Back pain and diarrhea can be caused by a wide range of conditions and diseases. Relatively minor conditions such as food reactions might be responsible. These symptoms might be an indication of a more serious condition, such as food poisoning, pancreatitis or intestinal blockage. Depending on other symptoms present, back pain and diarrhea might indicate a medical emergency. When in doubt, consultation with a medical professional is recommended for cases of severe or prolonged back pain and diarrhea.

Reactions to certain foods can cause back pain and diarrhea. If the onset of these symptoms is first observed shortly after eating, lactose intolerance or celiac disease might account for these symptoms. Similarly, some medications might trigger adverse reactions. Avoiding foods known to cause this reaction should allow the back pain and diarrhea to pass.

Food poisoning also could be responsible, especially if other symptoms such as headache or fever are observed. Cases of food poisoning should pass within 12 to 48 hours, and if symptoms persist, medical attention might be required. In the meantime, it is important for the sufferer to take in plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

When diarrhea alternates with constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or spastic colon is the most likely culprit. IBS tends to be worse in times of stress. A slow increase in fiber intake might help alleviate symptoms, but if blood is present in the stool, consultation with a doctor is required.

Bacteria, viruses and parasites might cause a gastrointestinal infection. Along with back pain and diarrhea, the patient might experience a loss of appetite, fever, nausea or vomiting. Blood or mucus might be present in the stool, and dehydration is likely. Usually, gastrointestinal infections will clear up on their own, but if symptoms persist for more than three days, it might be necessary for the sufferer to contact a doctor.

Diverticular disease also might be responsible for these symptoms. Diverticulitis is caused by the inflammation of small pouches, or diverticula, along the digestive tract and might cause back pain and diarrhea, along with fever, abdominal pain, constipation and nausea. A high fiber diet is recommended to manage diverticular disease, and an antibiotic might be required to treat a bout of diverticulitis.

Cramping, along with frequent diarrhea, might indicate an inflammatory bowel disease, especially if there is blood or mucus in the stool. Anti-inflammatory medication usually is required to treat the disease. Under a doctor’s supervision, dietary restrictions might need to be put in place to manage the condition. In some cases, surgical options might be considered.

If the pain radiates from the abdomen to the back and is accompanied by a fever, then gallbladder disease, pancreatitis or a similar infection might be responsible. Intense pain and bloating also might indicate an intestinal blockage. These are serious conditions, and prompt medical attention is required.