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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
any ideas of what can be causing the back pain
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin, M.D.
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/ Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
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any ideas of what can be causing the back pain
by Kenworthy, Jun 04, 2004 12:00AM
I'm a 45 year old mail. I'm an avid exerciser (run or go to the gym every day). At age 40 I developed IBS and GERD. For the IBS I has a sigflex and they only found small pockets of diverticulitus and suggested I take fiber. I had the GERD treated with the Stretta procedure and dealt with the IBS with Metamucil.
About 2 years ago I developed pain on my side and back. I thought I might have kidney issues so I had CT of the abdomen with and without contrast. It found I had "no significant abnormality other than possible prior inflammatory peridephric stranding". The pain eventually went away and I attributed it to IBS .Other than that, everything has been fine for the last 4 1/2 years. About 2 months ago I started having cramps in the abdomen, on my side and back again and the fiber wasn't working as well. I had a full check up with blood test and every looked normal. My doctor had me try Zelnor for the cramps and IBS. It didn't really work. After 6 weeks I went back and he suggested I have a colonoscopy. I'm to see a colon surgeon in a week for a consultation before the colonoscopy. My issue is this: I continue to have these cramps mainly in my back....primarily on my right side but it sometimes is on the left or in the middle spine (when it's the spine it feels like it's burning). The pain seems to subside when I exercise and other than the back pain I feel great!
What could be the possible causes of the back pain and what actions / tests should I have taken to find out what's the problem?
About 2 years ago I developed pain on my side and back. I thought I might have kidney issues so I had CT of the abdomen with and without contrast. It found I had "no significant abnormality other than possible prior inflammatory peridephric stranding". The pain eventually went away and I attributed it to IBS .Other than that, everything has been fine for the last 4 1/2 years. About 2 months ago I started having cramps in the abdomen, on my side and back again and the fiber wasn't working as well. I had a full check up with blood test and every looked normal. My doctor had me try Zelnor for the cramps and IBS. It didn't really work. After 6 weeks I went back and he suggested I have a colonoscopy. I'm to see a colon surgeon in a week for a consultation before the colonoscopy. My issue is this: I continue to have these cramps mainly in my back....primarily on my right side but it sometimes is on the left or in the middle spine (when it's the spine it feels like it's burning). The pain seems to subside when I exercise and other than the back pain I feel great!
What could be the possible causes of the back pain and what actions / tests should I have taken to find out what's the problem?
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jun 06, 2004 12:00AM
, Jun 06, 2004 12:00AM
IBS, colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or appendix problems can cause pain in the right abdominal area. The abdominal/pelvic CT scan would be a reasonable first test to consider. If negative, the colonoscopy as well as a small-bowel series would be a comprehensive evaluation for inflammatory bowel disease or inflammation that can be causing your symptoms.
If IBS is causing the symptoms, you can consider anti-spasmodics in addition to the fiber to help with the IBS.
If these GI tests are negative, you may want to consider a non-GI source of the pain - perhaps some spinal damage. An spine MRI can be considered to evaluate this, as well as a neurology consult.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
If IBS is causing the symptoms, you can consider anti-spasmodics in addition to the fiber to help with the IBS.
If these GI tests are negative, you may want to consider a non-GI source of the pain - perhaps some spinal damage. An spine MRI can be considered to evaluate this, as well as a neurology consult.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
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