Back pain is a common concern that can sometimes lead to feelings of sickness. This connection often involves the body’s physiological responses to pain or indicates an underlying health issue.
Understanding the Connection Between Back Pain and Sickness
Intense or persistent back pain can activate the body’s stress response. When pain signals are transmitted to the brain, they can trigger the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can lead to symptoms like nausea, reduced appetite, and fatigue.
Nerve irritation and referred pain can also play a role. Nerves originating from the spine connect to various internal organs, and irritation or compression of these nerves can send confused signals. This can manifest as nausea, stomach upset, or other visceral discomforts.
Back pain, especially when stemming from injury or chronic conditions, may lead to systemic inflammation throughout the body. This widespread inflammatory response can release chemicals that contribute to feelings of being unwell and fatigue. Conditions such as sciatica or spinal arthritis can induce this type of systemic reaction.
Severe or prolonged muscle spasms and tension in the back can be debilitating. Such spasms can cause widespread discomfort, tension headaches, and feelings of sickness or exhaustion.
Medications used for back pain can also induce feelings of sickness. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, and muscle relaxants are known to cause gastrointestinal side effects. These can include nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, or drowsiness.
Medical Conditions Mimicking Back Pain and Sickness
Back pain and sickness can also be co-occurring symptoms of an underlying medical condition not originating in the spine. Kidney issues, such as kidney stones or infections, are a frequent cause. These conditions can result in severe pain in the flank or lower back, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills.
Pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, presents with severe upper abdominal pain radiating to the back. It is associated with nausea, vomiting, fever, and a rapid heartbeat. Eating, especially fatty foods, can often worsen the pain.
Gallbladder problems, including gallstones or inflammation, can cause pain in the upper right abdomen that may extend to the back or right shoulder. Nausea and vomiting are frequent companions, particularly after consuming fatty meals.
Certain gastrointestinal issues can also lead to back pain and nausea or vomiting. Conditions like stomach ulcers or gastroenteritis can cause abdominal cramping that radiates to the back. In some instances, vomiting itself can strain back muscles.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially when affecting the kidneys, can cause lower back pain. These infections may also lead to fever, and sometimes nausea or vomiting.
An abdominal aortic aneurysm can present with sudden, severe back pain. If this condition progresses or ruptures, it can cause symptoms of shock, including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and a rapid heart rate.
Recognizing When to Seek Professional Medical Advice
Certain symptoms accompanying back pain and sickness warrant medical attention. A sudden onset of severe back pain combined with worsening nausea, vomiting, high fever, or chills requires urgent evaluation. Inability to keep down food or fluids is also a concerning sign.
Neurological symptoms alongside back pain also warrant medical consultation. These include new numbness, tingling, weakness in the legs, or difficulty walking, as they might suggest nerve compression. Pain radiating into the arms or legs can also be a neurological sign.
Changes in bowel or bladder function, such as loss of control, difficulty urinating, or altered bowel habits, are serious symptoms requiring immediate medical assessment. These can point to serious spinal nerve issues.
Other red flag symptoms include unexplained weight loss accompanying back pain and sickness. If back pain and sickness develop after a fall, accident, or injury, seek medical help.
Back pain that is constant, worsens at night, or is not alleviated by rest or changes in position should also be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Individuals with a history of cancer, osteoporosis, or compromised immune systems should consult a doctor for new back pain with sickness. Proper diagnosis is important for effective treatment.