Numerous conditions can cause simultaneous stomach or abdominal pain and lower back pain. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, or NINDS, lower back pain is one of the most common health complaints among Americans. Lower back pain may be caused by overuse injuries, direct trauma or arthritis-related conditions. In some cases, however, problems in the abdomen or pelvic bowl--which are often perceived as stomach problems--can cause pain in the lower back.
Acute Pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis is an abdominal condition that can cause abdominal and mid- to lower back pain. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, or NIDDK, pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas--a long, thin gland and organ located behind the stomach. The pancreas produces digestive enzymes and hormones--insulin and glucagon--that help control a person's blood sugar. Common signs and symptoms associated with pancreatitis include upper abdominal pain, pain that radiates to the back, abdominal pain that is worse with eating but relieved by leaning forward, nausea, vomiting and abdominal tenderness. MayoClinic.com says numerous factors may contribute to pancreatitis, including alcoholism, gallstones, abdominal surgery, certain medications, cigarette smoking, a family history of pancreatitis and abdominal injuries.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a potentially lethal cause of stomach or abdominal pain and lower back pain. The MedlinePlus website says that an abdominal aortic aneurysm occurs when the large blood vessel that transports blood to the abdomen, pelvis and legs experiences a dilatation or balloons outward, becoming abnormally large. Possible causes of or contributors to an abdominal aortic aneurysm include smoking, elevated blood pressure, being male, having emphysema, genetic factors and obesity. Although abdominal aortic aneurysms can manifest in anyone, the condition usually appears in men older than 60 who have one or more risk factors. Common signs and symptoms associated with an abdominal aortic aneurysm include severe, sudden or persistent back and abdominal pain, clammy skin, nausea, vomiting, elevated heart rate and shock.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease--a condition that affects women--can cause simultaneous abdominal and lower back pain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of one or more female reproductive organs--such as the uterus or womb, Fallopian tubes or other structures. The CDC says pelvic inflammatory disease is a serious complication of certain sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia and gonorrhea. Common signs and symptoms associated with pelvic inflammatory disease include abdominal pain and tenderness, lower back pain or discomfort, yellow-green vaginal discharge, irregular menstrual periods, chills, fever, nausea, vomiting, painful sex and painful urination. According to the CDC, an estimated 750,000 American women experience a bout of acute pelvic inflammatory disease each year.
