Back pain during hiccups: causes

May 26, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I have recently experienced back pain when hiccuping, a kind of pulling pain. My back also occasionally feels tight even when I'm not hiccuping. I would like to ask what might be the possible cause?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua

Back pain during hiccups may be caused by various factors. Long-term incorrect posture or spinal fatigue may lead to back muscle injuries, and the involvement of these injured muscles during hiccups can cause pain.

Visceral problems such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gallbladder disease, or pancreatitis may also cause back discomfort through the mechanism of referred pain. Moreover, cardiac diseases such as angina or myocardial infarction may sometimes present with atypical symptoms, including hiccups and back pain.

Long-term poor posture, muscle strain, or disc problems may directly compress nerve roots, causing the simultaneous occurrence of hiccups and back pain. After joint dislocation, the joint capsule may become irritated, leading to nerve compression around the joint capsule and resulting in severe pain. This pain typically centers in the chest and back and may be triggered by hiccups or severe coughing.

When experiencing such symptoms, timely medical consultation is recommended. A clear diagnosis can be achieved through detailed medical history taking, physical examination, and relevant auxiliary tests (such as electrocardiogram, abdominal ultrasound, CT scan), and an individualized treatment plan can then be developed based on the specific condition.