Lower Abdominal Pressure & Back Pain

Pressure in the lower abdomen and back pain can develop in anyone and are common medical complaints. These symptoms are rarely a medical emergency and are usually preventable or treatable through lifestyle changes and medical care.

Features

• Lower abdominal pressure and back pain might feel like a dull and persistent ache or may develop as sharp spasms; the pain and pressure may last a few hours or several weeks or months.

Identification

• Doctors identify lower abdominal pressure and back pain by performing a physical exam and interviewing the patient about recent activities and medical history; patients might undergo tests such as blood tests or X-ray.

Causes

• Pressure in the lower abdomen accompanied by back pain could result from digestive problems including indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome or constipation; pregnancy; kidney or urinary tract infections; injuries; or conditions such as appendicitis.

Considerations

• Back pain and lower abdominal pressure that is accompanied by other symptoms such as diarrhea, fever or rectal or vaginal bleeding should be evaluated by a doctor.

Treatments

• Doctors treat lower abdominal pressure and back pain resulting from digestive problems with over the counter or prescription medications; infections require antibiotics. Pressure and pain from pregnancy or injuries might require rest or the use of supportive medical devices.

Prevention/Solution

• Eating small meals and avoiding foods that trigger gas, maintaining a healthy body weight and using good posture when sitting, bending or lifting can help prevent lower abdominal pressure and back pain.