What’s Causing My Back Pain and Nausea?

Back pain and nausea often occur at the same time. Frequently, pain related to digestive or intestinal issues can radiate to the back. This can occur if you have biliary colic, a condition in which gallstones obstruct the gallbladder.

Morning sickness associated with pregnancy can cause nausea. Back pain is also common with pregnancy, as the weight of the growing fetus puts strain on the back. Often these symptoms aren’t a cause for concern for pregnant women. However, when nausea occurs after the first trimester, it may be a symptom of preeclampsia, which is a condition in which blood pressure becomes too high. If you’re pregnant and experience nausea into your second trimester, seek medical advice.

Other conditions that can cause back pain and nausea include:

• appendicitis
• chronic pancreatitis
• endometriosis
• gallstones
• kidney stones
• kidney cyst
• menstrual cramps

If your nausea and back pain don’t subside within 24 hours or your back pain is unrelated to an injury, make an appointment to see your doctor. Seek immediate medical attention if your back pain and nausea are accompanied by any of the following symptoms:

• confusion
• extreme physical weakness
• pain that starts in the right side and settles in the back, which could indicate appendicitis or biliary colic
• pain that turns into weakness or numbness that radiates down one or both legs
• painful urination
• blood in the urine
• shortness of breath
• worsening symptoms

Make an appointment with your doctor if your back pain continues for more than two weeks after your nausea subsides.

This information is a summary. Seek medical attention if you suspect you need urgent care.

Treatments for back pain and nausea will address the underlying condition. Anti-nausea medications can help the immediate symptoms subside. Examples include dolasetron (Anzemet) and granisetron (Granisol). You can take either of these medications while you’re pregnant. If your back pain doesn’t subside with rest and medical treatments, your doctor may evaluate you for a more serious injury.

Home care

Over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can help to relieve back pain, particularly when related to menstrual cramps. They may, however, make nausea worse.

While you may wish to avoid solid foods when you feel nauseous, taking small sips of water or a clear liquid, such as ginger ale or an electrolyte-containing solution, can help keep you hydrated. Eating several small meals of bland foods, such as crackers, clear broth, and gelatin, can also help settle your stomach.

Resting your back is a vital part of treating back pain. You can apply an ice pack covered in cloth for 10 minutes at a time the first three days after your back pain appears. After 72 hours, you may apply heat.

Although you can’t always avoid nausea and back pain, eating a healthy diet and avoiding excess alcohol will help prevent some causes, such as indigestion.