According to the American College of Gastroenterology, or ACG, stomach or abdominal pain can arise from any of the structures within the abdominal cavity or the abdominal wall. Pain messages originating in other parts of the body, such as the chest, back or pelvis, can also cause pain that is perceived as coming from the abdomen. In some cases, a person may experience simultaneous lower back and abdominal pain.
Dysmenorrhea
According to the Cleveland Clinic, dysmenorrhea, also known as menstrual cramps, is classified as either primary or secondary dysmenorrhea, based on the cause of the condition. Primary dysmenorrhea is the most common kind of menstrual cramps, usually beginning one or two years after a woman gets her first period. As a woman ages, the severity of primary dysmenorrhea usually diminishes. Secondary dysmenorrhea is dysmenorrhea that is caused by a disorder in a woman's reproductive organs. Common signs and symptoms associated with dysmenorrhea include pain in the abdomen, lower back, hips and groin, the sensation of abdominal pressure, upset stomach and loose stool. The Cleveland Clinic states that mild menstrual cramps usually respond well to conservative care methods such as rest, heat and lower back massage.
Ulcerative Colitis
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, or NIDDK, states that ulcerative colitis is a condition that causes sores and inflammation, also known as ulcers, on the inner walls of the rectum and colon. Ulcerative colitis is one of several inflammatory bowel diseases that cause inflammation in the small and large intestines. Common symptoms associated with ulcerative colitis include abdominal pain and cramping, lower back pain, abdominal sounds such as splashing or gurgling, diarrhea, fever, rectal pain and weight loss. Certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of ulcerative colitis, including a family history of the condition, certain medications such as Accutane and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, or NSAIDs, and being of Jewish descent.
Ovarian Cancer
According to the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, or OCNA, ovarian cancer occurs when abnormal and malignant cells begin to grow in the ovaries or female reproductive glands. The OCNA states that cancer that spreads to the ovaries from other parts of the body is not considered ovarian cancer. Approximately 21,000 American women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year. Common symptoms include abdominal pressure or bloating, pelvic pain, lower back pain, the persistent urge to urinate, changes in bowel and bladder habits, loss of appetite, pain during sex, lack of energy and changes in the menstrual cycle. According to the OCNA, genetics, increasing age, reproductive history, hormone replacement therapy and obesity may all play a role in the development of ovarian cancer.
