Chronic Stomach and Back Pain

[colie5265]

I am a 25 year old female, and having been suffering from chronic back pain since I was 8 and chronic stomach pain with bloating, constipation and diarrhea since I was in 16.

BACK PAIN
It was found that I had a very slight case of scoliosis, but the pain has lingered since. I have been seeing chiropractors at least  1-4 times a month since I was 8 years old and still nothing has come of it. I have tried physical therapy and massage and the pain still lingers. It sometimes feel as if the pain has gotten worse throughout the years, meaning that it really has begun to affect life in more ways. There are times when I can't walk, sit, stand or lay without coming to tears because the pain is so unbearable, and believe me it takes a lot to get me to that point, because I am so used to dealing with pain on a regular basis. I recently found out that the scoliosis that I do have is so mild that it shouldn't be the root to my pain, so now I am wondering if I should go to the doctor and request a MRI to see what is truly the problem. I just can't stand it anymore! Especially, when I do get the numbness and tingling through my legs or arms. It is ruining my life!

STOMACH PAIN
I have been suffering from severe bloating and stomach pain along with constipation and diarrhea for years. I went to a doctor back when I was 16 years old and they sent me away thinking that it was only psychological, obviously it's not because it is still going on. I think that I eat as pretty healthy diet and try to stay away from certain foods that may cause me problems most of the time. But, really it doesn't matter what I do, how I feel, my stress level, what I eat or drink, it always comes back.It is ridiculous there are days when I wake up and my stomach is completely flat and within hours it looks like I am 4 months pregnant and there is a horrible heavy, full, painful, and sometimes burning sensation in my stomach that will last for hours. When I was younger it didn't seem like it happened as often, but now I feel like I will go through days where I will only get a couple of hours of relief. Going to the bathroom doesn't help all of the time, but sometimes I feel like it would. There are times that it feels like my colon hasn't emptied all of the way so I am constantly going into the bathroom and trying to relieve myself throughout the day without any luck. I don't understand what is wrong with me! I usually don't fart often, unless if I am sleeping, but sometimes I can't stop burping, which is very gross and disturbing to those around me. Do you think I should see a GI doctor? I have thought about getting a recommendation to see one, but I feel like maybe they won't even be able to help me....

Is there a possibility that these two things may be related?

[colie5265]

Thanks for all of your advice. I am going to make an appointment with my primary, hopefully, sometime next week to get a referral to a GI specialist.

I have thought that it could be lactose intolerance before, but the symptoms don't seem to fit all of the time. It's never consistent with dairy products. I think that they may irritate what is already going on, but I don't think that it is the root of the problem. Sometimes it almost seems like milk can sooth my stomach as long as it isn't too low fat.

I have thought about Celiac  Disease too, but no one in my family, that I know of, has been diagnosed with it and not all of the symptoms fit. For instance, the food I eat seems to be digested pretty well.

I have thought about Crohns, but that can be hereditary too...

I don't know what is wrong with me, but I really can't stand it anymore and I feel like it is running my life. It seems to be a huge topic of conversation for me and I think about it constantly.

I really wonder if this stomach issue could be a major contributing factor to my back pain. I'd love to kill 2 birds with one stone, if I could ever figure all of this out.

I'm sick of saying the words, "my stomach hurts" "I'm so bloated today" "It feels like my stomach is on fire" and Maylox is really gross!!!!

[Jen811]

One other thought would be Celiac Disease (gluten intolerance).  Blood work usually shows that if they are checking it.  It can be very damaging and cause many problems.  So, in the mean time, I would call your primary care physician to request that blood work...Let us know what happens!

[shiddity]

maybe you are lactose intolerant??? anyhow, i suffered with stomach pains for years before i was diagnosed with gall bladder disease. they removed it a few years ago and i was good but now i am having some similar attacks. just posted a question, so lets see if it gets answered! my advice, go to the gi doctor...they do all kinds of gross tests, but its worth it!

[Jen811]

I just read what you wrote.  It's true that it could be gall bladder but I think you are on the right track going to get a referral to a Gastroenterologist.  They can give you a colonoscopy to make sure you don't have diverticuli, etc.  I sound a lot like you with the bloating, back pain, full, etc.  I even had a doctor think I was five mos. pregnant with how distended I was.  I had a colon resection (read my blog) but it ultimately saved my life...even though I am still having some problems.  Anyway, see a GI and they will give you a full run up.  Make sure you are prepared with a full list of symptoms as well to keep it all organized.  Make it as soon as possible, and good luck!  

[beno895]

That sounds exactly what I have and the doctors seem to think mine is gull bladder related. I'm not for sure yet though as I have to go for an ultra sound but the bloating pain in my stomach and it tends to cause pain in my back as well. Also what I eat doesn't usually matter because it hurts anyways. I find the foods that trigger it the most lately is fruit though. Maybe try getting an ultra sound done on your gull bladder.