The Worst of Both Worlds
You have acid reflux. Now to add insult to injury, you have back pain too! People who suffer from acid reflux often feel helpless to do anything to find relief from their pain, but to add back pain as well, sometimes it just too much. However, if you are one of the people who suffer from both acid reflux and back pain, do not give up hope, for there are solutions available to you. It will just take a little personal research to learn about 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 of treating both acid reflux and back pain. You simply drink a tablespoon of vinegar each day, preferably in the morning. This helps to reduce acid reflux by basically counteracting the overproduction of acid in your stomach.
For those who thing they may not have the stomach (or the tastebuds) for vinegar, apple cider vinegar can replace the regular vinegar. With the apple cider vinegar you take about one tablespoon before each meal. Using the vinegar method to treat acid reflux, you should begin to see results within a few weeks, although some people state they notice relief after only a few days. However, it is important to continue to take the vinegar on a daily basis, even after you begin to notice improvement. Otherwise your pain and acid reflux may return.
Or It May Be In Your Medicine Cabinet
For those who prefer the drug store treatment of acid reflux, another method is to combine antacids and pain medication for the relief of both the acid reflux and the back pain. The antacids will work for the acid reflux by neutralizing acid in the stomach, while the pain medication will offer relief from the back pain. In general, antacids are a gentle medication and can usually be taken safely 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 drugs that are now available. Some of the most commonly used ones are acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These over-the-counter medications tend to show results in a few days. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant you should not take ibuprofen. Be sure and talk with your doctor in detail before taking any other pain medications.
Prescription pain medications and muscle relaxants may also be used, but these should not ever be considered as a long term solution, and if used for a prolonged period of time they may actually end up making the condition worse.
Choosing The Right Option for You
As difficult as it is when you are suffering from both acid reflux and back pain, try to maintain a positive outlook. 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 consult a medical professional rather than try to diagnose and treat yourself. A medical professional will be better able to asses and diagnose your condition and determine which specific combination of medications or treatment would be most suitable for you. It is also important to stay in close contact with your physician, so that they can track your progress and make any changes necessary for your overall recovery and health.