A gastric ulcer might cause referred back pain, although it is not a commonTrusted Source symptom.

Gastric ulcers, which are sores in the stomach lining, primarily cause abdominal pain, which may create a burning or gnawing sensation.

People typically feel this pain in the upper abdomen, but it can sometimes radiate to the back.

Common symptoms of gastric ulcers includeTrusted Source:

  • discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen, located between the breastbone and belly button
  • nausea or episodes of vomiting
  • feeling overly full or uncomfortable after eating
  • a sensation of fullness early in a meal
  • a bloated feeling in the stomach
  • frequent burping or belching

If a person experiences the above symptoms, it is best to contact a doctor.

Back pain on its own may be due to another cause. A person needs to contact a doctor if their back pain does not improve after a few weeksTrusted Source or if they experience any of the following symptoms alongside back pain:

A doctor will recommend the best treatments for gastric ulcers or back pain depending on the cause and the person’s circumstances.

Learn more

Learn more about back pain and gastric ulcers.