Why does my chest and back hurt when I get hiccups?
Disease description:
I experience persistent hiccups after every meal, and each time I hiccup, there is a tearing-like pain in both the chest and back. Why does the chest and back hurt when I hiccup?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Hiccups accompanied by chest and back pain may be caused by the following:
1. Pleurisy: Inflammation of the pleura caused by various factors may lead to chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a feeling of chest tightness.
2. Cardiovascular diseases: Conditions such as angina or myocardial infarction may sometimes present with chest and back pain. Although hiccups are uncommon in these cases, they should be taken seriously when they occur.
3. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): When stomach acid and gastric contents flow back into the esophagus, it can cause chest discomfort and hiccups, possibly accompanied by pain in the front and back of the chest.
4. Digestive system disorders: Conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer, or gallbladder disease may cause diaphragmatic spasms leading to hiccups, along with chest or back discomfort.
5. Thoracic disc herniation: Displacement of thoracic intervertebral discs backward, compressing nerve roots or the spinal cord, may cause pain and motor dysfunction, including chest and back pain and a feeling of chest tightness.
6. Psychological stress: Prolonged mental stress or anxiety may sometimes manifest as physical discomfort, including hiccups and a feeling of tightness in the chest and back.
