Many conditions can cause abdominal and lower back pain. According to the Family Doctor website, pain that shifts from the abdomen to the lower back or vice versa may indicate a problem with the viscera or internal organs. However, pain that is felt in the abdomen and the lower back may be caused by non-life-threatening musculoskeletal problems. Pain that changes in severity with a change of posture may be an indication that musculoskeletal factors are causing the discomfort.
Kidney Infection
A kidney infection, also known as pyelonephritis, can cause abdominal and lower back pain. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, or NIDDK, kidney infections are caused by bacteria that spread upward from the bladder. A kidney infection that is not treated promptly can lead to serious health complications, such as permanent kidney damage and blood poisoning. Common signs and symptoms associated with a kidney infection include abdominal pain, back pain, flank pain, fever, a burning sensation with urination, the unrelenting urge to urinate and blood or pus in the urine. The NIDDK says a person with a kidney infection may also experience nausea and vomiting. According to MayoClinic.com, a person can reduce her risk of kidney infection by drinking plenty of water each day, urinating frequently and emptying her bladder immediately after sex.
Trigger Points
Trigger points are a relatively common cause of abdominal and lower back pain. The American Academy of Family Physicians, or AAFP, says trigger points are focal, hyper-irritable nodules or knots within a tight band of muscle. Trigger points are found in skeletal muscle throughout the body, especially in areas of muscle tightness. According to the AAFP, a person with active trigger points may experience persistent local and regional muscle pain, along with a decreased active range of motion in affected muscles. Trigger points can also refer or send pain to other parts of the body. Trigger points commonly manifest in postural muscles, such as the muscles in the neck, shoulders, lower back and pelvic girdle or abdomen. The AAFP says trigger points usually respond well to conservative care methods such as acupuncture, osteopathic manual medicine techniques and massage.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones can cause excruciating abdominal and lower back pain. According to MayoClinic.com, kidney stones, also known as renal calculi or nephrolithiasis, are pebble-like masses made up of salts and minerals. Kidney stones can either remain in the kidneys or leave the body via the urinary tract. If a kidney stone blocks the flow of urine in one of the ureters--tubes that connect the kidneys with the bladder--a person may experience extreme pain. Common signs and symptoms associated with kidney stones include severe abdominal, flank and back pain, pain when urinating, urine that is pink, brown or red, nausea and vomiting and the persistent urge to urinate. If an infection is present, a person may also experience fever and chills. Certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of forming kidney stones. These include a personal or family history of kidney stones, consuming a high-sodium and high-sugar diet, and being male.
