Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAcid Reflux HeadachesSymptomsCopingTreatmentPreventionWhen to Talk to a Healthcare ProviderSummary
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Acid Reflux Headaches
Symptoms
Coping
Treatment
Prevention
When to Talk to a Healthcare Provider
Summary
Acid reflux is the back-flow of stomach contents into the esophagus. It is a less severe form ofgastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), both of which are known to cause acid reflux headaches due to the strong connection between the gut and the brain. This connection is called thegut-brain axis.
Since the gut and the brain are in constant communication, any dysfunction in your gut due to acid reflux or GERD can result in acid reflux headaches. Fortunately, there are a few treatment options and coping strategies that can ease acid reflux headaches and prevent future ones from occurring.
This article discusses the connection between acid reflux, GERD, and acid reflux headaches. It includes treatment options, home remedies, and lifestyle changes you can try to relieve your symptoms along with when to see a healthcare provider.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
Connection Between Acid Reflux and Headaches
Research shows that the gut and the brain communicate with each other through the central nervous system, endocrine system, and immune system.Critical neurotransmitters, likeserotonin, are found in both the brain and the gut.
Anytime there is a disturbance in the brain or the gut, communication between the two regions can be disrupted.In that way, a condition like GERD can contribute to headaches, and headaches can also contribute to gastrointestinal distress.
Research has shown that GERD is common among people with migraines, suggesting that migraine sufferers might be predisposed to GERD. People with more prevalent headaches report having more reflux than people without headaches.
In addition, some research shows that treating acid reflux and GERD can help reduce the number of headaches people experience, especially for the 22% of migraine sufferers who have also been diagnosed with GERD.
Symptoms of Acid Reflux Headache
Not all gastric headaches are the same. Some people experience pain in their temples while others experience what feels like a tight band around their head. The pain may be dull or throbbing and located on one or both sides of the head.
GERD and acid reflux are also known to trigger symptoms of sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses).A sinus headache due to acid reflux may feel like:
Additionally, acid reflux headaches may occur alongside other symptoms, such as:
There are a few coping strategies you can try to ease the pain of an acid reflux headache when it strikes.
Treating Acid Reflux and Back Pain Together
Get Comfortable
If you can, take yourself somewhere quiet, comfortable, and dark where you can rest for a bit. Some people find it helpful to lie on the ground and rest their legs up against the wall. Avoid lying in a fetal position, which can place extra strain on your neck.
Try Temperature Therapy
Drink Extra Fluids
Get More Sleep
One of the best things you can do to ease your headache pain and help prevent future headaches is to make sure you are getting regular, adequate sleep. Most adults need about eight hours of sleep per night. If you are having trouble adhering to that, try setting alarms for yourself to go to bed and wake up at the same times each day.
Reduce Head Pressure
When a headache develops, make sure to remove anything from your head that places unnecessary pressure on your face or scalp. Avoid wearing tight ponytails, hats, headbands, swimming goggles, or anything else that is tight or restrictive.
Chew Less
Try to avoid unnecessary chewing, which places extra pressure on your jaw and head. Until your headache passes, do your best to avoid chewing gum or other habits like chewing on your nails, lips, or other objects like pens. You may also want to avoid eating foods that are especially sticky or chewy, and do your best to take smaller bites of food.
Practice Relaxation
Relaxation techniques won’t directly cure acid reflux or acid reflux headaches. However, they can reduce stress, which worsens headaches, and remove your focus away from your pain. Helpful techniques to try include meditation,deep breathing exercises,muscle relaxation exercises, and visualization.
Avoid High Impact Exercise
Exercises that place pressure on your abdomen can further relax your lower sphincter, allowing acid to flow back into your esophagus. For this reason, you should avoid doing stomach crunches, running or sprinting, weight lifting, and other high-impact workouts, which can worsen your GERD oracid reflux symptoms.
Try Yoga
It’s still important for people with acid reflux or GERD to exercise. In fact, light to moderate exercises can be very beneficial for relieving and preventing gastroesophageal symptoms. In particular, some research shows that regular yoga practice can reduce heartburn, trouble swallowing (dysphagia), nausea, and other GERD symptoms.
Keep a Journal
Journaling is an effective tool for identifying acid reflux triggers. In your journal, be sure to describe your symptoms along with when they occur. Keep tabs on your exercises, the foods you eat and when you eat them, and your activities before and after eating. If you identify a potential culprit, try to avoid it moving forward to see if your symptoms improve.
Adjust Your Sleeping Position
Sleeping in a slightly more upright position can help prevent acid reflux symptoms. Try to elevate your head with a second or third pillow so that your head is above your waist while sleeping. Also, research shows that sleeping on your left side helps stomach acid leave your esophagus faster, making it the most effective sleeping position for preventing acid reflux.
6 Tips to Stop Acid Reflux at Night
Avoid Alcohol and Cigarettes
Alcohol andcigarettesare both known to trigger headaches. Furthermore, tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption have also been linked to GERD symptoms.Limiting alcohol and avoiding tobacco completely is important if you have GERD, headaches, or both.
There are no treatments that are specific to acid reflux headaches. However, research indicates that controlling both headaches and GERD can help alleviate the symptoms of these conditions.
Talk with your healthcare provider about a comprehensive approach to treatment that addresses both headaches and GERD.
Headache Medicine
If you have frequent headaches, particularly migraines, talk with your healthcare provider about treatments that can help. This might include prescription medications to prevent migraines or lessen their severity when they start.Prescription medications used to treat migrainesinclude:
Remember to exercise caution with over-the-counter (OTC) medications like NSAIDs to treat frequent headaches. Not only can these exacerbate GERD symptoms, but they can also lead torebound headaches—symptoms that emerge more strongly when the medications wear off.
Acid-Controlling Medicine
Taking medications to control GERD can also help reduce the number of headaches that you experience. There areOTC and prescription medicationsthat can be used to treat GERD. These include:
Reglan
One medication option that is often a good fit for people with acid reflux headaches isReglan(metoclopramide).
Reglan is used to treat stomach and gastrointestinal issues, including GERD. It is also used, independent of that, to treat migraines, particularly during pregnancy. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether Reglan might be helpful to treat your GERD and headaches.
The following lifestyle changes can reduce the amount of GERD symptoms that you experience and help you avoid acid reflux headaches.
Avoiding foods that are high in fat, salt, or spice can reduce acid reflux symptoms and help prevent acid reflux headaches. In particular, try to avoid the following:
Instead, fill your diet with helpful foods like these:
Understanding Treatment for Leaky Gut Syndrome
Having GERD can increase your risk ofesophageal cancer. This type of cancer often doesn’t have symptoms initially, so it’s a good idea to see your healthcare provider regularly to be on the safe side.
If you start to experience signs of esophageal cancer—like trouble swallowing or hoarseness—reach out to your healthcare provder immediately.
Although acid reflux and GERD are not life-threatening, symptoms can be very uncomfortable. If home remedies and over-the-counter medications don’t seem to resolve your symptoms, reach out to your healthcare provider for other treatment options.
13 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Martin C.The brain-gut-microbiome axis.Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2018 Apr;6(2):1-16. doi:10.1016/j.jcmgh.2018.04.003Kim J, Lee S, Rhew K.Association between gastrointestinal disease and migraine.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Apr;19(7):4018. doi:10.3390/ijerph19074018Noghani M.Gastrointestinal headache; a narrative review.Emergency. 2016 Nov;4(4):171-183.Lin YH, Chang TS, Yao YC, Li YC.Increased risk of chronic sinusitis in adults with gastroesophageal reflux disease.Medicine (Baltimore). 2015 Sep;94(39):e1642. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000001642Johns Hopkins Medicine.Sinusitis.Aurora S, Shrewsbury S, Ray S, Hindiyeh N, Nguyen L.A link between gastrointestinal disorders and migraine: Insights into the gut-brain connection.Headache. 2021 Apr;61(4):576-589. doi:10.1111/head.14099Sujan M, Rao M, Kisan R, et al.Influence of hydrotherapy on clinical and cardiac autonomic function in migraine patients.J Neurosci Rural Pract. 2016 Mar;7(1):109-113. doi:10.4103/0976-3147.165389Johns Hopkins Medicine.GERD diet: Foods that help with acid reflux (heartburn).Zhang M, Hou ZK, Huang ZB, Chen XL, Liu FB.Lifestyle factors related to gastroesophageal reflux disease: A systematic review.Thera Clin Risk Management. 2021 Mar;2021(17):305-323. doi:10.2147/TCRM.S296680Kaswala D, Shah S, Mishra A.Can yoga be used to treat gastroesophagal reflux disease?.Int J Yoga. 2013 Dec;6(2):131-133. doi:10.4103/0973-6131.113416Harvard Health Publishing.What’s the best sleep position to combat heartburn?.Jensen E, Lagergren J.Tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption and gastroesophageal reflux disease.Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2017 Oct;31(5):501-508. doi:10.1016/j.bpg.2017.09.004Johns Hopkins Medicine.Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) treatment.
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Martin C.The brain-gut-microbiome axis.Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2018 Apr;6(2):1-16. doi:10.1016/j.jcmgh.2018.04.003Kim J, Lee S, Rhew K.Association between gastrointestinal disease and migraine.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Apr;19(7):4018. doi:10.3390/ijerph19074018Noghani M.Gastrointestinal headache; a narrative review.Emergency. 2016 Nov;4(4):171-183.Lin YH, Chang TS, Yao YC, Li YC.Increased risk of chronic sinusitis in adults with gastroesophageal reflux disease.Medicine (Baltimore). 2015 Sep;94(39):e1642. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000001642Johns Hopkins Medicine.Sinusitis.Aurora S, Shrewsbury S, Ray S, Hindiyeh N, Nguyen L.A link between gastrointestinal disorders and migraine: Insights into the gut-brain connection.Headache. 2021 Apr;61(4):576-589. doi:10.1111/head.14099Sujan M, Rao M, Kisan R, et al.Influence of hydrotherapy on clinical and cardiac autonomic function in migraine patients.J Neurosci Rural Pract. 2016 Mar;7(1):109-113. doi:10.4103/0976-3147.165389Johns Hopkins Medicine.GERD diet: Foods that help with acid reflux (heartburn).Zhang M, Hou ZK, Huang ZB, Chen XL, Liu FB.Lifestyle factors related to gastroesophageal reflux disease: A systematic review.Thera Clin Risk Management. 2021 Mar;2021(17):305-323. doi:10.2147/TCRM.S296680Kaswala D, Shah S, Mishra A.Can yoga be used to treat gastroesophagal reflux disease?.Int J Yoga. 2013 Dec;6(2):131-133. doi:10.4103/0973-6131.113416Harvard Health Publishing.What’s the best sleep position to combat heartburn?.Jensen E, Lagergren J.Tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption and gastroesophageal reflux disease.Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2017 Oct;31(5):501-508. doi:10.1016/j.bpg.2017.09.004Johns Hopkins Medicine.Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) treatment.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Martin C.The brain-gut-microbiome axis.Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2018 Apr;6(2):1-16. doi:10.1016/j.jcmgh.2018.04.003Kim J, Lee S, Rhew K.Association between gastrointestinal disease and migraine.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Apr;19(7):4018. doi:10.3390/ijerph19074018Noghani M.Gastrointestinal headache; a narrative review.Emergency. 2016 Nov;4(4):171-183.Lin YH, Chang TS, Yao YC, Li YC.Increased risk of chronic sinusitis in adults with gastroesophageal reflux disease.Medicine (Baltimore). 2015 Sep;94(39):e1642. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000001642Johns Hopkins Medicine.Sinusitis.Aurora S, Shrewsbury S, Ray S, Hindiyeh N, Nguyen L.A link between gastrointestinal disorders and migraine: Insights into the gut-brain connection.Headache. 2021 Apr;61(4):576-589. doi:10.1111/head.14099Sujan M, Rao M, Kisan R, et al.Influence of hydrotherapy on clinical and cardiac autonomic function in migraine patients.J Neurosci Rural Pract. 2016 Mar;7(1):109-113. doi:10.4103/0976-3147.165389Johns Hopkins Medicine.GERD diet: Foods that help with acid reflux (heartburn).Zhang M, Hou ZK, Huang ZB, Chen XL, Liu FB.Lifestyle factors related to gastroesophageal reflux disease: A systematic review.Thera Clin Risk Management. 2021 Mar;2021(17):305-323. doi:10.2147/TCRM.S296680Kaswala D, Shah S, Mishra A.Can yoga be used to treat gastroesophagal reflux disease?.Int J Yoga. 2013 Dec;6(2):131-133. doi:10.4103/0973-6131.113416Harvard Health Publishing.What’s the best sleep position to combat heartburn?.Jensen E, Lagergren J.Tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption and gastroesophageal reflux disease.Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2017 Oct;31(5):501-508. doi:10.1016/j.bpg.2017.09.004Johns Hopkins Medicine.Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) treatment.
Martin C.The brain-gut-microbiome axis.Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2018 Apr;6(2):1-16. doi:10.1016/j.jcmgh.2018.04.003
Kim J, Lee S, Rhew K.Association between gastrointestinal disease and migraine.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Apr;19(7):4018. doi:10.3390/ijerph19074018
Noghani M.Gastrointestinal headache; a narrative review.Emergency. 2016 Nov;4(4):171-183.
Lin YH, Chang TS, Yao YC, Li YC.Increased risk of chronic sinusitis in adults with gastroesophageal reflux disease.Medicine (Baltimore). 2015 Sep;94(39):e1642. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000001642
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Sinusitis.
Aurora S, Shrewsbury S, Ray S, Hindiyeh N, Nguyen L.A link between gastrointestinal disorders and migraine: Insights into the gut-brain connection.Headache. 2021 Apr;61(4):576-589. doi:10.1111/head.14099
Sujan M, Rao M, Kisan R, et al.Influence of hydrotherapy on clinical and cardiac autonomic function in migraine patients.J Neurosci Rural Pract. 2016 Mar;7(1):109-113. doi:10.4103/0976-3147.165389
Johns Hopkins Medicine.GERD diet: Foods that help with acid reflux (heartburn).
Zhang M, Hou ZK, Huang ZB, Chen XL, Liu FB.Lifestyle factors related to gastroesophageal reflux disease: A systematic review.Thera Clin Risk Management. 2021 Mar;2021(17):305-323. doi:10.2147/TCRM.S296680
Kaswala D, Shah S, Mishra A.Can yoga be used to treat gastroesophagal reflux disease?.Int J Yoga. 2013 Dec;6(2):131-133. doi:10.4103/0973-6131.113416
Harvard Health Publishing.What’s the best sleep position to combat heartburn?.
Jensen E, Lagergren J.Tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption and gastroesophageal reflux disease.Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2017 Oct;31(5):501-508. doi:10.1016/j.bpg.2017.09.004
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) treatment.
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