Is There a Connection Between Lower Back Pain and Abdominal Discomfort?
I’m a 38-year-old man and currently not taking any medication. Approximately three years ago, I was diagnosed with a bulging disc. Although I didn’t undergo any imaging tests, medical advice confirmed it was indeed a bulging disc. Recently, I experienced a recurrence of symptoms while living in a different country, but again, no scans were performed. The second episode was less severe, presenting merely mild sciatica. Two weeks ago, I went surfing, which aggravated my lower back issues significantly. I find it challenging to bend forward, and while the sciatica returns sporadically, it's relatively mild and not constantly present. However, I’ve developed a new concern: three days ago, I began feeling a sharp pain on my left side beneath my ribs. It resembles a stitch experienced during running and has persisted. Interestingly, deep breaths do not seem to trigger or worsen the discomfort; in fact, it feels more intense when my lungs are empty. It seems unrelated to muscle strain, as I can still move about, albeit with caution because bending forward exacerbates my lower back pain. I have a doctor's appointment scheduled shortly, but I find this pain unusual and am uncertain whether it warrants immediate concern.
Answers (1)
7/27/2025, 11:40:39 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be concerned about the new sharp pain on your left side, especially in the context of your previous lower back issues and sciatica. While lower back pain and abdominal discomfort can be related, it’s important to consider other potential causes as well. Here’s a breakdown of your situation and recommended next steps:
Main Points
- Your history of a bulging disc and recent aggravation of lower back pain may be connected to your abdominal discomfort.
- The sharp pain under your ribs could also indicate issues not directly related to your back.
Explanation
Lower back pain and abdominal discomfort can sometimes be connected. For example, a bulging disc may irritate nearby nerves, leading to pain that radiates to the abdominal area. However, the sharp pain you’re describing beneath your ribs deserves careful consideration since it can arise from various causes, including:
- Muscle strain or spasm
- Nerve irritation from your back condition
- Gastrointestinal issues (like gas or irritation)
The fact that deep breathing doesn't trigger the pain and it worsens when your lungs are empty is an unusual characteristic and strengthens the need for further assessment.
Next Steps
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of the severity and frequency of the sharp pain beneath your ribs and any other related symptoms, such as changes in appetite or bowel habits.
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Modify Activities: Avoid activities that exacerbate both your lower back and rib pain, such as bending forward or high-impact movements like surfing for the time being.
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Apply Heat or Ice: Consider using heat pads on your lower back to alleviate discomfort, and you may use ice on the rib area to reduce any inflammation.
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Manage Pain: Over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen) can help manage your discomfort, ensuring to follow proper dosing guidelines.
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Prepare for Your Appointment: Write down your symptoms, including when they started, duration, and any factors that seem to help or worsen them. This information will be valuable for your healthcare provider.
Since you have an upcoming doctor's appointment, ensure to discuss your concerns about the persistent rib pain and how it relates to your previous back condition. This will help clarify the connection, if any, and guide appropriate management. Remember, it’s always better to address any unusual symptoms proactively with your doctor.
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