Most people have experienced some form of tummy ache at least once in their lives. Most of the time, this type of abdominal pain is harmless, caused by something simple such as trapped wind or a little indigestion.
But if your stomach pain is ongoing or debilitating and coupled with backache too, this could be cause for concern. Here are 10 possible reasons for your stomach and back pain and what to do about it…
Ongoing Stomach and Back Pain: Possible Causes and Treatment Options
Generally, abdominal pain that is acute, sharp or stabbing could point to an underlying internal issue. Most of these issues are not life-threatening, but if left untreated, it could very well end up that way. If your abdominal pain extends to your lower back, this is yet another sign that you may need medical attention.
Some important characteristics of acute abdominal pain include the location, timing, and duration of the pain, as well as any activities performed before the onset of this pain. Generally, some of the most common causes of abdominal pain may stem from:
- An irritable bowel
- Food poisoning
- Food allergies
- Trapped gas
- A viral infection
- Menstruation
- Chronic constipation
For many people, food allergies are a very real yet undiagnosed cause of random stomach pain which can lead to bloating, constipation, and even diarrhea. Learn more about this best food sensitivity test for more.
Now, let’s take an in-depth look at the more sinister causes of stomach and back pain…
1. Trapped Wind
This may sound like a minor, if not laughable issue. Trapped wind can be extremely painful and may even lead you to believe something is very wrong, internally. Trapped wind, also known as trapped gas, is commonly paired with incessant stomach cramps and bloating of the stomach. The pain can also radiate through to the lower back as your organs are swollen and pressed out-of-place due to bloating.
It may seem like an embarrassing ailment, but it’s extremely common, especially among those with major food sensitivities. Luckily, trapped wind can be dealt with simply. You just need to visit your pharmacist who will recommend the ideal product such as Buscopan or Mebeverine to ease bloating and discomfort.
If this problem persists after each meal or at random occasions, it may be worthwhile visiting your doctor to discuss the possibility of irritable bowel syndrome or food allergies.
2. Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is also very common, with most people having experienced this viral or bacterial infection at some point in their lives. Gastroenteritis is also known as having a ”tummy bug” and can cause severe nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. It can also come with crippling back pain as your body is under tremendous stress trying to fight off the infection.
You can catch gastroenteritis by eating contaminated food or contracting it off someone else. The infection then spreads to the stomach or bowel. It generally clears up within a few days with plenty of rest and liquids to avoid dehydration.
If you are experiencing long-term bouts of stomach cramps or diarrhea, it may be wise to consult your doctor as you could be suffering from IBS or even Crohn’s disease.
3. Acute Cholecystitis
This is more commonly known as inflammation of the gallbladder, which is caused by a build-up of gallstones. This condition tends to develop over a longer period of time as gallstones gather and begin to obstruct the cystic duct.
Some of the most common symptoms include intense pain in the upper-right-hand quadrant of the stomach, tenderness in the area, back pain, fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting. In order to treat this condition, your gallbladder will have to be removed with surgery.
4. Appendicitis
Ah, the appendix. Most people don’t even know it’s there until appendicitis hits and the pain can be truly agonizing. The appendix is a finger-like pouch connected to the large intestine. Its function is largely unknown, but it’s thought to act as a storehouse for good bacteria which is essential to the gut after diarrheal illnesses.
When your appendix ruptures, you’ll know all about it. Symptoms include agonizing pain in the lower right-hand side of the abdomen, back pain, chills, fever, and nausea. Your appendix will need to be removed with surgery.
5. A Stomach Ulcer
The most common place for a stomach ulcer to form is in the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine. Alternatively, stomach ulcers form in the lining of the stomach.
When an ulcer bursts, this can cause intense stomach and back pain due to cramping. Essentially, a burst ulcer is akin to an open, bleeding sore inside the duodenum or stomach lining. Symptoms include sudden, severe pain in the abdomen in a generalized location. Movement also tends to worsen the pain tremendously.
Treatment for a burst stomach ulcer includes the use of acid-blocking drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers. For a bleeding ulcer, these drugs will be administered intravenously.
6. Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are hard mineral and acid salt deposits that are passed out in your urine. This process is usually undetectable and painless. But if these stones become too large, they cause a blockage in the urinary tract and tubes of the kidney. This results in severe lower back pain and stomach cramps which are usually located on one side of the abdomen. Kidney stones are also accompanied by waves of intense nausea, chills, and fever as your body fights off the stress.
If the kidney stones are small enough, you’ll have to simply wait until they pass through the kidney and urinary tracts, while drinking large amounts of water. If they are too large, they will need to be shattered with laser surgery in order to pass through the body.
7. Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an umbrella terms for chronic, long-term conditions that cause major inflammation of the gut. Some of these conditions include Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and endometriosis.
These chronic conditions can cause severe bloating, intense stomach cramps, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, weight loss, and even malnutrition (in the case of Crohn’s disease). They can have a life-altering effect on your digestion, diet, overall mood and well-being. Expert advice and treatment are necessary to properly manage these digestive conditions.
Get Your Health and Well-Being in Check
If you’re struggling with ongoing stomach and back pain, it’s always wise to get things checked out sooner rather than later.
Find the inspiration you’re looking for and stay on top of your well-being by exploring the rest of this website for helpful tips on diets, fitness, and living a healthy lifestyle…
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