steeler, This is a TBI/PCS forum. Omeprazole is not well tolerated by many who have compromised brains.

I was prescribed it and stopped after just a few weeks. Did not like what it does to my head.

Would you mind sharing what your symptoms were when taking Omerprazole? I used to take it in times past with no issues. However, I have been having neck/back issues and when i tried to use it last year, I felt horrible - seemed to increase the tightening of upper back muscles, made me have dizzy/lightheaded spells, and almost felt like what I would assume it would feel like to have an anxiety attack. Took me a while to figure out it could be the Prilosec b/c, as I said before, I had used it on and off again for years with no issues. The doctor gave me an RX for a newer version of PPI, but never took it b/c I was a wimp. So, OTC 20 mg Pepcid twice a day is what I have been doing, along with modification in diet.

Further background info: diagnosed with Chiari I Malformation and Ehlers Danlos 15 years ago, with cranio-cervical instability being the main cause of symptoms. Though, I believe I have something with thoracic spine due to symtoms in shoulder/neck/chest/upper back.

Thanks!

I don't remember what I did not like about the Prilosec. That was well over a year ago. I tried Prevacid. It did not help my issue. It appears my issue is spine related.

A friend developed an ALS like condition that eventually took her life after years of Prilosec.

I took the acid blockers to prove to a swallowing specialist that my swallowing problem was not due to acid reflux. I have partial paralysis of the nerves/muscles in the rear of my tongue due to neck issues.

I get gastric problems due to TOS.

Thanks for your response, and I am so sorry to hear about your friend.

Interesting you mention your stomach issues are caused by spinal issues, I have wondered the same. Seems I have flare-ups w/stomach issues, then horrible upper back/chest/neck/head symptoms. I am sure if anything gets inflamed it is pushing on nerves.

New to this website/forum - found while looking for symptoms similar to mine.

Can TOS cause pains in the chest area, sometimes neck/collarbone/shoulder, too?

Thanks.

When my TOS flared, it did not cause any spine pain. It cause GERD, bloating, paralyzed gut, and such.

Hi, I'm new here, and I haven't yet introduced myself, but I couldn't resist saying that for any one with stomach acid problems it is important to try and keep yourself more alkaline than acid. Around about pH 7.2 would be good.

I suffered from acid reflux quite often and I would fall out of bed unable to breathe, and making horrible noises. A naturopath friend of mine (who is also an M.D.) told me to drink a small glass of bicarb of soda every night before bed-time, and to take another with me just in case. I did that, and it soon worked. I haven't had a reflux attack in 2 years now,

I'm told that cancer loves an acid body, so I use bicarb freely. I highly recommend "Sodium Bicarbonate - Nature's Unique First Aid Remedy" by Dr. Mark Sircus ISBN 978-0-7570-0394-3. Well worth while for everyone to read.

Also, you can check your pH by using the pH strips you can buy from Amazon specially for the purpose.

Hope this helps someone.

Mike H

Yes!! we have a TOS forum - explore the sticky threads there..or use the site search to find specific topics..
https://www.neurotalk.org/thoracic-outlet-syndrome/
Some related images that may be helpful..
https://www.neurotalk.org/members/100-albums422.html

Hey Mom2One,

Welcome to the Forum.

From your symptoms, I suggest you consider that acid reflux may be causing back pain rather than back problems causing acid reflux.

It is quite a common symptom to experience (referred) back pain between the shoulder blades in acid reflux. Less common is neck pain but if you get a sore throat or even ear ache at the same time, it is indicative of acid in the throat and could be a cause of that too.

Best wishes,
Atty

I've experiences these issues for 35 years. Acid reflux has never caused referred pain to my back. It has cause pain to my jaw and shoulder. The concussion related trauma to the upper spine from T-2 to C-1 has been problematic off and on for those many years. I've had top doctors work on me. A Stanford GI Doc did extensive studies. Cardiac studies.

When I went to my cash payment chirpractor, he quickly resolved it.

Those of us who understand and have experience with tbi and concussions know that those outside our community lack that understanding.

Possibly a related factor - Low stomach acid.. slow digestion..
Hypochlorhydria (Low Stomach Acid): Causes, Treatment, and More
Low Stomach Acid: Causes and Treatment