Bloating and back pain together often stem from digestive issues like gas, constipation, IBS, or food intolerances, but can also signal hormonal changes (PMS, menopause), stress, or more serious problems like gallstones, pancreatitis, kidney stones, or ulcers; the digestive system's nerves connect to the spine, so gut issues can cause referred back pain, but if symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by fever, blood, or severe vomiting, see a doctor for proper diagnosis.
As discussed above, your stomach and back can hurt at the same time for numerous reasons. Common causes include bloating or constipation, gallbladder issues, kidney stones or infection, pancreatitis, and menstrual cycle or hormonal changes.
Common causes of abdominal pain in children range from minor issues like gas, indigestion, stress, or constipation to infections (gastroenteritis, UTIs, mesenteric adenitis) and food-related problems (poisoning, allergies). While most tummy aches are not serious and resolve quickly, pain can sometimes signal more severe conditions like appendicitis, requiring prompt medical attention, especially if severe, localized, or accompanied by fever and vomiting.
You can help digestive problems such as bloating and burping by changing what you eat. Try making yourself 6 small meals a day and avoid eating late at night. Eat slowly, sip fluids and avoid smoking and alcohol. A short stroll after meals may help.
Yes, bloating can cause dizziness through mechanisms like increased abdominal pressure affecting blood flow, vagus nerve stimulation from discomfort, dehydration, or underlying issues like acid reflux or anxiety, creating a connection where digestive distress (gas, bloating) leads to lightheadedness or vertigo. While not a direct cause, digestive issues, dehydration, or low blood sugar can worsen dizziness, and conditions like IBS or gastroenteritis can present with both symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms of Stomach Cancer
More serious disorders that may cause bloating are:
While bloating can vary from person to person, common sensations include: A tight, full, or swollen abdomen. Mild abdominal cramping. Frequent gas or burping.
Foods that cause too much gas
Why is my belly so big at 6 weeks pregnant? You're not really showing yet this early on. “Most of the time it's due to bloating and hormonal changes,” such as an increase in progesterone, says Greves. “The uterus is still inside the pelvis during the first trimester.”
The three main red flags for abdominal pain needing urgent care are severe, unrelenting pain (especially with fever/rigidity), vomiting blood or black material, and blood in the stool (bright red or tarry black), all signaling potential serious issues like appendicitis, obstruction, or bleeding that require immediate medical evaluation. Other major flags include inability to pass gas/stool, jaundice, significant weight loss, or pain radiating to the back.
A UTI causes inflammation in the lining of your urinary tract. The inflammation may cause the following problems: Pain in your flank, abdomen, pelvic area or lower back. Pressure in the lower part of your pelvis.
Abdominal distension – remember differentials using the 6Fs: Fat, Fluid, Flatus, Faeces, Foetus, Flipping huge mass.
If you've ever experienced waves of sharp pain in your belly along with the feeling that your waistline is inflating like a balloon, you might be experiencing bloating and cramps due to intestinal gas. Everyone gets gas on occasion.
Diet Coke also contains a modest amount of caffeine, which has diuretic properties that can temporarily help reduce swelling and bloating in the body rather than cause fluid retention, explains Mayo Clinic.
Excess belly fat eventually causes the pelvis and lower back to slant forward. This creates a permanent and round arch in the back, which causes back pain. The strongest muscles are in the back.
TRIGGER FOODS FOR FEELING BLOATED
Here are a few to keep an eye on:
Early pregnancy (first trimester) abdominal symptoms include nausea/morning sickness, cramping, constipation, heartburn, bloating, and gas. Pregnancy begins when a fertilized egg attaches to the wall of the uterus, and pregnancy symptoms may begin in some people as early as a week after implantation.
To a person experiencing a phantom pregnancy, the symptoms can very much resemble those felt in pregnancy. These symptoms may include missed periods, abdominal (belly) swelling, breast tenderness, nausea, vomiting, weight gain and even labor pains.
While it is normal to feel bloated, especially around your monthly cycle, consistent bloating that lasts every day for up to three weeks is not. Persistently feeling bloated and full is one of the most common early signs of ovarian cancer.
Certain gastrointestinal diseases cause gas and bloating, including small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), celiac disease, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Inflammation of the abdominal lining (peritonitis).