While bloating is often a sign that you have eaten too much, it can be a serious medical condition. If your symptoms don’t go away, consult with a doctor.
Most of the time, bloating and back pain are unrelated. However, if they occur simultaneously, it is worth investigating the cause to prevent further problems.
Stress
Stress can cause back pain, and back pain is often accompanied by stomach bloating. This is because chronic stress causes the muscles in your body to tighten, which can lead to back pain. It can also cause you to swallow air, which makes your stomach feel distended and uncomfortable.
Back pain and stomach bloating can also be caused by herniated discs, kidney infections, and pregnancy. It’s important to see a doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms because they could be signs of a serious medical condition.
Most cases of back pain and bloating are caused by something minor, such as a sprain or an upset stomach. These conditions usually go away on their own, or they can be alleviated with OTC medication and home remedies. However, it’s essential to see a doctor if you are suffering from bloating and back pain for an extended period of time or if they occur frequently.
Abdominal bloating and back pain can be caused by several things, from food intolerances to herniated discs. It can be difficult to distinguish between bloating, back pain, and contractions, especially during pregnancy. This guide looks at the most common causes of these two symptoms together and identifies what can be done to ease them. It also discusses rare causes of these two symptoms, so you know when to seek help.
Herniated Discs
Generally, when back pain and stomach bloating occur simultaneously, it is due to harmless underlying conditions and usually resolves quickly at home. However, if your symptoms continue for more than 4 weeks, or if they are accompanied by other worrying signs such as chest pains, difficulty breathing, chills or blood in the stool, consult your doctor.
Your spine (backbone) is made up of a series of bones called vertebrae, and in between each bone are soft discs that act like cushions to keep your back flexible. When one of these discs ruptures and presses on a nerve it causes back pain, which can sometimes be felt in the stomach as well. Herniated discs can happen anywhere in the spine, but are more common in the lower back (lumbar spine) and neck (cervical spine).
X-rays can show whether a herniated disk is present, and if so, which part of the spine it affects. A computed tomography scan (CT scan) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to visualize herniated disks more accurately. The CT scan can also be combined with a dye injection to better highlight the herniated disk and confirm its location in your spine. Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies can also help pinpoint the damaged area, as these tests measure the electrical activity of your muscles.
Food Intolerances
The digestive tract is very sensitive to the body’s reaction to food. Stress is thought to make the gut more sensitive, so when you eat certain foods your body has trouble digesting them, which causes bloating and pain.
Food intolerances can be difficult to diagnose and are different from food allergies. The former involves the immune system and is life-threatening, whereas the latter is a delayed response to a particular food. Food intolerances can be caused by a variety of things, including genetics, digestive disorders, lack of enzymes, and sensitivity to additives in food.
For instance, lactose intolerance is common, and it results from the lack of an enzyme called lactase that breaks down dairy. This makes it harder for the intestine to absorb milk sugars, which causes gas and bloating. People who are lactose intolerant should try to avoid dairy products if possible.
Other food intolerances can cause bloating and back pain, including histamine intolerance (usually due to a deficiency in enzymes that break down histamine). This can be caused by eating foods such as aged cheese, chocolate, some fruits and vegetables, and salicylates found in spices, peppers and onions. Other foods that can trigger histamine intolerance include alcoholic beverages, fatty and fried foods, smoked meats, and processed foods. This type of intolerance can also be caused by a chronic illness such as fibromyalgia.
Pregnancy
Many women experience back pain and bloating during pregnancy. This is because the uterus begins to compress the abdominal organs, which can cause pain. The weight gain can also put strain on the back and hips. Some women find it hard to distinguish between back pain and gas pains, especially when they are very late in the pregnancy. However, it is important to know that if back pain and bloating are accompanied by cramps that become stronger and more regular, they could be labor contractions.
The most common reason for back pain and bloating is swallowing too much air while eating or drinking. This can be caused by chewing gum, using a straw, consuming carbonated beverages, or taking certain types of supplements or medicines. When we swallow too much air, it enters our colon where bacteria ferment undigested carbohydrates, resulting in gas. This can lead to bloating, belching, and flatulence.
In some cases, back pain and bloating can be a sign of serious health issues. This is particularly true when back pain is accompanied by abdominal pain, swelling, or fever. If you are experiencing back pain and bloating, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional. They will be able to determine the potential causes and recommend treatment. In the meantime, there are some simple home remedies that can help to relieve stomach bloating and back pain.
