Differential Diagnosis for Back Pain after Eating

• Single most likely diagnosis
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Back pain after eating can be a referred pain from the stomach, and GERD is a common condition that can cause stomach discomfort and pain that may radiate to the back.
• Other Likely diagnoses
  • Peptic ulcer disease: Similar to GERD, peptic ulcers can cause stomach pain that may be referred to the back, especially after eating.
  • Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe back pain, especially after eating, due to the location of the pancreas and its proximity to the spine.
  • Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder can cause right upper quadrant pain that may radiate to the back, especially after eating fatty foods.
• Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
  • Myocardial infarction: Although less common, back pain after eating can be a symptom of a heart attack, especially in women, and is a medical emergency.
  • Aortic dissection: Severe back pain after eating can be a symptom of an aortic dissection, which is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
  • Pulmonary embolism: Back pain after eating can be a symptom of a pulmonary embolism, especially if the pain is accompanied by shortness of breath or other respiratory symptoms.
• Rare diagnoses
  • Pheochromocytoma: A rare tumor of the adrenal gland that can cause back pain, especially after eating, due to the release of catecholamines.
  • Medullary sponge kidney: A rare congenital disorder that can cause back pain, especially after eating, due to the formation of kidney stones.