Back pain isn’t always a stand-alone problem that demands your attention at one time or another. In some cases, you may experience spine-related discomfort coupled with nausea. Still, it’s rare for an irritated spinal nerve or a similar common spinal issue to cause stomach uneasiness. In fact, if your back pain is paired with other symptoms that include nausea, it’s usually an underlying health issue that’s responsible and not something going on with your spine. Below, you’ll find four possible reasons your back pain may also be making you nauseous.
Pregnancy causes several structural changes in the body, especially in the hip area and around the pelvis by the lower spine. Muscles and ligaments that support the spine can be affected as well. These are the factors that could result in back pain. Any nausea also experienced may be caused by hormonal shifts. For spinal issues, a specialist can offer treatment options and tips to consider as your pregnancy advances.
Gastroenteritis is one of the stomach-related infections that might contribute to both back pain and nausea. With this particular condition, a virus or a bacterial source causes the intestines to become inflamed, which could produce stomach cramps that radiate to your spine. The viral or bacterial elements of gastroenteritis could also make you feel nauseous. If vomiting occurs, spine-supporting muscles could also be overstrained. With mild symptoms, you may benefit from diet changes and drinking more water to stay hydrated.
Chronic gallbladder disease can also cause mild inflammation. If this condition causes the gallbladder to stop producing bile at the same time, you may feel nauseous when you eat or during the digestive process. Discomfort could also extend to the upper abdominal area and parts of the spine. A gastroenterologist can make a positive diagnosis and put together a treatment plan for you if you have gallbladder disease. Once the condition is under control, related back pain often goes away.
Symptoms associated with gallbladder disease are similar to what you may experience with liver disease. This list could include nausea and an assortment of other symptoms that may make you feel uncomfortable. Spine-related aches and pains can also be experienced with liver disease. The condition itself could be caused by cirrhosis or cancer of the liver, or it may be due to excess weight and other factors. Liver disease is also something often treated by a gastrointestinal specialist, and once it’s treated, related back pain will likely go away.
If your back pain is caused by any of the health issues mentioned here, your regular doctor or another type of a specialist should be able to help you find relief. However, it may be necessary to get some input from a Santa Monica spine surgeon if your nausea could be related to medications you’re taking for an existing spine-related problem.
Chronic back pain typically isn’t caused by issues like the ones listed above. Oftentimes, the only way to alleviate the pain is to undergo a minimally invasive procedure such as decompression surgery or total disc replacement. Santa Monica residents who are seeking relief for their back pain can call The Spine Institute today at 310-828-7757 to schedule an in-person evaluation.