Severe Back Discomfort Radiating to Stomach
I'm experiencing excruciating back pain that seems to extend all the way to my stomach. Today has been dreadful; I've been continuously vomiting. Just now, as I was trying to drift off to sleep, I was jolted awake by this unbearable back pain. I'm currently hunched over a bag, dealing with nausea yet again. Thankfully, ibuprofen and lidocaine patches have provided some relief. Tomorrow, I plan to finally contact my rheumatologist—I've been procrastinating, but I really can't take it any longer. The intensity of the back pain is so severe that I can feel it in the front of my stomach. Our bodies can be quite strange; I found myself pleading out loud for it to cease and suddenly, the magic of medication kicks in. Thankfully, it’s not as intolerable as it was yesterday; I was genuinely considering a trip to the hospital, crying out in agony and hunched over. I'm uncertain about the reasons for this pain flare-up. Earlier in the year, I experienced similarly excruciating discomfort that often had me rolling on the floor. During that time, I visited my doctor who prescribed naproxen, which alleviated my symptoms. They mentioned that my lack of movement might be weakening my back muscles. When on the naproxen, the pain was manageable; it would begin to hurt, but I could simply rise and walk a bit to ease it. However, now that I'm married, my insurance situation has changed, forcing me to discontinue the medication a few weeks ago to save on copays. Clearly, I still need the medication. I’m planning to head to urgent care for a prescription before I discuss this with my new rheumatologist. The pain is so intense that it radiates to the front of my upper abdomen, and even when I attempt to massage that area, it remains extremely painful. My medical history includes type 1 diabetes, high blood pressure, fibromyalgia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), polyneuropathy, and several other undiagnosed conditions that I'm still working to understand. My current medication regime consists of pantoprazole, Lyrica, duloxetine, senna, Lisinopril, ferrous sulfate, birth control, and insulin.
Answers (1)
12/15/2025, 10:10:45 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the severe pain you're experiencing. It sounds incredibly challenging, especially with the vomiting and the intensity of the back pain radiating to your abdomen. Since this is a complex situation involving your back, potential abdominal issues, and existing medical conditions, it's good that you're planning to contact your rheumatologist. Here’s a structured approach to help you manage the current situation and prepare for your medical consultation.
Key Points:
- Severe back pain with abdominal radiating pain and vomiting: This combination requires careful attention and could be related to ongoing conditions or new developments.
- Medication management: It’s crucial to address your pain relief effectively to improve your quality of life.
- Urgent care visit for medication: Seeking immediate assistance for prescriptions is a practical step.
Explanation:
The back pain you're feeling that radiates to your stomach could be due to a few factors, such as muscle strain, nerve involvement, or even digestive issues that are affecting the nerves in your back. Given your history of fibromyalgia and other health conditions, it’s understandable that your body feels overwhelmed and vulnerable.
It’s also concerning that your symptoms have escalated to vomiting and extreme pain. The lack of movement, as previously mentioned by your doctor, can contribute to muscle weakness, which might exacerbate this flare-up.
Next Steps:
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Urgent Care Visit: Head to the urgent care facility as planned to get a prescription for pain relief. Communicate openly about your symptoms and previous medications like naproxen that helped in the past.
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Hydrate: Since you’ve been vomiting, keep sipping clear fluids (like water or electrolyte drinks) as tolerated to prevent dehydration.
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Pain Management: Utilize the ibuprofen and lidocaine patches judiciously. If these are alleviating some symptoms, continue using them while you are awaiting further medical assistance.
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Positioning: Experiment with finding a comfortable position to relieve pressure, which may include lying flat or using pillows for support.
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Symptom Diary: Start tracking your pain levels, symptoms, activities, and any triggers you notice. This will be helpful during your appointment with the rheumatologist.
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Consider Support: Look into accessing support services (perhaps a pain management clinic) if pain persists or significantly impacts your daily life, especially considering the complexity of your medical history.
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Follow-up: Make a conscious effort to follow up with your rheumatologist after your urgent care visit to discuss longer-term management strategies and any new symptoms.
Please remember that it’s important to listen to your body, and don’t hesitate to seek immediate care if your symptoms worsen or you experience new severe symptoms such as extreme weakness, chest pain, or sudden bowel changes. Your health and comfort are paramount, and you deserve relief.
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