When pain is centered in the midsection of the body and it is intense or long lasting, it can be difficult to determine whether it is in the abdomen or the back. And some causes of pain can lead to its presentation in a part of the body other than where the pain originated. While most times abdomen or back pain is not indicative of a major medical problem, some pains should not be ignored.
Abdomen
Abdominal pain is any pain that is felt between the chest and the groin. Many people refer to this area as the stomach or the belly. This area has many organs, any of which can be the source of pain. Pain in the abdomen may not always be as intense as the condition causing it. For example, a mild condition such as gas could cause severe pain while something more serious could have only fleeting pain. Abdominal pain can be present in more than half the area or localized in only one area, such as the side, upper area or lower area. Cramping pain usually isn’t serious, while pain that comes in waves is normally more serious.
Back
Back pain is a common complaint with about 25 percent of adults having at least one day of the condition in a 90 day stretch. The back has many nerves, muscles and tendons stretching across the area, so there are many places the pain can radiate from. Back pain can be dull or constant like an ache or a sharp onset that takes the breath away. Men and women between 30 and 40 are at a higher risk for the first onset of back pain. People who are not physically fit are also at a higher risk since weak muscles in the back and abdomen can’t support the spine properly. This is an example of how abdomen and back pain are related.
Causes
Abdominal pain can be caused by a problem in another part of the body such as the pelvis, chest or an infection. In this case it is called referred pain. Some causes of lower abdominal pain are appendicitis, inflamed bladder, intestinal obstruction and endometriosis in women. Upper abdominal pain can come from angina, gall stones, pancreatitis or hepatitis. Pain in the middle of the abdomen can come from an aortic aneurysm, injury or blood clot.
Back pain can result from strained muscles, a sudden jerking movement or not lifting properly. Structural problems such as a bulging disk, osteoporosis, arthritis or sciatica are also causes of back pain.
Treatment
Treatment for abdominal pain is dependent upon the cause of the pain. If pain is due to digestive issues after ingesting certain foods, those foods can be avoided or over-the-counter antacids or H2 blockers may be used. Other forms of abdominal pain may require blood or imaging tests to view the internal organs to see if they are the cause. Surgery may be necessary in cases such as problems with the gallbladder or bowel obstruction.
Acute back pain treatments include using an over-the-counter pain reliever and remaining active to relieve stiffness. Chronic back pain treatments can take the form of hot or cold packs, muscle relaxants, physical therapy and exercises with flexion and extension of the muscles. Traction therapy or a molded brace are also treatments. In rare cases surgery is necessary.
Considerations
Contact a doctor immediately if abdominal pain is accompanied by chest, neck or shoulder pain or if it comes on sharply and suddenly or if the stomach is rigid, hard or tender. If discomfort lasts more than a week, see a doctor.
For back pain, if there is numbness or tingling, the pain is severe and doesn’t get better with rest and over-the-counter remedies, or if the pain is a result of an injury, seek medical attention.
