Does anyone get upper abdomen pain that radiat... - IBS Network

IBS Network

47,601 members15,610 posts

Does anyone get upper abdomen pain that radiates through to the back ?

Lastboyscout6 profile image
13 Replies

I have been having frequent back pain along with usual upper abdominal pain. This is particularly after eating mainly of an evening. I ended up in A and E 2 days ago after a really bad night of this constant pain. I had bloods done which doctors said were unremarkable plus a chest x ray which was clear. I have an ultrasound booked next week for further investigation. My anxiety is off the scale and just feel that something awful is wrong. I think it could be pancreas related as doesn’t seem to be an IBS symptom

Written by
Lastboyscout6 profile image
Lastboyscout6
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
13 Replies
Vickss profile image
Vickss

I'm going through the same thing: I've been suffering 6 weeks, I look 6 months pregnant, and I also feel like something is pushing against my spine, the back pain is horrible, it wakes me up in the night, I ended up I'm a&e they did all blood work and all fine, I've also got a ultrasound booked, I was worried about Pancras too, it making me stress more

TedsMum247 profile image
TedsMum247

I've had similar pains, but mine start under my ribs, then after an hour or so move round to my upper right side of the rubs. It will start about two hours after eating, but not every night. I can have it only once a month. My GP prescribed Buscopan and Codeine to be taken together as required.My GP thought it was my gallbladder and said certain foods can trigger it ( minced beef) was my culprit twice. However, it's not always the same foods and sometimes I can have minced beef and have no pains whatsoever.

Another thing I try to do is not sit for too long after eating my evening meal, I will have a walk round The house and avoid sitting for long periods after eating. I have noticed this helps.

The Buscopan and Codeine always get rid of the pain, but can take up to 6 hours before working. I don't eat fatty foods, so that's not the problem.

Despite you thinking it's not an IBS symptom I have read on other sites that it is a symptom of IBS.

I've not been sent for any other scans. However, I also suspect pancreas problem as my Mum was seriously ill with pancreatitis and given a list of foods to avoid as well as alcohol. I wish you well. Sorry for the long post.

EnikoF profile image
EnikoF

I had this for years, sometimes for even 6 weeks. I saw tons of GI, they even took out my gallbladder... And at the end, I was the one who found out the cause. It is because of acid. The last time when I suffered from it for 6 weeks, constantly, in every single minute, I took Gaviscon tablets and in half an hour, the pain reduced significantly. Maybe your issue is different, but it's worth trying so at least you know it was not because of acid.

Boxroad profile image
Boxroad

yes I have that, just below ribs on my right side, I have had it for years, I think it’s where the colon goes around a corner and eating a meal starts the process of food moving through the colon and sometimes it gets a bit constipated as it goes astound the corner. Look at a picture of the colon and you will see the upper pain is often on the corners/bends.

Joshiiiiee profile image
Joshiiiiee in reply to Boxroad

Have you been diagnosed with anything?

Boxroad profile image
Boxroad in reply to Joshiiiiee

Yes I have had 2 colonoscopy over the years, i am under a gastroenterologist at my local hospital, have you been diagnosed yet?

xjrs profile image
xjrs

Is the pain radiating to the upper part of your back (i.e. between the shoulder blades)? If so, this could be due to acid reflux/GERD.

If the pain radiates to the mid to lower part of your back, this could still be IBS related. This is where I have experienced IBS pain (particularly overnight/early hours of the morning when the colon is at its most active preparing for a BM the next morning).

Lubomire99 profile image
Lubomire99

OMG I have had these exact symptoms for weeks now. I was told by GP a number of years ago due to symptoms that I had IBS after a bout of H Pylori. At present I have R side and occasional L side pai in ribs and abdomen. Had bloods 2 wks ago all clear apart from small change in white cells but had a UTI at time when bloods were done. FIT test done 6 months ago was negative . I had a bout of Gastritis 18 months ago and was given omeprazole which I took for a few months then periodically . Sometimes pain goes away for day or two. Sometimes eases after eating, pooping or exercising . I have repeat bloods next week but I am so stressed and wish I could go to A n E but feel that I am not ill enough .

Corneater profile image
Corneater

sometimes I get that even though I’ve had my gall bladder out, i.e. under about the third rib and just below shoulder blade, right side. I think mine may be acid/bile related and find that Actimel probiotic drink (free from) can ease it. I also find eating little but often helps. Hope you find your answer soon, it’s a case of trying to find what’s best for you and try not to worry as worrying can help produce more acid.

MyStar86 profile image
MyStar86 in reply to Corneater

With your gallbladder out and you still get pain have you heard of sphincter of oddi dysfunction SOD? It might be worth talking to your gastro about it as there are medications and an ERCP procedure that can be done which helps xx

Corneater profile image
Corneater in reply to MyStar86

No not heard of that but I had an ERCP last November which showed pancreatic cysts. I’m waiting to see a gastroenterologist about these and was referred last month but still waiting for appointment date. 16 weeks minimum wait. Also heard that you can get pain from a stone in the common bile duct but the ERCP was cleat on that. Thanks for your reply

MyStar86 profile image
MyStar86 in reply to Corneater

Have you heard anything about when you can see your gastro? Yes an ERCP can be used for many things but for SOD they cut the sphincter muscle that’s causing the pain I’ll find the link from the guts charity for you to look at as it’s worth a read;

gutscharity.org.uk/advice-a...

Sh4rn4mo profile image
Sh4rn4mo

Hi, I have had this since getting covid in November 2021. The rib pain, mainly when sitting down started in Jan 2022. It feels as if I have a grapefruit sized lump infer my ribs that is pushing out. I spent a year getting scans, endoscopes you name it they checked it. With no real answer and everything else ruled out they diagnosed Chostochronditis. This was mainly due to my pain being caused by compression not related to when I eat food. While I was delighted to be told it wasn't anything more sinister it didn't help the pain. No amount of medication taken orally or lidocaine skin patches, topical creams etc helped. Finally I went private and got 11 steroid injections into my ribs. It took 6 weeks to kick in and I had to have a top up at the bottom right corner and the lower back corner rib. I had a year of relief until I got covid again in December 2023. I am now back at square one!! I also have hashimotos Thyroid condition (autoimmune/inflammation) which I don't think helps with the flare up but I am not sure what to do next. My private health care won't cover it an my GP says its not available on the NHS in Scotland. Just thought it might interest you to know what did work for me last year. Sharon

You may also like...

Upper abdomen and back pains? Movement a trigger?

experiencing a lot of upper abdominal pain, mainly on the right. When I say upper, I mean up to...

Worrying upper abdomen pain

day. I have had blood tests and Poo tests and an upper abdomen ultra sound, all came back clear and...

Does anyone suffer from upper back pain with IBS?

Along with IBS I have constant stiffness between my shoulder blades.. I told the doctor and he...

Right rib pain, upper back pain, bloated and lots of wind!

over two years now i've had the above symptoms mainly after eating, but they can come on even when...

Slight swelling and pain upper right abdomen

tightness without pain. However now I feel I have this and pain with slight swelling in my upper...