A stomach bug, or gastroenteritis, causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines, often leading to abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Many people with a stomach bug also report back pain. This article explains how a stomach bug can contribute to back pain and discusses other common causes of back discomfort.
How Stomach Bugs Can Lead to Back Pain
A stomach bug can indirectly cause back pain through several mechanisms. Repeated vomiting or severe diarrhea can strain abdominal and back muscles. Overuse during illness can lead to soreness and discomfort in the lower back.
Dehydration, common with fluid loss, also contributes. Lack of water can cause muscle cramps and generalized body aches, including back pain. Spinal discs, largely composed of water, may lose cushioning ability when dehydrated, leading to discomfort.
The infection can also trigger a widespread inflammatory response. This inflammation can cause generalized body aches and fatigue, contributing to back pain. Less commonly, severe abdominal issues can cause referred pain, where discomfort from abdominal organs is felt in the back.
Other Potential Causes of Back Pain
Back pain has numerous potential origins, many unrelated to a stomach bug. Common causes include muscle strains or sprains from heavy lifting, sudden movements, or even coughing. Poor posture, whether from prolonged sitting or an unsupportive mattress, can stress the spine and its supporting structures, leading to pain.
Spinal disc problems, such as bulging or herniated discs, can irritate nerves and cause localized or radiating back pain. Degenerative changes like osteoarthritis or spinal stenosis can also contribute to chronic back pain. Other conditions, including kidney stones, infections of the spine or kidneys, and in rare instances, tumors, can also cause back pain.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While back pain from a stomach bug often resolves as the underlying illness improves, certain symptoms warrant prompt medical evaluation. Seek medical attention if you experience severe or worsening back pain, especially if it does not improve with rest or home care. High fever with back pain, or signs of severe dehydration like persistent dizziness, reduced urination, or a rapid heartbeat, indicate a need for professional assessment.
Pain that spreads to the groin or legs, or is accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs, requires evaluation. Difficulty controlling bladder or bowel movements is a serious symptom requiring immediate medical care. If symptoms persist unusually long, or if you notice blood in your vomit or stool, or experience severe abdominal pain with a rigid or distended abdomen, consult a healthcare provider.