There are several reasons why diarrhea and back pain may occur simultaneously. Finding the source of your symptoms is crucial if you have diarrhea and back pain. Sharp, dull, achy, or cramping abdominal pain are all possible in conditions of diarrhea and back pain. A loose, bloody, or fatty stool is a sign of diarrhea. You may feel like you need to go to the bathroom frequently.
What Causes Diarrhea and Back Pain?
Diarrhea and back pain are common but temporary symptoms for most people. Indigestion, excessive alcohol consumption, and dietary changes can all contribute to these symptoms. Diarrhea and frequent, persistent, or severe back pain could be signs of a disease or a more serious health problem. Additionally, bloody diarrhea that worsens over time may indicate a more serious problems like:
- Foodborne illness
- Allergies to certain foods.
- PMS, or premenstrual syndrome
- The digestive system is frequently affected by diverticulitis, lactose intolerance, or the incapacity to digest lactose, a sugar present in milk and some other dairy products, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Hookworm bacterial infections, like shigellosis or E. coli drug allergies, or West Nile virus parasites, like giardiasis or amebiasis, can occur.
Diagnosing Diarrhea and Stomach Pain
A doctor will first conduct a physical examination to identify the cause of diarrhea and abdominal pain. They will also ask about your medical history and way of life. You run a higher risk of developing digestive disorders when visiting some countries. Don't forget to include any recent international travel. To check for bacteria, viruses, and parasites, pain doctors in Plano may perform a stool culture, which involves sending a sample of your feces to a laboratory. They might perform a more thorough examination of your feces to check for potential digestive issues if this test results in a negative result.
Other typical diagnostic procedures consist of:
- Endoscopy: To look for issues like ulcers and indications of celiac disease, a doctor performs an endoscopy, which involves passing a camera down your throat and into your stomach.
- Colonoscopy: During a colonoscopy, a camera is inserted into the rectum and intestines to look for disease-related symptoms like ulcers and polyps.
- Lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract radiography: A lower GI tract radiography, also called a barium enema, is a real-time X-ray of the abdomen that is performed by a technician after the doctor injects a barium-based contrast material into the rectum to highlight intestinal obstructions and other conditions.
How are Symptoms of Diarrhea and Back Pain Treated?
If the underlying condition causing your diarrhea and abdominal pain is being treated with medication, home remedies may be helpful.
Medical interventions
The underlying ailment causing your symptoms will determine the kind of medical care you receive for your diarrhea and back pain. Some of the more prevalent causes of these symptoms can be treated as follows:
- Bacterial infections, such as food poisoning, with antibiotics
- Prescription allergy medications
- Antidepressants to alleviate anxiety and stress
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications prescribed for PMS
- medications that kill parasite
Home Treatments
Staying hydrated is crucial for those experiencing diarrhea and back pain. Consume a lot of clear liquids, including broth, juice, and water. Eat mild, low-fiber foods in small amounts as your bowel movements become more regular. These foods include eggs, rice, and plain toast. Steer clear of foods high in fat, fiber, and spice. They have the potential to exacerbate intestinal inflammation.
Probiotics might aid in the healing of your digestive tract. Foods like yogurt contain natural probiotics. There are also probiotic supplements available. Numerous herbal supplements and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs can relieve diarrhea and back pain brought on by infections or indigestion. Some people find the following herbal supplements to be beneficial:
- Ginger
- Bilberry
- Peppermint
- Lemon balm
- Chamomile
For guidance on their use, speak with a physician or pharmacist. When taking over-the-counter medications, always follow the directions on the package. Try meditation as a coping mechanism for stress and anxiety. Deep breathing, yoga, and other relaxation methods could be beneficial.
When to Get Medical Assistance
Seek medical attention if you experience diarrhea and abdominal pain that lasts longer than two days, if the pain gets worse over the course of a day, or if any of the following symptoms are present:
- Frequent vomiting or nausea
- The patient has a consistent temperature of 102°F (38.9°C) or higher, accompanied by bloody or dried bloody stools that resemble wet coffee grounds.
- A dry mouth or severe thirst can make it difficult to keep food down.
- A lack of speech or vision
- Loss of consciousness or mental confusion
- Epilepsy, genital enlargement, or skin or eye yellowing
- External hemorrhage
Those with compromised immune systems, elderly adults, and newborns may be particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of diarrhea. Talk to a doctor about your symptoms in these situations. If you don't have a primary care physician, you can use the Premier Pain Centers tool to look up local physicians.
Conclusion
Back pain and diarrhea can interfere with your daily activities. With the right diagnosis and treatment, you can feel better. Acute cases usually resolve on their own in a few days, but chronic cases of diarrhea and back pain may need medical attention. If your symptoms are severe or persistent, it's imperative that you see a pain management fort worth. Relief is achievable with the correct diagnosis and care.
