Lower back pain is most commonly associated with problems of the spine, but did you know that inflammation and other problems with your internal organs can also cause back pain? This type of pain usually affects one side of the back, near where the organ is located.
Irritation, inflammation, or infection of any of the organs in the central, abdominal, or pelvic region can produce lower back pain. Let’s talk about some of the main organs that can cause this pain, and where you can go for an evaluation and treatment:
Kidneys
Kidneys help remove liquid waste from the body. When urine contains a lot of chemical substances – more than what the urine can dilute – kidney stones can form, and they can cause a sharp pain in the side and the lower back region.
Kidney stones can also cause other symptoms, such as difficulty urinating and blood in the urine. If the issue is a kidney infection, this can result in lower back pain and fever.
Pancreas
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, which is an organ that plays an important role in digestion and blood sugar regulation. The pain from pancreatitis may start in your upper abdomen and radiate to your lower back. The pain can be severe and disabling, so be sure to see a doctor right away.
Appendix
The appendix is located in the lower-right abdomen, and its function has recently been determined to be a storehouse of good bacteria. However, it can suddenly become inflamed, causing severe pain that starts in the lower abdomen and travels to the lower back. An inflamed appendix needs to be surgically removed because if it bursts, the leak can cause toxic effects in the body.
Large Intestine
Inflammation of the large intestine (colon), or ulcerative colitis, can also cause lower back pain. Other symptoms include abdominal cramps and rectal pain.
Physical Therapy for Treating Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain needs to be evaluated by a doctor in order to find out whether an internal organ is causing it, or exactly what the source of the pain is. Imaging studies and other tests will reveal the cause of your symptoms.
Lower back pain can be relieved without medication or surgery by employing physical therapy. Here at Endeavor Physical Therapy & Wellness, our experienced medical team provides superior and individualized physical therapy programs for our patients. Our licensed and skilled physical therapists will work with you to relieve your lower back pain and to make your body stronger and more flexible.
If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment with us, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (512) 284-7192 or by filling out our easy-to-use appointment request form online now. We proudly serve Austin, Round Rock, Manor, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Bee Caves, and Hutto – and we look forward to helping you enjoy less back pain and more living!
