What Causes a Stomach Ache with Back Pain?

A stomach ache with back pain is most commonly associated with pregnancy, menstruation, and constipation. In some instances, this type of pain can signal a more serious condition such as tumors, ulcers, or nerve damage. Depending on where in the stomach the pain is located, it could also indicate life-threatening conditions such as an aortal aneurism. In most cases, this pain does not indicate a serious condition, but as with any health issue, if it persists, a medical professional should probably be consulted.

Ulcers that occur in the back part of the stomach are very often to blame for stomach ache with back pain. Ulcers are the result of stomach infection, but can be made worse by diet and stress. They sometimes respond to over-the-counter antacids, but frequently require more intense therapy, as is the case with bleeding ulcers. In addition, ulcers frequently reoccur, and may necessitate lifelong changes in diet.

Food poisoning can sometimes cause stomach ache with back pain. Other symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. If the pain occurs within two hours of ingesting food, it may be related to food poisoning.

Tumor growths can sometimes be an underlying cause of stomach and back pain. Tumors can spread as they grow and can occur anywhere in the body. Those in the stomach can expand and put pressure on the back, causing pain in both areas. Tumors are sometimes surgically removed, though they are often treated with chemical therapy or radiation.

The aorta is the body’s largest blood artery, and it is considered the most common place to have an aneurysm. Aneurysms are an area of an artery that has weakened to the point that it may have a large bulge. The primary risk is that the artery could rupture, which in some instances could lead to death. Stomach ache with back pain and a pulsating sensation around the navel sometimes indicate an aortal aneurysm.

Pancreatitis is a condition that can have a wide variety of symptoms and is often misdiagnosed as gall bladder disease. It is believed to be caused by infection in the pancreas and is often characterized by pain that begins high in the stomach then spreads around to include the back. It is typically very painful, though the pain can sometimes be relieved by a forward leaning motion. Treatment usually involves a round of antibiotics combined with drugs for pain relief.