Is lower back pain causing my stomach problems?

I am 29 years old and have had lower back pain pretty much all of my life.  Most of the time, it's due to inactivity, but sometimes it is caused by standing too long, over work, etc.  Pretty much the usual reasons.  Anyway, I have always been active, whether it be running, biking, hiking, or other activities, but I have noticed that lately my body doesn't recover quite as fast as it used to.  I have gained about 15 or so pounds in the past 1.5 years, which I assciated with my body slowing down with age.  I have always had a very high metabolism, but figured that my body would catch up with me at some point!  Lately, my lower back has been bothering me a little bit more than usual.  It seems when I excerise, it gets better, but if I take time off, it gets to feeling tight and uncomfortable again.  I will say that I am somewhat cafeful when things begin to change with my body, so this back pain raised a red flag for me.  Also, I have a freind whose husband (33 years old) was diagnosed with colon cancer after having expereinced back pain.  This made me even more curious about the pain that I was experiencing.  To go with my lower back pain, I have begun to have diarrhea, but it has only been for 2 days.  I have always had a weaker stomach, but there really hasn't been any reason for this onset of diarrhea and gas pain.  Prior to the diarrhea, I was trying to keep an eye out for blood in my stool or dark patches, but don't really know how to tell or if you can tell what is truly bad with the naked eye.  To make a long story short, I just want to know if what I am feeling is related to any serious condition that I should have checked immediately.  I haven't really noticed any change in weight or eating habits, but beyond that I wasn't sure what I should keep my eyes open for if this is something I should be concerned with.  Is what I described above a cause for concern?  Thank you!

Andrew

[Kevin Pho, MD]

If cancer is a concern (i.e. blood in the stool, weight loss, diarrhea), a colonoscopy is recommended.  

There can be many potential GI causes that can lead to back pain.  This can include the gallbladder, pancreatitis, or an ulcer.  An abdominal CT scan as well as blood tests to look at the liver and pancreas can be considered.  An upper GI series or upper endoscopy can evaluate the GI tract for an ulcer.  

If the tests continue to be negative, a GI cause is less likely.  Further evaluation of the back pain can be done with an MRI as well as an orthopedic referral.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
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