Indigestion between the shoulder blades: what to know

Digestive pain is sometimes felt away from the stomach, including in the back or between the shoulder blades. Reflux may cause burning or regurgitation, while stomach irritation may bring nausea, belching, or upper-abdominal tenderness. Muscle strain, the gallbladder, and other chest or abdominal problems can feel similar.

Acid Reflux, Gallstones, Gastritis, a Hiatus Hernia, Peptic Ulcer, and Helicobacter Pylori Infection are possible explanations for digestive symptoms, not conclusions from pain location alone. Note whether discomfort follows meals, movement, lying down, or deep breaths.

Rest from strenuous activity and record the timing, position, meals, and accompanying symptoms. Choose modest meals, avoid lying down soon after eating, and limit any food or drink that clearly worsens symptoms. A pharmacist can advise about suitable short-term relief; Acid Reflux Medication is one topic to discuss if reflux features are present.

Book a clinical assessment when the symptom is new, recurrent, persistent, or difficult to distinguish from back or chest pain. Bring a list of medicines, including pain relievers, because some can irritate the stomach.

Get urgent help for pressure or pain in the chest, breathlessness, sweating, faintness, pain spreading to the arm or jaw, sudden severe back or abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, blood in vomit, black stools, fever with marked illness, or yellow skin or eyes. Do not assume pain between the shoulder blades is indigestion when these features occur.

Could this be referred digestive pain or a muscle, chest, or gallbladder problem? Which examination or tests might help? Is any medicine I take irritating my stomach, and what warning signs should I watch for?