Back Pain – 10 Causes that originate in the Viscera (organs)

Greg Conlan No Comments Uncategorized

                                                    Back Pain - 10 Causes that originate in the Viscera (organs)

 

Back pain originating from the viscera, or internal organs, is known as referred pain. (A really fancy term for this is viscerosomatic pain but we'll leave that alone). Visceral referred pain occurs when pain signals from internal organs are perceived as originating from a different location, often the back or other areas of the body. This phenomenon can make it challenging to identify the underlying cause of back pain since the true source of the pain is not where it is felt. We are conditioned to think that the pain comes from where we feel it but turns out that isn't always the case.

 

Internal organs can potentially cause referred back pain. Some common examples include:Back pain

 

  • Kidney Stones:

    • Common Age Range: 30-60 years.
    • Sex Predilection: More common in males.
    • Likely Location of Pain: Severe, lower back pain often radiating to the groin, typically on one side.

  • Gallbladder Issues:

    • Common Age Range: 30-60 years.
    • Sex Predilection: More common in females.
    • Likely Location of Pain: Upper right abdomen, which can refer to the upper back or right shoulder.

  • Pancreatitis:

    • Common Age Range: 30-70 years.
    • Sex Predilection: Equal in both sexes.
    • Likely Location of Pain: Upper abdomen, often radiating to the upper back.

  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD):

    • Common Age Range: Adolescence to middle age.
    • Sex Predilection: Slightly more common in females.
    • Likely Location of Pain: Abdominal discomfort, which can refer to the lower or mid-back.

  • Reproductive Organ Issues:

    • Common Age Range: Varies depending on the condition (e.g., ovarian cysts, endometriosis).
    • Sex Predilection: Typically affects females.
    • Likely Location of Pain: Lower abdomen, which can refer to the lower back.

  • Aortic Aneurysm:

    • Common Age Range: Over 60 years.
    • Sex Predilection: Slightly more common in males.
    • Likely Location of Pain: Sudden and severe pain in the upper or mid-back.

  • Pneumonia:

    • Common Age Range: All ages.
    • Sex Predilection: Equal in both sexes.
    • Likely Location of Pain: Upper back or shoulder, associated with chest discomfort and respiratory symptoms.
  • Peptic Ulcers:
    • Common Age Range: 30-60 years.
    • Sex Predilection: Equal in both sexes.
    • Likely Location of Pain: Upper abdomen, which can refer to the upper back.

  • Liver Disease:

    • Common Age Range: Varies depending on the liver condition.
    • Sex Predilection: Varies depending on the liver condition.
    • Likely Location of Pain: Right upper abdomen, which can refer to the upper right back.

  • Appendicitis:

    • Common Age Range: Adolescence to middle age.
    • Sex Predilection: Slightly more common in males.
    • Likely Location of Pain: Initially starts around the navel and can migrate to the lower right abdomen, potentially causing lower back discomfort.

Please note that the age ranges mentioned are approximate and can vary based on individual factors and the specific nature of the condition. Additionally, while certain conditions may have a sex predilection be aware that they can affect individuals of any gender. For example, breast cancer is overwhelmingly a disease that affects women yet 1 in 600 men get it as well (Male breast cancer)

Always seek evaluation for unexplained or severe back pain, especially if accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

Lower Back Pain. Should l be worried?

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