Questions in the Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Forum have been answered by Dr. Kevin Pho who is board certified in Internal Medicine and by doctors from Henry Ford Health System.

Question Title: Back pain increased with alcoholic consumption

Forum: The Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Forum
Topic: Liver - General


I have a new friend who complains of back pain on both sides of his spine. He claims the pain is greater when he consumes alcohol. He also has stated that he gains weight from drinking. I have only known this person for a short time. He refuses to seek medical help. Could this be caused by cirrhosis or hepatitis? If so, is there any medication that would help this or is diet control the only possible relief?
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Dear Sandra,
There are a number of causes of back pain. Disc disease and sore muscles are two common etiologies. Your friend’s observation that drinking alcohol increases the pain, raises the possibility that pancreatitis (secondary to alcohol use) as the cause of this problem. Pancreatitis can be diagnosed by a blood test that shows elevations of the amylase or lipase.

You are correct that alcohol use can also damage the liver. Cirrhosis, alcoholic hepatitis, and fatty liver are all potential consequences of alcohol use. The liver disease may cause pain in the right abdomen under the ribs but rarely causes back pain. Jaundice (yellow eyes), dark urine, pale stool and fever can be symptoms of alcoholic hepatitis. Cirrhosis, which is substantial scarring of the liver, may evolve without symptoms but once present can cause serious clinical problems including potentially life-threatening gastrointestinal hemorrhage, fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites), and confusion. Liver failure which can require liver transplantation is another possible outcome of heavy ethanol use for a long time.

You do not provide any information regarding the quantity of alcohol consumed by your friend. If you are concerned about his health, you should encourage him to see a physician for a complete evaluation of the possible causes of the back pain as well as an assessment of the extent of liver damage. Your physician can provide a number of options to help your friend if he has alcohol-related problems.

This response is offered for your general information and should not replace the conclusions drawn from a careful and complete evaluation by a physician.

W would be happy to meet your friend in order to better characterize the cause of the symptoms and to do the liver assessment. If you wish to be seen by a gastroenterologist of the Henry Ford Health System, please call (313) 876-2393 and request consultation with Dr. Fogel. one of our experts in the treatment of gastrointestinal and liver diseases.

HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: pancreatitis, alcohol, cirrhosis, alcoholic hepatitis
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