I'm being treated for bacterial overgrowth in my intestine, and so far, it's going well. But I'm a bit worried because sometimes I get this dull ache in my upper back, shoulder, and left arm. It's mostly on the left side, though it rarely happens on the right. I also feel pretty gassy. Could this discomfort be because of gas, or do you think I should be more concerned and maybe get an ECG done? I'm 37 and female, if that helps. What do you think?

Dr Ibrahim Salah

General Practitioner

• MBBS
• 2+ Yrs

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It is possible that your upper back pain, shoulder pain, and arm pain on the left side could be related to gas or bloating from the bacterial overgrowth in your intestine. Gas can sometimes cause referred pain to other areas of the body, including the back and shoulders. However, given that you are also experiencing arm pain, it is important to consider other possible causes such as musculoskeletal issues or even cardiac concerns. Since you are also feeling gassy, it is reasonable to try over-the-counter gas relief medications such as Simethicone to see if it helps alleviate your symptoms. Additionally, you can consider taking a pain reliever like Acetaminophen for the discomfort. If your symptoms persist or worsen, especially if you experience any chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness, it would be prudent to seek medical attention. A doctor can evaluate your symptoms, perform a physical examination, and determine if further investigations such as an ECG are necessary to rule out any cardiac issues.

Answered 04/07/2025