back and stomach pain

[daisyjune]

I've had a bad back  problem for years;  spinal stenosis on one side and a protruding disc on the right side.  In the past few weeks, I've experienced a pain in my lower abdominal area (very low, above pelvic bone) when I bend over and then straighten up.  That's the only time I've had a pain in that area.  Do you think it's related to my back pain?  I take 2 different medications for the back pain and it's helped tremendously, but when I stand or walk for long periods of time I have more pain.  Am concerned about the pain in the abdomen and if it could be related to the back pain.  One doctor told me it could affect the stomach since the nerves in the back area could be causing the front area to hurt.  Thank  you for any help you can provide.  I eat well, and sleep well so I don't think it's anything too serious or it would hurt more than it does and not just when bending (that's when my back hurts also). Thank you very much.

[Dr Arora]

Hi, yes this is one possibility though it is rare in cases of spinal stenosis. T2 to T12 nerves in the thoracic spine (mid / upper back) cause referred pain in the chest and abdomen. L1 to S1 nerves in the low back cause Sciatica in the buttock and leg. Muscular back pain can also be responsible for muscular abdominal pain and vice versa. The abdominal muscles work closely with the lower back muscles. Any injury to either set of muscles can affect the other. I hope this helps.

[daisyjune]

Yes, I do have constipation some days and have trouble "eliminating" - not good on the hemorrhoids!!!  No numbness now, but did at first before medicine I'm taking.  Takes awhile to emply the bladder also. I've been told there is surgery to help this problem, but am terrified of having any back surgery.  Have heard some people have been helped greatly with that, but others have had no luck.  Oh, by the way, I can stand on my toes and heels.

[gymdandee]

The doctor is correct! a question for you, can you stand on your toes (balls of your feet) and can you stand on your hells? Do you have any problems with your bowels or bladder control and any numbness in your legs or feet? If you said yes to any of my questions have you thought about surgery for the Stenosis?