Gastritis is a condition where the stomach lining becomes inflamed due to irritation, infection, or damage. This inflammation is often triggered by factors such as excessive alcohol consumption, prolonged use of NSAIDs (like ibuprofen), bacterial infections like H. pylori, or chronic stress. While the discomfort is commonly felt in the upper abdomen, many people are surprised to experience back pain with indigestion, especially when gas becomes trapped in the digestive tract.

When the stomach lining swells or produces excess acid, it can irritate surrounding nerves. This irritation may lead to referred pain that radiates towards the upper back or even the lower right back pain region in some individuals. Additionally, trapped gas in the intestines can place pressure on nearby muscles and nerves, sometimes resulting in pain in lower left back or cramping sensations. Gastritis may seem like a localised stomach issue, but its effects can easily extend beyond, impacting how your back feels—especially when digestion is disrupted.

Can Gastritis Cause Back Pain?

Yes, gastritis can cause back pain—especially when trapped gas or inflammation in the stomach puts pressure on surrounding organs and nerves. This discomfort often radiates to the upper back, particularly between the shoulder blades, and is commonly experienced as back pain with indigestion. The swollen stomach lining or excessive gas buildup can irritate the diaphragm and nearby nerves, triggering pain signals that reach the back. While the pain typically starts in the abdomen, it may also be felt as pain in lower left back or lower right back pain, depending on how the digestive system is affected.

Can GERD Cause Back Pain?

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) and gastritis are both digestive issues, but they affect the body differently. While gastritis involves inflammation of the stomach lining, GERD is caused by stomach acid flowing back into the oesophagus, leading to a burning sensation known as heartburn. Over time, the acid irritation can create discomfort that radiates beyond the chest and abdomen.

So, can GERD cause back pain? Yes, especially when acid reflux becomes chronic. The burning or tightening sensation can extend to the upper back and sometimes even contribute to lower right back pain. This is due to the way nerves in the chest and digestive tract transmit signals to the back muscles. In some cases, back pain with indigestion becomes a regular complaint, particularly after meals or when lying down. Chronic GERD can also lead to muscle tension or postural strain, further intensifying back discomfort. Addressing GERD early is key to reducing both digestive and referred musculoskeletal pain.

Common Symptoms of Gastritis That May Affect the Back

Gastritis can present with a wide range of symptoms, some of which may extend beyond the stomach and impact the back. Common symptoms include:

• Bloating and a feeling of fullness, especially after meals
• Nausea and frequent vomiting
• Hiccups and acid reflux
• Indigestion accompanied by burning sensations
• Dark stools or vomiting blood in severe cases
• Stomach ulcers that may radiate pain to the back
• Loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss
• Persistent upper abdominal pain

These symptoms can irritate nearby nerves or muscles, leading to discomfort in the back. People with gastritis may experience symptoms like pain in the lower left back or shoulder blades when the stomach is under pressure, particularly due to trapped gas or inflammation. It's not uncommon for both upper and lower back pain to develop alongside digestive issues, making it essential to treat the root cause.

What Causes Gastritis-Related Back Pain?

Trapped gas in the intestines can lead to cramping or bloating along the digestive system. This discomfort can lead to gastric back pain.

Air Swallowing

The leading cause of back pain due to gastritis is swallowing too much air. As you eat extra air, the amount of gas in your stomach increases. Back pain due to gas can also occur because of various factors, including - drinking or eating too fast, using a straw, drinking carbonated beverages, chewing gum, fiber supplements, or consuming food that contains artificial sweeteners. In some cases, this discomfort may radiate as pain in lower left back or lower right back pain, depending on the gas distribution.

Gas Released During Digestion

As bacteria ferment undigested carbs (fiber, starch, sugars), there is an increase in the level of gas in the colon, which causes back pain. To a certain extent, the bacteria may consume gas. However, the remaining is released and can lead to back pain with indigestion in the upper or lower back.

Excessive Use of Alcohol

Drinking alcoholic beverages can damage your stomach lining and cause stomach ulcers and gastric back pain. These two aspects can contribute to excessive pain and indigestion , often felt as lower right back pain or pressure near the flanks.

Medications

The constant consumption of NSAIDs (Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs) and other painkillers can also affect the stomach's pH level, leading to ulcers, gastric back pain, and a damaged lining. Side effects of such drugs can cause pain in lower left back, especially if digestion is disrupted.

Stress

Sudden or severe physical/mental illnesses can lead to excessive stress. As a result, blood flow to the stomach decreases, making the gut vulnerable to a low pH. So, the stomach's acidic environment damages the lining and causes ulcers, leading to back pain , which may manifest as back pain with indigestion.

Chronic Health Conditions

Any health condition that impairs the functioning of your digestive system can increase the risk of trapped gas, leading to back pain. Gastric back pain is joint for chronic conditions like diabetes, intestinal diseases, and food intolerances (lactose or gluten). These can contribute to lower right back pain or pain in lower left back, particularly after meals.

How to Differentiate Gastric Back Pain from Other Back Pain Causes?

Not all back pain stems from digestive issues—knowing how to distinguish between gastric-related pain and other causes is important for proper treatment. Gastric pain, often referred to as visceral pain, usually originates from internal organs and can radiate outward. In the case of gastritis, the pain may be dull, crampy, or feel like pressure that spreads to the back, especially after eating or during episodes of indigestion.

In contrast, musculoskeletal back pain is typically linked to posture, injury, or strain in muscles, ligaments, or discs. It often worsens with movement and improves with rest or physical therapy. If you're experiencing pain in lower left back or lower right back pain that isn’t relieved by digestive remedies, it could be a sign of muscular tension or even issues like kidney stones or spinal disorders.

Red flags to watch for include severe or sudden pain, pain accompanied by fever, blood in urine or stool, or neurological symptoms like numbness. These signs indicate the need for immediate medical attention and are unlikely to be related to gastritis. Accurate diagnosis helps avoid mismanagement and ensures you're treating the actual source of your discomfort.

Physiotherapy Techniques to Relieve Gastritis-Related Back Pain

Physiotherapy can be an effective approach to managing gastric-related back pain by targeting the underlying muscular and postural imbalances that often accompany digestive issues. Various physiotherapy techniques, including breathing exercises, stretching, and low-impact practices, can help control and relieve gastritis pain. Such strategies promote circulation, reduce tension around the diaphragm, and target processes that facilitate the regeneration of the stomach lining. Here’s how physiotherapy can help ease digestive discomfort and its impact on your back:

• Diaphragmatic Breathing: Improves oxygen flow and reduces pressure on the upper abdomen, easing gastric symptoms that often radiate to the back.
• Gentle Stretching and Posture Correction: Helps alleviate pain in the lower left back or lower right back pain caused by tension built up from poor posture or abdominal discomfort.
• Manual Therapy Techniques: In cases where poor posture from chronic GERD causes muscular strain, techniques like:

1. Myofascial release
2. Soft tissue mobilisation helps relax tight muscles in the upper and mid-back.

• Core Strengthening and Postural Correction: These promote better spinal alignment and reduce the chances of recurrent back pain with indigestion.

At Physiotattva, we customise treatment plans to not only address gastric discomfort but also to restore functional movement, reduce reliance on medications, and enhance your quality of life, naturally and effectively.

Get Lasting Relief from Gastric Back Pain with Effective Care from  Physiotattva

Physiotherapy remains one of the most effective, non-invasive approaches to managing gastric-related back pain. At Physiotattva, our expert-led consultations and home visits are designed to address the root causes of discomfort while improving your overall mobility and quality of life. Alongside targeted therapy, we guide you through lifestyle changes that support long-term digestive health and prevent recurring pain, making recovery both achievable and sustainable.

At Physiotattva physiotherapy clinics in Bangalore and Hyderabad, you receive personalised care tailored to your specific needs, ensuring effective results and comfort throughout your journey to recovery. 

Don’t wait to start your recovery! Get in touch with Physiotattva for more details! Contact us at +91 89510 47001.

FAQs

Can gas pain cause lower right back pain?

Yes, trapped gas can lead to lower right back pain by creating pressure in the intestines that radiates to nearby muscles and nerves. This is especially common when digestion is disrupted or bloating becomes severe.

Is it gastritis or GERD causing my back pain?

Gastritis often causes dull, crampy pain linked to inflammation, while GERD typically results in burning sensations that radiate. If your back pain with indigestion worsens after eating or lying down, GERD might be the more likely cause.

Where exactly does gastric back pain occur?

Gastric-related back pain often occurs between the shoulder blades or in the lower left or right back, depending on gas buildup or inflammation. It typically radiates from the stomach and worsens with bloating or poor digestion.

What helps with gastritis back pain?

Exercise, changes in diet (avoiding alcohol, smoking, and artificial sweeteners), physiotherapy, and more help treat gastritis pain. Breathing exercises, stretching, and low-impact exercises are some physiotherapy techniques that can help control and relieve gastric back pain. Such strategies encourage circulation and target processes that aid in stomach lining regeneration. Furthermore, the functioning of the secretory glands improves, allowing for smooth digestion.

Can physiotherapy really help with back pain from indigestion?

Yes, physiotherapy can reduce back pain with indigestion by improving posture, relieving muscular tension, and supporting better digestion through techniques like diaphragmatic breathing and core strengthening, especially when pain is linked to GERD or gastritis.