Though most people are more familiar with abdominal pain when it comes to gas, gas pains may be felt in the back as well. Among the things that may cause back pain and gas are constipation and diarrhea, an excess of air in the gastrointestinal tract, food allergies and sensitivities, and sometimes even the consumption of alcoholic beverages. In most cases, these symptoms are only temporary in nature. If they linger for a long period of time, however, or the pain is excruciating, a person may do well to seek a doctor’s evaluation.

When constipation develops, most people are not surprised to have gas along with it. In some cases, however, they develop back pain along with the gas. This is a common development and will typically fade once the person’s constipation has been relieved. In such a case, the pain often develops in the lower back and can be nearly constant or come and go. In addition, some people also develop back pain and gas when they have diarrhea; as with constipation, it will usually fade once the episode of diarrhea is over.

Sometimes back pain and gas develop because of excess air in the gastrointestinal tract and in the absence of other symptoms. The conditions may occur when a person swallows an excess amount of air, such as when talking a good deal while eating. Some people also develop gas when they chew gum for a long period of time or drink a lot of beverages through straws. In some cases, bacteria in the intestines are at fault for the development of intestinal gas. This is particularly true of the colon, which is a section of the large intestine.

Food allergies and sensitivities can also cause back pain and gas. For example, a person who is lactose intolerant may develop back pain, abdominal pain, gas, and bloating when he consumes dairy products. Some people may also develop these symptoms when they consume too many or certain types of alcoholic beverages. Fortunately, the symptoms they develop in these cases are usually only temporary.

In some cases, back pain and gas can be symptoms of a serious medical condition. For example, a person may develop these symptoms as well as an upset stomach, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea when he has a bowel obstruction. This is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Appendicitis is another example of a condition that can cause back pain and gas as well as an upset stomach and sharp pains in one’s abdominal region. Like bowel obstruction, appendicitis requires urgent evaluation and treatment.