Differential Diagnosis for Mid Left Side Back Pain after Eating
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): This condition is characterized by stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus, causing pain that can be referred to the mid back, especially after eating. The timing of the pain in relation to eating and its location makes GERD a plausible explanation.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Peptic ulcer disease: Ulcers in the stomach or duodenum can cause pain that radiates to the back, and eating can exacerbate the pain due to increased stomach acid production.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe back pain that worsens after eating, especially fatty foods.
- Cholecystitis or cholelithiasis: Inflammation of the gallbladder or gallstones can cause right upper quadrant pain but can sometimes be referred to the mid back, especially if the gallbladder is inflamed and irritates nearby structures.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Myocardial infarction: Although less common, myocardial infarction (heart attack) can present with atypical symptoms, including back pain. The pain might be exacerbated by eating if it increases demand on the heart.
- Aortic dissection: A tear in the aorta's inner layer can cause severe, tearing back pain that can be constant but might worsen with activities that increase blood pressure, such as eating a large meal.
- Pulmonary embolism: While typically presenting with respiratory symptoms, a pulmonary embolism can cause sudden onset of back pain, especially if the embolism is large and affects blood flow significantly.
- Rare diagnoses
- Splenic infarct: An infarct (death of tissue due to lack of blood supply) in the spleen can cause severe left upper quadrant pain that might radiate to the back.
- Gastric cancer: Although rare, gastric cancer can cause back pain if the tumor invades or puts pressure on nearby structures, and symptoms might worsen after eating due to increased stomach activity.