While both stomach and back pain at once can often be a coincidence, there are some conditions that are known to cause both. This means that it can be worth visiting a professional to have these symptoms checked to rule out these conditions. Show
PancreatitisPancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, can cause upper abdominal pain in addition to back pain, along with vomiting or nausea. Both forms of pain tend to be reduced when you lean forward and to become worse when irritated, especially by sharp movements like coughing. Acute pancreatitis can be caused by a gallstone or high alcohol intake. If this is suspected, you will likely have blood drawn as the first step in testing. For people with chronic pancreatitis, the pain is often intermittent and occurs in a recognizable pattern, particularly after meals. Other signs of pancreatic issues can include sudden weight loss, fatigue, abdominal bloating, excess gas, or greasy stools. AppendicitisWhile pain in the lower right stomach is the primary symptom of appendicitis, many people also cite back pain associated with the condition. It is critical to diagnose appendicitis before the appendix is able to rupture. Kidney StonesThe pain associated with kidney stones is usually described as beginning in the back and traveling around to the abdomen. In most cases, this is on one side of the body only, as one kidney has the stones. Other symptoms may include vomiting or blood in the urine. If you suspect kidney stones, it is important to seek care at an Atlanta MRI center for an imaging scan to confirm the presence of stones and determine the best method of removal. GallstonesGallstones are hard deposits found inside the gallbladder, and their formation may cause both back and stomach pain. There is no known cause of gallstones, though theories include excess bilirubin and cholesterol in the bile. Stomach pain usually occurs in the upper right abdomen in addition to back pain. Peptic UlcersThis occurs when erosions develop in the lining of the stomach or the small intestine. When these erosions cause a hole or perforation, they can cause intense pain in the central or upper left abdomen. This pain often travels to the shoulders and the back as a form of referred pain. When perforation hasn’t occurred, back pain is unlikely to be associated with peptic ulcers. Other conditions may include inflammation of the kidney known as pyelonephritis or acute inflammation of the gallbladder. When to See a DoctorMany of these conditions require proper diagnosis and treatment in order to manage the underlying condition causing your pain. Doctors may need to perform tests like ultrasounds or MRIs to rule out or diagnose these conditions. The following symptoms may be signs you should visit a doctor or Atlanta MRI center:
These symptoms mean you should seek emergency care:
Treating Back and Stomach PainIn order to properly relieve your pain, a proper diagnosis will be important. A doctor will listen to you describe your symptoms and medical history to try and determine potential causes and will then use a series of tests to rule out serious issues. These tests may include blood tests, ultrasounds, endoscopies, X-rays, or urine tests. You may also be sent to an Atlanta MRI center for more advanced imaging. At AICA Orthopedics, our onsite imaging site is readily available and works with a range of doctors, giving you access to various forms of treatment depending on your diagnosis. If you are experiencing a combination of stomach and back pain, call AICA Orthopedics today. Back pains are quite common because there are a plethora of possible reasons why they happen – from simple ones like stress or more serious diseases, such as herniated discs or scoliosis. The same goes for stomach aches – they may be caused by overeating or autoimmune disorders. But if the co-occurrence of these symptoms happens too often, it’s time to consult a doctor to find out the exact reason. So why do the upper stomach and back feel painful at the same time? These two uncomfortable symptoms are causes for concern because they might be a sign of more serious health conditions like pancreatitis, kidney stones, peptic ulcer, and gallstones. What Causes Upper Stomach and Back Pain?Got stomach and back pains? These two symptoms are quite common among Americans. Back pains are the most common reason why employees call in sick at work. While they’re both extremely uncomfortable, stomach and back pains happening at the same time are a cause for concern. It usually means that there is a problem with the internal organs located in the area. Here are some of the possible causes of upper stomach and back pain: PancreatitisThe pancreas is the large gland found in the abdomen – behind the stomach and next to the small intestines. It’s important for producing digestive enzymes that break down the food and help the body digest it. It also releases insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream to assist the body in converting food into energy. When the pancreas gets inflamed, pancreatitis occurs. The organ is damaged when the enzymes start working while they’re still in the pancreas. The two kinds of pancreatitis are:
CausesThe main cause of acute pancreatitis remains unknown for some patients, but here are some of the possible causes:
On the other hand, chronic pancreatitis is more common for people aged between 30 to 40. It shares the same possible causes with acute pancreatitis in addition to the following:
Other SymptomsAside from recurring back and abdominal pain, pancreatitis is also accompanied by the following symptoms:
DiagnosisThe doctor examines the blood to check if the levels of lipase and amylase are high. This helps them determine if the patient has acute pancreatitis. They might also perform other tests including:
TreatmentAcute pancreatitis patients are advised to stay in the hospital for a few days so the doctor may easily monitor their condition. They prescribe antibiotics to treat the infected pancreas. Patients are also given intravenous fluid through a needle and pain medications. They’re also put under a low-fat diet until the pancreas fully recovers. For more severe cases, ERCP, Gallbladder surgery, or pancreas surgery might be necessary. As for chronic pancreatitis patients, they might need to stay in the hospital longer and undergo more procedures. Some of the treatments include insulin injections, pain medicines, pancreatic enzymes, and surgery to relieve pain and treat blockages. Kidney StoneKidney stones refer to the hard objects that develop inside the kidneys. They’re generally made of salts and minerals that are about the size of a grain of sand to a corn kernel. They usually cause back pain that travels to the upper abdominal area on the side of the affected kidney. CausesKidney stones form when the urine has a high mineral concentration accompanied by other substances, such as uric acid, oxalate, and calcium. These substances react and form tiny crystals that stick together until they form stones. The lack of water or other fluids in the body to dilute these materials is also another reason why these stones form. Kidney stones might be as small as sand grains, but they might also become as big as corn kernels. Bigger stones block the urine flow and are painful to pass. The formation of kidney stones depends on a person’s diet and the medications they take. There’s also a huge chance that a person has kidney stones if someone else in their family has had them before. Other SymptomsMost patients don’t feel any symptoms unless the stones start moving inside the kidneys down to the ureter. During this time, the pain shifts to wherever the kidney stones are. Other symptoms of kidney stones include:
DiagnosisKidney stones may affect anyone, so it’s crucial to know more about their symptoms. The best way for an individual to know if they have kidney stones is to consult a physician. They’re usually asked to describe the intensity and frequency of the symptoms. Doctors also ask about medications or vitamins that the patient takes. They might also perform any of the following tests:
TreatmentKidney stones pass on their own without causing long-term detrimental effects on the body. However, kidney stones that remain in the body for a long time might cause kidney infection. If the patient is in a lot of pain because the stones are too big, the doctor might recommend surgery to remove the stones or break them down. Here are some of the procedures to eliminate kidney stones through surgery:
Peptic UlcerPeptic ulcer refers to the presence of open sores on the stomach’s lining and upper area of the small intestines. This happens when the stomach acids slowly strip the digestive tract’s protective mucus layer. Some patients might not experience symptoms, but others feel upper stomach pain or lower abdominal pain. A peptic ulcer might lead to internal bleeding, which is why early diagnosis is crucial. There are two types of peptic ulcer:
CausesUlcers occur in people of all ages, but older people have higher risks of developing this condition. There are two major causes of peptic ulcer:
Other SymptomsSmall ulcers don’t cause symptoms. But if a person starts feeling a burning pain between their breastbone and belly button, it’s time to consult a physician. Antacids are enough to relieve pain for some time, but it usually returns. Other symptoms of peptic ulcer include:
DiagnosisDuring the consultation with the doctor, the patient is asked about the symptoms, medical history, and medications. The physician also examines the belly for abdominal bloating and pain. These are usually enough to diagnose a peptic ulcer, but further examinations might be needed for some cases. The best way to confirm if the patient has a peptic ulcer is through X-rays or endoscopy. The doctor inserts a thin tube down the throat to check the stomach and small intestines for ulcers. They might also take a sample of the lining to check for bacteria. TreatmentPeptic ulcers might heal on their own. However, they usually return if not treated properly. After determining the cause of ulcers, the doctor may either prescribe antibiotics or ask the patient to limit their NSAIDs intake. Antacids and pain relievers might also be recommended to help with the severe pain. GallstoneThe gallbladder is the small organ found under the liver. It’s responsible for storing and releasing bile that’s important for digestion. This liquid carries cholesterol and bilirubin, the byproduct of red blood cells when the body breaks them down. These wastes are responsible for the formation of gallstones in the gallbladder. The size of the gallbladder can be as small as sand grains to as big as golf balls. It’s difficult to know if a person has gallstones unless they start blocking the bile duct and causing back and stomach pains. CausesGallstones start forming in the body under either of these three conditions:
Other SymptomsGallstones are usually asymptomatic until they start blocking the bile duct. Aside from upper abdominal pain, the patient might also experience:
The condition might be severe if the patient starts experiencing:
DiagnosisAside from a physical examination, the physician might also perform the following tests:
TreatmentSmaller gallstones typically pass through the body on their own, which is why treatment isn’t necessary for asymptomatic patients. People diagnosed with gallstones usually have their entire gallbladders removed through:
If the gallstones are found in the bile duct, the doctor performs ERCP to find and take them out. For cases that don’t require surgery, medications are enough to dissolve the stones. Other Reasons for Back and Abdominal PainThe back is a support and stabilizing system for the body, which is why it’s easily affected by different symptoms including severe stomach pain. Aside from pancreatitis, kidney stones, gallstones, and peptic ulcer, there are other reasons for recurring stomach ache and back pain.
How to Manage Abdominal and Back PainFinding out the exact cause of the abdominal and back pain gives a person long-lasting relief. There are different methods to treat the exact condition, but here are some of the best home remedies to reduce severe abdominal pain and upper back discomfort:
Spine Treatments and More at New York Pain CareNew York Pain Care is home to board-certified doctors and pain management specialists. Our highly trained team is here to provide non-surgical treatments to many conditions that cause extreme pain and discomfort to our clients in NYC and NJ. Take the first step to a pain-free life with us today. Visit our website to try out our pain assessment tool or contact us at (646) 846-1824 to book an appointment. What causes pain in upper right abdomen and back?Upper right abdominal pain, or sharp pain below your ribcage, can be caused by gallstones, a gall bladder infection, a stomach ulcer, hepatitis, pancreatitis, or it may be a lung condition. Claudia Gambrah-Lyles, MD.
When should I worry about upper right abdominal pain?Go to the emergency room or seek urgent care if: There is severe pain in the upper-right abdomen. The stomach pain is unbearable. There is stomach pain and white or pale stool.
What is pain in upper right abdomen under ribs and back pain?What is the most common cause of right upper quadrant pain? Inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) is the most common diagnosable cause for pain in the right upper quadrant. Cholecystitis usually occurs when the main opening to the gallbladder becomes blocked, either by a gallstone or biliary sludge.
What causes upper abdominal pain that radiates to the back?Pancreatitis. Abdominal pain caused by pancreatitis, which is inflammation in the pancreas, is a severe and sharp pain occurring in the upper middle of the abdomen that can sometimes radiate to your back or chest. You may also experience other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and fever.
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