Lower back pain related to bowels?

[Nogodsnomasters]

Hi, does anyone else get lower back pain related to bowel movements or passing wind? For years now if I have trapped wind or diarrhea (say from a bug) I will get lower back cramps instead of tummy pain, however for the last year or so it has become more frequent to the point where if I just have more than one bowel movement a day (not diarreah) or if I need to pass wind at all that that doesn't even feeel trapped, I will get lower back cramping nearly all day.

I have these "flare ups" I call them but I'm not diagnosed with anything, where maybe once or twice a month I will go to the bathroom maybe 6-9 times over a 48hr period and my back is cramping the whole time, the stools are normal and no blood, mucus or tummy cramps etc. I didn't want to waste the GP time especially now with coronavirus as I don't have any red flag symptoms that you see online. I'm never constipated as in between these I have a regular bowel movement of once a day, usually in the morning, so I'm quite predictable apart from these "flare ups".

Anyone experienced anything similar or ever heard of anything like that? Thanks for your help.

I would agree that lower back pain is connected to bowels, I have crohn's and my lower back can hurt when flaring, I also get extreamly aching legs.

Thank you glad to know it's not just me who has back pain associated with bowels. I'm presuming it's not normal though, considering it has increased the last year. I mean even if I need to fart (sorry!) A few minutes before hand my lower back will hurt before I even get the urge to fart and then it stops after I pass the wind, it's not trapped wind as I seem to be passing it fine. Very confusing.

Anyone else? Should I bother a GP or is this something I should just accept.

Try some buscopan. If that doesn't help, speak to your GP.

Thank you, I've never tried that before will buy some this week and give it a go.

There is a connection as friend had bowel cancer and she discovered it from back pain

I’d be slightly concerned about the increased frequency of bowel movements. Could be IBS or something similar, or something more serious. I would definitely see if you can have a telephone consultation with your GP - from what I’ve gathered from talking to friends who are GPs, it’s actually relatively easy to get an appointment over the phone. Your GP will be far better placed than us randoms to suggest diagnoses or refer you on if they think it serious. There was something in the news about bowel cancer screening being halted atm because of covid, but I had an email from my private health insurance to say they were up and operating again now, so if the GP thinks it’s necessary and you have funds/insurance, going private might be an option.

normalmumandwife would you be able to go into any more detail regarding your friend? Like did she have any other symptoms? And how it was discovered.

tulipsstulips thanks, on my day off work this week I will try to ring the doctor's and see if I can speak to anyone.

@Nogodsnomasters

She just had nagging back pain that wouldn't go away. Had anti inflammatories etc but didn't do any good. Went back to the doctor for I think the third time and saw a different one ...think someone training as a GP and she got referred for further investigation which revealed the cancer. Fortunately was caught early enough but was a bit of a slog for her

Oh god that's awful, I'm sorry your friend had to go through that. I guess I do need to get it checked out.

I called the GP and they want me to go for a blood test today to check for inflammation and also she left out a prescription for me (I can't remember the name until I pick it up) for something that should help the back pain. She felt it was likely to be ibs and the back pain would be from my bowel spasming.

If anyone is still reading this, I got the blood test done, the celiac screening one has not returned from the lab yet but the other tests results I got today and the receptionist said they were all normal except for the liver function test (didn't even know this was one of the tests I was having) was slightly out of normal range so the doctor would like to wait 3 months and repeat this test.

Does anyone know what liver function would have to do with increased bowel movements and lower back pain, and why do they want to wait so long instead of just maybe 1 month?

I am a very light drinker, have not drank alcohol since Christmas, usually (when coronavirus wasn't a thing) I would have drink maybe 5 times a year, so I'm finding it hard to understand why I have slightly out of normal range liver function!

Is this connected or a coincidence? If anyone has had something similar or maybe a nurse or GP knows about this stuff, it would be greatly appreciated. I am 32 years old if that makes any difference.

Anyone? I seem to be a thread killer.

Hi just came across your thread. Wondered how you got on with your back pain and coeliac test?
I am currently experiencing back pain and bowel issues. Would be gd to know if things settled for you

Sorry I am only seeing your reply now! My celiac test came back normal and I also had the repeat liver function test after the 3 months were up and this time it came back within the normal range so they advised no further investigation required! The medication the doctor gave me is called mebeverine, it's an anti spasmodic tablet that can be taken when needed up to 3 times a day, I have used them sporadically for the past year and I'd say about 75% of the time they work.

I have since developed other issues with acid reflux and medication side effects etc that has affected my bowels so I do still worry about the whole thing but try to put it to the back of my mind.

Hi reading this any updates on your situation?

Reported

Sorry to update that over the last 4yrs mt digestive system has gotten increasingly worse despite several tests, GP appointments and lots of meds, dietary changes, quitting smoking, everything.