Abdominal pain and back pain during pregnancy

Abdominal and back pain can also occur during pregnancy. Especially in late pregnancy, the two complaints often occur together. The reason for this is that the increasing weight of the child presses on the intestine and stretches muscles and ligaments in the abdominal cavity on the one hand, and overburdens the back on the other.

To reduce abdominal pain, various strategies can be tried. For example, flatulent foods such as beans and cabbage can be avoided to reduce the pressure on the intestine. Massages and heat applications in the abdominal and back area can also help. Back pain can also be effectively tackled with sports and aids such as a support belt.

Stomach ache and back pain after eating

Abdominal pain after eating can indicate food intolerance. Often in this case flatulence and a feeling of fullness also occur. If the pain is in the stomach region, it could also be a stomach ulcer. Other causes that could explain the symptoms are gallstones and inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). In the case of gallstones, the pain is mainly localised in the right upper abdomen in the area of the right costal arch and often occurs in a cramp-like manner.

Abdominal pain and back pain originating from the kidney

Abdominal and back pain can also come from the kidney. The kidneys are located in the back of the abdominal cavity in the immediate vicinity of the back and are therefore suitable for both types of symptoms. Particularly common is the inflammation of the renal pelvis, which is usually caused by an ascending cystitis.

Those affected experience severe flank pain on the corresponding side and may also have abdominal pain. Inflammation of the renal pelvis is treated with antibiotics. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent damage to the kidneys and dangerous blood poisoning (sepsis).

Diagnostics

A medical consultation is essential for the diagnosis of abdominal and back pain. The doctor will ask about the patient’s exact symptoms, the chronological course and occurrence of the symptoms and factors of improvement or deterioration. This is followed by a physical examination: With regard to back pain, the doctor carries out various orthopaedic and neurological tests which can provide information as to whether the complaints originate from the musculoskeletal system and whether nerves may be affected.

In the case of abdominal pain, an examination of the abdomen is also carried out. The doctor first listens to the abdomen and then palpates it for organ enlargements, hardening and pressure pain. If there are any abnormalities, an additional ultrasound examination can be performed.

If there are indications of a cause of the complaints in the stomach or intestine that needs to be clarified, a gastroscopy and/or colonoscopy may be ordered. With regard to back pain, imaging in the form of x-rays, computer tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRT) is conceivable. Abdominal pain and back pain are treated differently depending on the underlying cause.

In the case of back pain caused by tension or poor posture, painkillers as well as heat applications and physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles can be used to bridge the gap. Herniated disks are also usually treated conservatively if they are not so severe that surgery is unavoidable. Painkillers and physiotherapy are the means of choice.

Abdominal pain caused by inflammation of the stomach lining is usually treated with an acid blocker, for example a proton pump inhibitor. This reduces acid production and the damaged stomach lining can heal. If a bacterium is responsible for the inflammation of the stomach mucosa (usually Helicobacter pylori), antibiotics are also administered.

Gastrointestinal infections usually do not require therapy. They subside on their own within a few days. In rare cases, however, infusion therapy must be carried out in the case of very pronounced fluid and electrolyte losses.

Food intolerances are treated by avoiding the triggering food component. For chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, there is a special therapy regime with immunosuppressive drugs and other preparations designed to suppress the inflammatory reaction in the bowel. For the numerous other causes of abdominal and back pain, correspondingly different therapies are used.