What are the possible causes of severe back pain and a distended stomach?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have back pain situated just below the rib cage. The pain has spread around to both sides under the ribs down to the mid stomach. My stomach is distended. It was originally just a back (spinal area) pain which I thought was from exercise and working with my arms stretched out above. If I tighten my abdominal muscles there is more pain than when relaxed. I am not constipated. I had a kidney stone removal a year ago but recent examination (tests and X-rays) shows no current problems.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

You need to get an X-ray done of the spine anteroposterior and lateral views.

Avoid lifting heavy weights.
Avoid arching your back, instead bend your knees to pick up something from the floor.
Avoid sitting for long hours.
Avoid two wheeler rides.
Improve your posture while sitting.
Try to get up from your chair every 20 minutes, take a quick walk around then continue working and always sit on a chair with back support.
Do not get up suddenly from a sleeping position rather, turn to the side and then get up.
Take bed rest if you have severe pain.
Do hot fomentations locally over the affected area atleast twice daily.
Apply Oxalgin gel (Diclofenac sodium, Methyl salicylate and Menthol) for local application, twice daily.
Take tablet Pregabalin 75 mg once a day for 15 days before food at 7 pm everyday.
Tablet Ibuprofen 400 mg twice a day for 10 days after food.
Tablet Rabeprazole (Rabeprazole Sodium) 20 mg twice a day for 10 days before food.
Tablet Shelcal (Calcium and vitamin D3) 500 mg twice a day for 30 days before food.
Tablet vitamin D 60 k units once daily for 10 days, then once a month for 11 months.
Take these tablets only if you are not allergic to them.
Do not take these tablets if you have bronchial asthma.
Jogging, running and weight-lifting may aggravate pain.

Regards.