Diseases like kidney stone, pelvic inflammatory disease, ulcerative colitis, etc., usually cause pain in the lower abdomen and the back at the same time. Here is detailed information on causes and remedies for the same.

In common cases, abdominal pain is caused due to indigestion, bloating, etc. Back pain is usually associated with stress, muscle pull, etc. Now, if you experience stomach pain and back pain together, it is definitely a cause of concern.

Causes

The nature and severity of the pain differs according to the underlying cause. Abdominal pain accompanied by back pain can be a symptom of a few specific diseases.

➥ Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas (an exocrine gland behind the stomach) caused usually due to excessive consumption of alcohol, viral infection or trauma. Upper abdominal pain which travels to the back is the initial identifying symptom. It is followed by other symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Symptoms of pancreatitis worsen after having a meal.

➥ Gallstones
Gallstones are crystalline substances found in the gallbladder or bile duct. Irregular and unhealthy diet, obesity are the major causes of gallstones. Abdominal pain, back pain, vomiting and gas are the symptoms of gallstones.

➥ Kidney Stones
Kidney stones, as the name suggests, are crystalline calculi in the kidneys caused due to a variety of reasons like accumulation of too much calcium or uric acid in the kidneys. Lower left abdominal pain and back pain are the symptoms of stone in the left kidney. Other symptoms of kidney stones are blood in urine, burning sensation while urination, loss of appetite and loss of weight.

➥ Menstrual Cramps
All women experience symptoms of menstrual cramping. Lower abdominal and lower back pain are the most significant symptoms of menstruation. Although this is a non-serious condition, you should look out for other symptoms and consult the doctor if symptoms like nausea, vomiting, etc., are observed.

➥ Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder of the large intestine. It is characterized by symptoms like disorders of the bowel, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, bloating, etc. Alternating constipation and diarrhea is observed in this condition. Sometimes, symptoms like abdominal pain, back pain and cramping are also observed.

➥ Uterine Disorders
In females, as the uterus is located in the lower abdominal region, disorders related to it can also cause lower abdominal and back pain. Uterine fibroid, dysmenorrhea, ovarian cysts, etc., cause pain in one side of the lower abdomen and back.

Treatment

As you can see, specific causes for these symptoms can range from minor to severe ones. Sometimes, people may experience pain that aggravates on taking a deep breath, or on lying down. These symptoms should be brought to the doctor's notice immediately. The doctor will undertake several tests like the X-ray, blood and urine tests or even CT scan for diagnosing the cause of pain.

Pancreatitis should be treated as an emergency or it can result in complications like shock or even death. Pancreatitis can be treated through medications. Gallstones and kidney stones are treated either through medications or surgery. If the stone is smaller in size (less than 4 mm), it can be treated through hydration method or by diuretics.

Menstrual cramping usually does not require medical treatment. However, taking rest and painkillers can ease the pain. Symptoms of uterine disorders need to be brought to the doctor's notice immediately. Ovarian cysts can be treated with the help of medications. Irritable bowel syndrome is treated by making changes in the lifestyle. Having proper diet at regular time, exercising regularly, can reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

Prevention

Following are some lifestyle methods that can be followed to avoid digestive disorders, and stomach and backache.

✔ Regular exercises helps in keeping back muscles strong and healthy.

✔ It is essential to maintain proper posture while sitting, walking, sleeping to prevent injury to the back.

✔ As a preventive measure for digestive disorders, it is wise to have a nutritious and healthy diet, and drink a lot of water.

✔ You should avoid spicy and greasy foods as much as you can.

✔ You should identify foods that cause bloating, intolerance and cut them down from the diet completely.

✔ Similarly, having a diet rich in fibers, inclusive of fruits and vegetables, can treat constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, etc.

✔ If you suffer from nausea and vomiting, you should change your diet and eat mild foods like rice, crackers, etc.

Although home remedies and lifestyle changes are effective in getting rid of the discomfort (in minor cases), it is wise to consult the doctor immediately and get the symptoms diagnosed. Proper treatment can effectively cure all the aforementioned disorders.

Disclaimer: This information is meant for educational purposes only, and should not be substituted for proper medical advice.