Back pain and Crohns?

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Gra

Gra

Joined
Apr 15, 2012
Messages
285
I am wondering if others experience back pain from their Crohns. For some time now I have been getting pain in my middle / upper back, also sometimes in my middle lower back. They can be mild at times, or can be quite debilitating (as today). I have in the past had back pain related to computer overuse, however these are different as they seem to appear when I am having bad gut pain from my Crohns.

What is your experience with back pain?
 
Back pain is very common with Crohn's. One of the main reasons is because pain in the abdomen puts more stress on your back but other reasons could be poor absorption of nutrients (have you had your vitamin levels tested lately? Even certain meds like Prednisone can cause osteoporosis) which can cause all sorts of problems. Another possibility is arthritis caused by Crohn's. An x-ray will show if you have arthritis or not. I know mine does and in my hips, knees and feet (probably everywhere). Both my GI and Rheumy believe my osteoarthritis was caused from the disease itself.

I have upper, middle and lower back pain. Started out with lower back pain when I was a kid during flares.
 
Hi Gra,

I don't have any good insight for you right now but saw you requested additional support so wanted to bump the thread in the hope others can help. :)
 
Have you spoken to your doctor about the things I mentioned above Gra?
 
I think when you are having a flare up- its common to have "flank pain" it stands to reason that you will get pain. I am pretty sure its at about the point in your body that your disease is flaring. I am guessing this because Crohns will attack your appendix. I think had I listened to that I might not have gotten so sick last Feb!!

Hope the pain goes away soon.


Lauren
 
I have experienced severe lower back pain during my most recent flare. My GI says that this can sacroilitis. Since starting pred, the pain has decreased dramatically.
Hope things get better for you.
 
my doc tells me you can get low back pain in the sacro-iliac area. I was told it is crohn's arthritis (a specific arthritis you get when you have crohn's) Ii use an ice bag sometimes and it seems to work better than heat. It will pass for me when the flare is better. Rt. now I have a spot in my bladder that the doc thinks is a bladder stone and will have further testing, I think this also goes along with crohn's.
 
When I am in a flare, my lower back gets a sharp pain and/or burning sensation. Not much I can do about it.

If I get a fever mid-flare, my lower back and abdomen in general is very hot compared to the rest of my body.
 
All of the above suggestions are worth exploring. You should also get a bone density DEXA scan to rule out osteoporosis.
 
I thought my back pain was arthritis due to Crohn's, but ended up in ICU and diagnosed with bleeding
due to kidney stones----now being referred to nephrology for further investigations.
Have not seen any stones.
The back pain coincided with crohn's pains, so I thought it was all due to the crohn's.
Best get it checked out Gra
Feel better soon
Hugs and best wishes
Trysha
 
Trysha is right. I saw my PCP today and have been having back pain above my butt and between my shoulder blades. I had kidney cancer 3 yrs. ago and cysts too, so they are sending me for sonogram and urine check. I would go get checked out just to be safe. Hope you feel better soon!:rosette2:
 
When I had bad time with Cohns the pain in my abdomen (caused by strictures) would reflect to my back resulting in a feeling that my back was hurting even more then my stomach. Also massaging my back would really often ease up my stomach pains... still does.

An other back problem I had was when using hing dose of cortisone. Im not sure why.. but I gues it was causing stomach burn but it would feel like a horrible pain in my back instead. After starting up an anti heart burn med (Like Somac) my back pain eased up.
 
I have been having back trouble lately, but weirdly it is since my Crohns symptoms have died down.
It has been the strangest thing, not a constant pain but weird spasms in my lower back that come on after periods of standing. Sitting down for a bit makes them go away.
I have also found it has been better since moving the time I take my Aza from night to morning.

Hope you find out what is causing yours soon :)
 
I have really bad lower back pain when I am flared-especially when having diahhrea. Lately since I have been on prednisone for a month, I seem to have more achey back pain all over.
 
So sorry Rachel. Back pain can be so difficult to deal with. I've had it for years. I hope you will get better soon! Welcome to the forum!!!:rosette1:
 
Wow, just stumbled across this and am glad to know its not just me. I get a burning across my lower back, right about where I think my kidneys are. It seems to be my earliest sign of things happening and coffee seems to make it worse. I just asked my Dr last week and he looked at me like I had 2 heads :) I did ask if there was concern for my kidneys and he said no, if there was kidney problems there would be other signs...

I'm just resigned to the idea that I'm going to have symptoms long before anything is evident...
 
Beach bum said:
I have been having back trouble lately, but weirdly it is since my Crohns symptoms have died down.
It has been the strangest thing, not a constant pain but weird spasms in my lower back that come on after periods of standing. Sitting down for a bit makes them go away.
I have also found it has been better since moving the time I take my Aza from night to morning.

Hope you find out what is causing yours soon :)
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I have the same exact symptoms! But when I tell my Gastro about symptoms such as these and other things, he says it has nothing to do with crohn's. You know why? He doesn't have crohn's and doesn't understand. Even fresh out of school, they still don't know until they hear it from a 1000 people!!! So just stick with us who know!!!:wink::heart:
 
I have a back disorder where part of my disc has degraded, it is agony when i lie down and at night i am crying with pain. Saw my doctor who put me on diasapam but that has not helped, i am now starting to think reading all the above comments its my crohns that are making my back hurt and not my back disorder, How can they tell?

Stacey x
 
Just adding my note that I, too, have frequent lower back pain along with muscular and skeletal pain generally that I attribute to my Crohn's. I think "idiopathic" inflammation pretty much anywhere is fair game with this disease.
 
StaceyQ said:
I have a back disorder where part of my disc has degraded, it is agony when i lie down and at night i am crying with pain. Saw my doctor who put me on diasapam but that has not helped, i am now starting to think reading all the above comments its my crohns that are making my back hurt and not my back disorder, How can they tell?
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They only guess what they think it is. I have degeneration and bulging discs, but i never got these spasms till crohn's started up...:voodoo::voodoo::voodoo::voodoo::voodoo::voodoo::voodoo::voodoo:
 
i has spasm really bad when i first got diagnoised in 2000, then nothing until recently. I never thought that it could be my crohns.

Does your doctor listen or do they just assume?

xx
 
StaceyQ said:
i has spasm really bad when i first got diagnoised in 2000, then nothing until recently. I never thought that it could be my crohns.

Does your doctor listen or do they just assume?

xx
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My Gastro doesn't think it's crohn's, but like I said, I never had them till crohn's. I had to lay down to get a catscan a week ago of my intestines and the spasms started so bad, they had to wait for me to do the scan. The lady came over and was rubbing my back trying to get them to subside. It took awhile and they finally did.
 
its so fustrating, you knwo what is going on with your body and they just dont seem to listen. I fear if i tell my consultant she will say its your back disorder, but i have not lifted or done anything stenous to start the spasms off.

Surly there is a link for you with it only starting when your crohns started. sometimes i think they have no listening skills at all.

Stacey X
 
StaceyQ said:
its so fustrating, you knwo what is going on with your body and they just dont seem to listen. I fear if i tell my consultant she will say its your back disorder, but i have not lifted or done anything stenous to start the spasms off.

Surly there is a link for you with it only starting when your crohns started. sometimes i think they have no listening skills at all.

Stacey X
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me either, it just started up one day and never stopped, after that.
 
im on diasapam and liquid morphine but it seem to do nothing. I did have diclofenec but cant have that now with crohns apparantly.

need something that works as in agony when i lie down to sleep zzzzzz x x
 
I think simply having Crohn's may generate enough physical "activity" in that region to exacerbate an existing back condition. I'm about as sure as I can be that it's likely to be an interaction between the two things, in case that's not obvious.

I'd like to raise a note of caution about narcotic painkillers: they are super bad for Crohn's disease when used chronically. They screw with your motility and can cause a worsening of symptoms or prolong flares, which might get you into a bit of a vicious cycle. Use sparingly!

I've managed to avoid almost all pain meds (except immediately following surgery) with meditation and sheer bloody-mindedness, but I understand that severe back pain complicates things a fair bit.
 
I also have had mostly lower back pain. My Rheumy linked that to Arthritis due to Crohn's. Sometimes there is severe pain right behind my belly button, that was assumed to be Pancreatitis(sp) ( Inflammation of the Pancreas)that is known to radiate pain to the back.
My Arthritis migrates from one location to the other.
 
muppet said:
I think simply having Crohn's may generate enough physical "activity" in that region to exacerbate an existing back condition. I'm about as sure as I can be that it's likely to be an interaction between the two things, in case that's not obvious.

I'd like to raise a note of caution about narcotic painkillers: they are super bad for Crohn's disease when used chronically. They screw with your motility and can cause a worsening of symptoms or prolong flares, which might get you into a bit of a vicious cycle. Use sparingly!

I've managed to avoid almost all pain meds (except immediately following surgery) with meditation and sheer bloody-mindedness, but I understand that severe back pain complicates things a fair bit.
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does anyone else get headaches with their back pain.

I have a very low pain threshold and am on alot of pain medication as i simply cannot function with pain. I dont have the option of not functioning. I work full time, have two young children and lots of animals.

I only take the morphine when i am in alot of pain at night, cannot take through the day as make me drowsy so i have codiene and magnesium hydroxide to stop any consipation. Not the best way but no other, I have tried chinese medication, no pain medication, and lots of other types but opeiates seem to be the only thing that work.
 
StaceyQ said:
does anyone else get headaches with their back pain.

I have a very low pain threshold and am on alot of pain medication as i simply cannot function with pain. I dont have the option of not functioning. I work full time, have two young children and lots of animals.

I only take the morphine when i am in alot of pain at night, cannot take through the day as make me drowsy so i have codiene and magnesium hydroxide to stop any consipation. Not the best way but no other, I have tried chinese medication, no pain medication, and lots of other types but opeiates seem to be the only thing that work.
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opiates give me a headache almost everytime. I take headaches meds for it.:(
 
wonder if it is then causing me the headaches then, however since i have been on amitriptyline they seem to have got slightly better.
 
its a mystery, evertime i complain bout my headaches they never really say anything apart from have an eye test, i have and they are fine.
x x
 
Also, the peripheral effects of narcotic painkillers (of which decreased or even suspended motility is probably the worst for Crohn's, but an exacerbation of Crohn's-related fatigue and associated depression are also pretty dangerous) don't tend to decrease along with the effectiveness of narcotic painkillers. Your tolerance to the drugs goes up, you take a higher dose for the same relief, you experience the same relief, but more pronounced side effects.

I don't think I've ever heard of a person chronically using painkillers for 10, 20, 30 plus years whose situation improved without surgery or an abrupt end to painkillers in favor of some alternative pain remediation.

I don't have much personal experience in this arena but there's some big honking yellow flags waving here that people should be aware and careful of.
 
Thanks, i dont want to be on the painkillers but the pain is too great, when i came off them i was admitted to hospital because the pain was so bad.

I cant be in pain, i work full time, i have two young children and two horses. I cant stop as you can see, its not an option with me.

My consultant just dosent seem to listen and just gives me more pain killers everytime. this is for my crohns and my back, its like she just dont want the hassle of it.

And me i dont have the energy or the time to argue. Although my mum did have a go the other day so we shall see what happens when i see her i a couple of weeks.

I do get depressed and i am positive it is a side effect of the tablets, but what can i do.
 
Hi, that is so bad for you!! You need to get off the painkillers while you can? Do you have a good gastroenterologist? If they get your crohn's under control these other issues will go away or become mild enough to not use the painkillers. I get occasonal backache and hip pain when I have a flare, but only take Tylenol. Morphine and codeine are really horrible for you and i can't believe a reputable doctor would give you that more than one time.
Please see a good gastroenterologist :>)
 
no my consultant is awful, i havebeen off the painkillers and eneded up in hospital and working full time and with two young kids i cant do.

Its a matter of having to, i need to function and not be in pain. I have asked lots of time if there is anything else they can do and yes they have tried other stuff but always ends up me being in hospital again x
 
Did you say you tried Remicade? I had one course years ago and it helped me for about 6 mos. It's worth a try if you have not done it.
 
sounds familiar, i have been on so much stuff i cant remember the name of all of it, the last one they tried was some controlled drug, cant remember the name tho.
 
This is done by IV, takes a couple or hours or so. Need to make sure your insurance pays though. It was expensive back then but may have gone down. I am sorry you have to deal with all this. It is hard enough with no kids and an understanding husband like I have. What do you have besides pain?
 
StaceyQ said:
sounds familiar, i have been on so much stuff i cant remember the name of all of it, the last one they tried was some controlled drug, cant remember the name tho.
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Do you take a good probiotic? Have you tried a gluten free diet? SCD diet? That worked for me until I gave in and ate the bread and other carbs. So hard to give it up. Unless you can affords the rice bread.
 
i take a probiotic every day. I will not give up gluten and was tested for that disease and do not have it. my most major problem is diarrhea due to crohn's and resection and also I have joint pains, mostly my knees and left hip and sometimes my big toes. I am also tired a lot, but try to overcome that by some activity like growing flowers etc. I have had crohn's for 37 years, much longer than you I am sure, and my life has been good. I have one son, very grown, and have traveled all over the world and on the back of a harley motorcycle all over the U.S. We have slowed down as we have gotten older, but I have not let the above issues stop me. I only have crohn's in one spot where the ileum was removed. i do not have a bag luckily. have you had surgeries?

Later, headed to work.
 
gmcconner said:
i take a probiotic every day. I will not give up gluten and was tested for that disease and do not have it. my most major problem is diarrhea due to crohn's and resection and also I have joint pains, mostly my knees and left hip and sometimes my big toes. I am also tired a lot, but try to overcome that by some activity like growing flowers etc. I have had crohn's for 37 years, much longer than you I am sure, and my life has been good. I have one son, very grown, and have traveled all over the world and on the back of a harley motorcycle all over the U.S. We have slowed down as we have gotten older, but I have not let the above issues stop me. I only have crohn's in one spot where the ileum was removed. i do not have a bag luckily. have you had surgeries?

Later, headed to work.
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No I haven't and hope it never gets that bad. Mine was just in the ileum and colon and it was minor when they did the colonoscopy. But it has been acting up again as of late. I admire your travel. My hubs and I travel as much as we can. Even if just in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. He is a photographer, but not by trade tho he does sell them too. Just not enough to live on. He is exceptionally talented at it.
Have you tried Cholestyramine for the D or the Questran name brand? It works wonders and everyone I know on it, it works well for. Ask your Doc about it.
My hubs website is http://pediconephotography.com
 
I used the colosty whatever years ago. I take a pill called Colestid, which may be the same thing. I take 1 or 2 and it helps. It is really a cholesterol drug but won't hurt you, brings the chol. down a bit too.
Looked at the photos, love the owl. I take lots of flower photos as I grow tons (300 or so) cacti in pots and the blooms are so beautiful. I am like him, when I see something great. I took a pic of grease in the bottom of a pan and all kinds of colors showed up, neat. I used to go to the doc all the time till I figured out there is not much they can do. I take Prednisone and it helps a lot. I had the ileum and part of te small and part of the large intestine removed in 1975 and have had to have no more surgery. The crohn's came back in the same spot which it tends to do. I am up for a colon check in Jan. geez hate that laxative. Last time I had a crohn's ulcer as he calls it and two flat polyps which are the bad kind. He got them out but wanted me to repeat in a yr. I put it off till Jan. Was supposed to be October. It is difficult to rravel with children but when they are grown and gone you will have more time. Hope you get to feeling better. Take care, G
 
Yes, cholestid is the samething as what I am on. I am using the powdered mix. That way I can alter the amount when I don't need as much. Yes, it is for Cholesterol, so killing 2 birds with one stone.:lol2:
I really hope your tests in Jan. come back fine. I had a catscan a couple weeks ago and he said the intestines look normal. But, does it really show everything in there? I doubt it very much. This is not just IBS.I was diagnosed with crohn's thru a colonoscopy 2 yrs. ago. Ulcers and inflammation in ileum and upper colon.
Thankyou for looking at the pictures my hubs took. The baby in the pic was my niece.5 yrs. ago... My kids are 34 and 31. It is money that keeps us from traveling more. But, we did some great trips years ago. Saw 12 National parks out west and went to Keywest and Tennessee, Smoky Mountains 3 times. Also Maine , N.Hamp. Vermont, New York., Canada, Virginia and W. Virginia and many historic towns along the way. We take off on weekends alot and just go see some place different. Went to a wolfe sanctuary last weekend in Litits, PA. Near Maryland border. Then to Conowingo Dam to see migrating eagles. Always on the go as much as possible. Let us know how you are doing. OK? Blessings your way! Teresa:thumleft:
 
I also experience lower back pain when flaring. Sometimes it's worse than the actual abdominal pain.
 
It's just you see someone for the first time and woman or man, God creates some beauty and I'm not afraid to tell someone. Beauty is only skin deep, but you look quite friendly and kind as well! Ok, I'll shut up and let you laugh for awhile!!!:lol2:
 
723crossroads said:
It's just you see someone for the first time and woman or man, God creates some beauty and I'm not afraid to tell someone. Beauty is only skin deep, but you look quite friendly and kind as well! Ok, I'll shut up and let you laugh for awhile!!!:lol2:
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You are so sweet, and you made me smile, thank you! You are also beautiful! :D
 
Thanx and you should join us on a fun thread called" Last One Wins". It's a cover for a bunch of chronnies who really care about eachother, and pretend to tease the heck out of eachother. A guy named Robert will greet you with such fervor though. He is harmless and quite a sweet guy! He just loves the reparte' if you know what I mean! Teresa
 
723crossroads said:
Thanx and you should join us on a fun thread called" Last One Wins". It's a cover for a bunch of chronnies who really care about eachother, and pretend to tease the heck out of eachother. A guy named Robert will greet you with such fervor though. He is harmless and quite a sweet guy! He just loves the reparte' if you know what I mean! Teresa
Click to expand...

Thanks, I'll check it out :)
 
Well don't ignore that pain, it could be an actual back problem. I had a herniated disc about ten years ago and it was the worst! Went away eventually but by then all the inti-inflamatories I was taking started affecting my Crohn's. At the start I did think it was the Crohn's until I physically could not get out of bed. Hope this is not the problem.
 
i already have a back problem, that the confusion not sure if its my crohsn causing it or my actually disc derenative order (spealling!) x
 
I've got osteoporosis in the lower part of my back, though it was caused by a course of steroids I had been on. I have also had some pain higher up in my back sometimes when I lift weights, so I'm going to have that checked out next time I see the doc.

But yeah some steroids can cause it, so if you are worried you should definitely check before deciding to try them.
 
Hi everyone I've had Crohns for 12 years and in the last 12 months I started to have slight back pain which has now turned into joint pain just about all over. Sometimes it's not too bad but others I can barely move I'm on OxyContin and oxycodone if I wasn't I would not be able to move some days or get to work. I've had lots of tests over the year mainly by rheumatologists but all have been negative until I was told last week that the pain is crohns related and I would have to manage day to day with my painkillers. So they are not as bad as some people make out if managed properly
 

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