Stomach Pain and Back Discomfort: Causes and Dietary Tips

Q: Stomach Pain and Back Discomfort: Causes and Dietary Tips

Hello： It is recommended to schedule an examination with a gastroenterologist. <br>In terms of lifestyle and diet, avoid smoking and alcohol, limit tea and coffee intake, reduce consumption of spicy foods, and avoid glutinous rice products. <br>Do not eat excessive amounts of sou

Stomach pain accompanied by back pain?

Hello Dr.
Chen,
At the end of May, I experienced occasional mild cramping or colicky pain in my stomach, which seemed to occur when I was hungry; I also felt pain after eating (even though my portions were small).
On June 6th, in the early morning, I had pain in my stomach and surrounding areas, along with soreness in my entire back (including the myocardium), which was severe enough to prevent me from sleeping.
I went to the emergency room for an initial consultation (blood tests/X-rays), and everything appeared normal.
Aside from receiving IV fluids for hydration, I was prescribed medication for two days (Kascoal Tab - 40mg, generic name: DIMETHICONE, and Librax Tab, generic name: Librax Tab).
After finishing the prescribed medication, I consulted with a pharmacist two days later and purchased three types of medication (Sweicon, CIKETIN, and 潰克定) based on my condition.
I have been using these for about ten days now, and yesterday I added a gastric milk (吉胃..), which has helped control the symptoms, although I still occasionally experience mild cramping and back soreness.
I would like to ask if, given my situation, it is necessary to undergo an endoscopy of the stomach, rectum, colon, or duodenum to identify the cause.
Additionally, what dietary restrictions should I follow? The doctor in the emergency room advised me to avoid [beans, dairy, and eggs]; the pharmacist suggested minimizing [oily and fried foods].
Dr.
Chen, could you please clarify what I should avoid, limit, or can consume? Can I eat congee, squash, seaweed sauce, gluten, or buns? I'm feeling like I have very few food options left.

Thank you for your assistance.

Xiao Mai, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2011/06/18

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: It is recommended to schedule an examination with a gastroenterologist.
In terms of lifestyle and diet, avoid smoking and alcohol, limit tea and coffee intake, reduce consumption of spicy foods, and avoid glutinous rice products.
Do not eat excessive amounts of sour or sweet foods, and also limit the intake of cola, soda, and milk tea.
Wishing you good health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Chen Qifeng, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.

Reply Date: 2011/06/18

More Info

Understanding stomach pain and back discomfort can be quite complex, as these symptoms can arise from various underlying conditions. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a combination of gastric discomfort and back pain, which can often be interrelated.

Possible Causes of Your Symptoms
1. Gastritis or Peptic Ulcer Disease: Your symptoms of stomach pain that worsens when hungry or after eating could indicate gastritis or a peptic ulcer. These conditions can cause inflammation of the stomach lining or ulceration, leading to pain and discomfort.

2. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): The pain you feel could also be related to acid reflux, where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing discomfort that may radiate to the back.

3. Musculoskeletal Issues: The back pain you experience could be due to muscle strain or tension, especially if you have been less active or sitting for prolonged periods. Stress and poor posture can exacerbate these symptoms.

4. Functional Dyspepsia: This is a common condition characterized by chronic or recurrent pain in the upper abdomen without any identifiable cause. It can be triggered by dietary habits, stress, or other lifestyle factors.

Dietary Recommendations
Given your symptoms and the advice you've received, here are some dietary tips to help manage your condition:
1. Avoid Trigger Foods: As mentioned by your healthcare providers, it's advisable to limit or avoid:
- Dairy Products: If you notice that dairy exacerbates your symptoms, it may be best to avoid it.

- Fried and Fatty Foods: These can increase gastric discomfort and should be minimized.

- Spicy Foods: Spices can irritate the stomach lining and should be consumed cautiously.

- Caffeine and Alcohol: Both can increase acid production and should be limited.

2. Focus on Gentle Foods: Foods that are easier on the stomach include:
- Plain Rice or Oatmeal: These are bland and can help soothe the stomach.

- Bananas: They are gentle on the stomach and can help with digestive issues.

- Steamed Vegetables: Carrots, zucchini, and other non-cruciferous vegetables can be beneficial.

- Lean Proteins: Skinless chicken or fish can provide necessary nutrients without excessive fat.

3. Hydration: Continue to drink plenty of water, but avoid carbonated beverages, which can cause bloating and discomfort.

4. Small, Frequent Meals: Eating smaller meals more frequently can help manage hunger and reduce the likelihood of pain after eating.

5. Ginger or Peppermint: These can be soothing for the stomach and may help alleviate nausea or discomfort.

When to Seek Further Evaluation
If your symptoms persist despite dietary changes and over-the-counter medications, it may be necessary to undergo further evaluation, such as an endoscopy. This procedure can help visualize the stomach and identify any underlying issues like ulcers or gastritis.

Conclusion
Managing stomach pain and back discomfort requires a multifaceted approach, including dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, and possibly medical intervention. It’s essential to listen to your body and adjust your diet based on what feels best for you. If you continue to experience significant discomfort, consider consulting a gastroenterologist for a comprehensive evaluation and tailored treatment plan.

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