Ask a doctor on the topic of Internal medicine

stomach ache

January 9, 2014 | 15,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Hello,
I have been having problems with my thoracic spine for years, and it has been particularly difficult for the past few weeks. The inflammation is so advanced that the orthopedist was unable to adjust me. Now, for about 3 weeks, I have been experiencing severe stomach pains and increased belching, which are being treated with ranitidine 300. However, these stomach pains are not improving, and I also experience occasional mild nausea without vomiting. My appetite is normal. My question is whether the stomach pains could be related to the thoracic spine. Ranitidine has always helped me very quickly in the past, so I am a bit confused.
Thank you very much.

Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Good evening,

The spine cannot be blamed for your stomach problems, because the inflammation cannot spread from the vertebrae to the stomach.

However, I suspect that you may have been given Diclofenac as a tablet or injection, which irritates the stomach a lot. Or Ibuprofen? That also irritates the stomach.

I would recommend taking Omeprazole instead of Ranitidine, as it is stronger.
All the best!

Warm regards, Dr. Höllering, Specialist in Internal and General Medicine