Approximately 75 percent of people with unresolved chronic back pain have some degree of accompanying stomach or intestinal problem, according to the Cure Back Pain website. In many cases, the two pain syndromes are related to the same cause. Many abdominal problems, including organ problems, can produce pain in the lower back or the lumbar region of the spine, causing discomfort and decreased quality of life.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a potentially life-threatening cause of lower back and abdominal pain. An aneurysm is a dilatation or bulge in the wall of an artery, a vein or the heart. One of the most common locations for an aneurysm is the abdominal aorta -- one of the largest blood vessels in the body. The dilatation usually develops just above the point where the aortic artery forks into two separate arteries and travels into the lower extremities. Common signs and symptoms associated with this condition may include a pulsating abdomen, abdominal or chest pain and tenderness, lower back pain and a large, palpable mass in the abdomen. Abdominal aortic aneurysms usually develop in people over the age of 60.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis -- a condition that affects only men -- can cause lower back and abdominal pain. Prostatitis is a disease of the prostate gland -- a walnut-sized gland that is part of a male's reproductive system. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases states that 10 to 12 percent of men develop prostatitis-like symptoms at some point during their lives. Common signs and symptoms associated with prostatitis include abdominal, groin or lower back pain, a burning sensation during urination, the persistent urge to urinate, pain or discomfort in the penis or testicles and painful ejaculation. Although the term prostatitis refers to inflammation of the prostate, it actually describes four different prostate-related conditions.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease -- a condition that affects only women -- can cause lower back and abdominal pain. Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of one or more of the female reproductive organs. Female reproductive organs include the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. In most cases, the cervix -- the lower part of the uterus that joins the top end of the vagina -- prevents vaginal bacteria from spreading to the reproductive organs. However, if the cervix comes into contact with a sexually transmitted infection, it can become infected, allowing the bacteria to migrate up the reproductive tract, causing inflammation and further infection. Common signs and symptoms associated with pelvic inflammatory disease include lower abdominal pain, lower back pain, abdominal tenderness, vaginal discharge, irregular menstrual periods and pain during sex.
