Back pain and nausea can often occur together. Sometimes, the pain of a stomach issue can radiate to the back. Vomiting can also cause pain and tension in the back.
Pain that radiates from the stomach to the back may signal a problem with an organ such as the pancreas.
This article explains some causes of back pain and nausea, when to see a doctor, and treatment options. It also explains how pregnancy can increase the risk of nausea and back pain.
Various conditions can cause nausea and back pain. Understanding other potential symptoms that each condition may cause can help a person learn why they are experiencing back pain and nausea.
Some potential causes include the following:
Stomach virus or food poisoning
Gastroenteritis causes pain and inflammation in the stomach as the result of an infection.
Several types of infection
People with gastroenteritis may experience intense stomach cramping that radiates to the back. Sometimes, the condition may cause them to vomit so hard and so frequently that the muscles of the stomach and back become sore.
Home remedies to relieve symptoms include limiting the diet to bland, easily digestible foods, such as whole wheat toast, to ease the vomiting. People should also drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
Gastroenteritis usually clears up on its own, but a person should seek medical care if they:
- cannot keep any food down
- develop any symptoms of dehydration, such as sunken eyes
- continue vomiting longer than three days
Liver health problems
Liver disease can also cause nausea and back pain. The pain may begin in the right shoulder or in between the shoulder blades. The same can occur for issues with the gallbladder.
Liver conditions such as cirrhosis and liver cancer may cause pain that gets steadily worse over many months.
Gallbladder disease, by contrast, can cause pain that slowly gets worse or pain that comes on suddenly. The gallbladder sits under the liver, in the upper right section of the abdomen.
A person experiencing a gallbladder attack may report sharp, intense pain in the upper abdomen,
Although home remedies may help with some types of liver problems, such as quitting alcohol to manage alcohol-related liver disease, many require in-hospital treatment. A person experiencing these symptoms should either see a doctor.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is a condition wherein the pancreas becomes inflamed. It can be either chronic or acute.
Acute pancreatitis may cause sudden nausea and pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to the back. Other symptoms include:
Pancreatitis is a serious and
Kidney stones or kidney infection
The kidneys rest on either side of the mid-back. Experiencing pain in this area, especially if it is just on one side, may signal either a kidney stone or a kidney infection. The person may also experience nausea and pain that radiates to the groin or flank.
Many kidney stones pass on their own, but it is important to seek medical care to assess them. A doctor can also offer pain medication.
Kidney infections are severe and can spread to other areas of the body. A person with a kidney infection may also:
- develop a fever
- have chills
- have difficulty urinating or experience pain when urinating
In
Ulcer
An ulcer is a break in the membrane of the gastrointestinal system. It may appear in the stomach, intestines, or other digestive organs. These wounds can cause nausea and intense abdominal pain,
Ulcers may cause pain that radiates toward the back, belly button, or neck.
To ease the pain of an ulcer, people can try:
- taking antacids
- making dietary changes
- changing position after eating
It is important to see a doctor for ulcer-related pain. They may recommend prescription medication. They can also rule out other causes, such as pancreatitis.
Diverticular disease
Diverticular disease causes small sacs to develop in the colon’s lining. It is
Some people may develop a type of inflammation called diverticulitis. This occurs when the sacs become inflamed. The pouches may even develop painful infections.
Diverticular disease does not always produce symptoms. However, if they do occur, symptoms might include:
- stomach pain
- pain that radiates to the back or groin
- diarrhea
- constipation
- swelling in the stomach
If a person does not seek treatment, diverticulitis can cause bleeding, and it may even puncture the wall of the colon. For this reason, anyone experiencing back pain, stomach problems, or nausea should see a doctor.
Other potential causes
The following health conditions may also lead to nausea and back pain:
- Spinal abscess: A spinal abscess can cause back pain and nausea, although spinal abscesses are
uncommon . Treatment typically involves surgery and antibiotic therapy. - Metastatic cancers: Metastatic cancers are cancers that have
spread from where they started to distant body parts,such as the spine. Symptoms may depend on the size and location of the tumor and treatment typically aims to slow growth.
Multiple myeloma: Multiple myeloma is anuncommon type of bone marrow cancer that can cause nausea and pain in the back, ribs, or hips. Curing multiple myeloma is not always possible, but treatment can help to manage symptoms and progression.
There are various potential causes of nausea and back pain, each which may cause different symptoms and vary in severity.
People should speak with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis so they can begin any necessary treatments.
Nausea and back pain are both common symptoms during pregnancy.
As pregnancy progresses, the uterus and baby put more strain on the body. Pregnant people may develop back pain from this added strain or from the weight gain that occurs during pregnancy.
Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, also called morning sickness, may affect
Nausea and back pain during pregnancy can be annoying and exhausting but do not typically signal a serious problem. However, in the second or third trimester,
Some symptoms of cholestasis include:
- nausea or loss of appetite
- pain in the upper right portion of the stomach
- dark urine
- yellow eyes or skin
- stomach pain that radiates to the back
The most common and noticeable symptom of cholestasis is itching. Pregnant people who have very itchy skin along with backache or nausea should call a healthcare professional.
The right treatment depends on the cause of the pain. Some home treatment options may include:
- eating more fiber
- changing the diet
- drinking more water
- eating smaller or more frequent meals
- avoiding certain foods, such as very fatty or acidic foods
A doctor may recommend a range of treatments, including:
- taking medication for ulcers
- undergoing surgery to resolve diverticulitis
- going to the hospital so doctors can monitor the symptoms of pancreatitis
- receiving intravenous fluids
- undergoing surgery to remove gallstones
- surgery to remove kidney stones
- cancer treatment
It can be difficult to tell one cause of nausea and back pain from another. It is best to err on the side of caution if symptoms are severe.
A person should contact a doctor if they experience any of the following symptoms:
- nausea that lasts for several days or gets progressively worse
- pain in the upper right portion of the stomach
- intense stomach pain or itching during pregnancy
- stomach pain that gets worse after meals or follows a specific pattern over days or weeks
A person should go to the emergency room if they experience:
- symptoms of pancreatitis, such as pale stool or stomach pain and a fever
- intense stomach pain that feels unbearable
- symptoms of a kidney stone, such as intense back pain that radiates to the groin
When back pain and nausea occur at the same time, it can be unpleasant or even debilitating.
Sometimes, these symptoms will go away on their own. If they do not, it is important to see a doctor, as they can occur in severe and minor conditions.
It is especially important not to ignore nausea lasting several days, especially if there are other symptoms.