Spine/back problem causing severe stomach pains?

For WAY too long, I've had major stomach issues that have been diagnosed as gallbladder issues and was scheduled to have it removed (as per 3 ultra sounds and other diagnosis stating it was almost an emergency) but something inside me said that this wouldn't fix the problem and would probably make it worse. It was just a feeling that got stronger and wouldn't stop flooding my mind as the surgery approached. There were many reasons I didn't think it was gallbladder b/c some things would help (stop pain almost instantly) like strong muscle relaxers or some benzo's.

Last night I had about 5 hours of the bad pain and then my mid back started to cramp badly - just really tense muscle knots. I have a device a stick/cane used for pressure point massage to relieve muscle knots like this (it's such a life saver IDK what I'd do w/o it) and when I placed the "ball/knob" on the knotted muscle after about 3-5 seconds my stomach cramp stopped immediately and after applying pressure to both knots on each side I felt a relief and clamness in my stomach I haven't' felt in years and slept like I haven't since my stomach pains started (5+ years). I can't describe the relief I felt after applying this pressure to the knots on either side of my spine but it was amazing and I almost had a breakdown (from joy) when it worked.

After sleeping I woke feeling better than I have in years which is really something. I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with whether nerves in the spine terminate in the stomach, so that if there is a pinched nerve in the spine, it effects the stomach, or is this is more of a phantom/referred pain type scenario.

I have decided to try going back to the chiropractor for massage & adjustments and hopefully that might be better than the more "mainstream" approached to dealing with these issues. Adjustments worked wonders when I was young and severely injured lower back (L3-S1) but failed when it was a more severe injury and I was scared that it might make the situation worse.

a reply to: DigginFoTroof

I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with whether nerves in the spine terminate in the stomach, so that if there is a pinched nerve in the spine, it effects the stomach, or is this is more of a phantom/referred pain type scenario. 

My hubby has experienced something similar, along with nausea. He chalked it up to the way he has to carry and or brace himself to compensate for the back pain.

He won't do steroids or opiods because they tear up his tummy. He doesn't even like taking OTC pain relievers for the same reason. He has found relief taking Vitamin D3 in fish oil and hemp seed oil. I really don't know if it would help your condition, but it couldn't hurt to check it out.

P.S. Good luck -- I know it's he'll living with that pain.

a reply to: DigginFoTroof

Goto more doctors until you find the cause. Making multiple posts about it won't fix it. We aren't a panel of doctors.

a reply to: DigginFoTroof

The stomach is enervated by Thoracic 6-9. That is located in the mid upper back area. You might be onto something. I think it is a really good idea to have chiropractic adjustments.

The nerve issue may actually be causing irritation to the gall bladder as well. Does your pain get worse after eating fatty foods? That is a classic sign of gall bladder obstruction. Have you ever tried using a castor oil pack? They are wonderful for correcting that sort of issue. I have used it for gall bladder as well as stomach issues and it is healing and really makes it feel much better. The late Edgar Cayce frequently suggested the castor oil pack for many issues. I have a strong feeling this will help you. I would start with laying the pack over your right upper abdominal area for about an hour each night until your symptoms are relieved. This is not just to make you feel better but to correct the issues.


How to Make a Castor Oil Pack

Materials:

Soft, clean, thick material like organic flannel, wool, or cotton
Castor oil
Glass bowl
Hot water bottle or heating pad
Old clothes that you don't mind getting stained
Plastic bag
Large towel

Instructions:

Put on your older clothes.
Take your piece of flannel and place it in the bowl. Then pour enough castor oil over it to saturate.
Get your hot water bottle or heating pad ready.
Place your towel on a flat surface like a couch, your bed, or the floor. For added protection you can also put down a garbage bag so that your bed or couch won't get stained from any oil that manages to escape the plastic cover.
Once you lie down, place your saturated flannel over the affected area of your body.
Cover the pack with plastic.
Place the heating pad or hot water bottle over the pack and let it sit for at least 45 to 60 minutes. During this time, you can rest or read a book.
When the time is up, remove the pack and clean the area with water and a bit of baking soda.
You can keep the pack in a plastic bag in a cool place or the refrigerator. I keep mine in a sealed glass jar in one of my kitchen cabinets. Just add another tablespoon of castor oil for the next session.




It sound like you have been in a lot of pain, I have experienced some of the same kind. Trying both things, the chiropractic and the castor oil packs would be a really good start. You can also find videos about the castor oil pack on you tube.

originally posted by: hombero
a reply to: DigginFoTroof

Goto more doctors until you find the cause. Making multiple posts about it won't fix it. We aren't a panel of doctors.

That's true, we aren't a panel of doctors, she already said she went to a doctor. We do have personal experience and can share what has worked for us and in some cases that may be more beneficial than having a body part removed.

Thanks for the suggestions and replies (excluding "hombero" who seems obsessed and a troll who never contributes anywhere) . I had heard of that castor oil thing before but never followed up on that. I have been to a number of doctors and had they had their way I'd have had a surgery to remove an organ that doesn't seem to be the cause.

I came across this image that shows the different vertebra and what the nerves in each vertebra attach to - and the symptoms from damage to the nerves.

bloginonline.com...[ /ex]

a reply to: pointessa

Curious what T10/T11 corespond to? I ask because I had a 4 wheeler wreck where I got compression fractures of T10/T11.

Well one way you can rule out a biliary organ or gland is to eat a meal heavy in fats get comfy and see if your pain comes. If it doesnt then it's probably muscle related. If doctors are at the point of saying you need to gallbladder removed it should mean it's on its last legs and even drinking milk would set off an attack.

I'd look into seeing a specialists for nerves and spine, maybe ask for a full abdomen ct if you can. It will rule out gallbladder for sure.

a reply to: DigginFoTroof

I think you are in denial. No matter how much you explain here...you are evidently trying to justify..or invalidate...your feelings and medical consult.

Be assured...a ruptured gall bladder can happen anytime, with or without warnings...and can KILL...flooding the systems with poisonous fluids.

Get a medical diagnosis/surgical opinion. Not once, not twice, maybe 5 times to get a general, common consensus.

Yes, the nerves are connected. Yes, I've had crushed vertebrae T9, 10, C 1-5, S and L 1-2...and a chiropractic Dr. can help.

Your entire opening post reeks of needing approval of rejecting multiple medical advise. Bad idea on an internet forum.

This is a serious issue and holistic or chropractic can obviously help some...but in no way treats the underlying cause.

For ex.: You cannot put a bandaid on a tumor. I cannot advise you more than all the info you provided in the o.p.

Emergency Medical Specialist/Responder
Adv. Life Support

originally posted by: mysterioustranger
a reply to: DigginFoTroof

I think you are in denial. No matter how much you explain here...you are evidently trying to justify..or invalidate...your feelings and medical consult.

Be assured...a ruptured gall bladder can happen anytime, with or without warnings...and can KILL...flooding the systems with poisonous fluids.

Get a medical diagnosis/surgical opinion. Not once, not twice, maybe 5 times to get a general, common consensus.

Yes, the nerves are connected. Yes, I've had crushed vertebrae T9, 10, C 1-5, S and L 1-2...and a chiropractic Dr. can help.

Your entire opening post reeks of needing approval of rejecting multiple medical advise. Bad idea on an internet forum.

This is a serious issue and holistic or chropractic can obviously help some...but in no way treats the underlying cause.

For ex.: You cannot put a bandaid on a tumor. I cannot advise you more than all the info you provided in the o.p.

Emergency Medical Specialist/Responder
Adv. Life Support

Ouch man that’s no bueno I know how bad it was having compression fractures of T10 and T11. Agreed on not going AMA I had my gall bladder removed and it was very close to rupturing when I got the surgery.

a reply to: DigginFoTroof

Do yourself a favor and see a physiotherapist.

After many, many years and tens of thousands of dollars paid to chiropractors, I decided too try something new. I saw a physio twice and haven't needed anything other than self maintenance (stretching) since.

Did you know that the cause of most back pain is a result of lack of flexibility, particularly the back sides of your legs? Can you touch your toes? Simply stretching and getting my flexibility back did more for the quality of my life and almost completely got rid of my chronic back pain.

originally posted by: nightbringr
a reply to: DigginFoTroof

Do yourself a favor and see a physiotherapist.

After many, many years and tens of thousands of dollars paid to chiropractors, I decided too try something new. I saw a physio twice and haven't needed anything other than self maintenance (stretching) since.

Did you know that the cause of most back pain is a result of lack of flexibility, particularly the back sides of your legs? Can you touch your toes? Simply stretching and getting my flexibility back did more for the quality of my life and almost completely got rid of my chronic back pain.

I agree with your opinion on this and I too have found that simple back exercises can relieve some of the most serious nerve and muscle conditions. But, having said that, I too agree that more medical opinions should be sought, specifically regarding the OP's gallbladder health and I say that because you have to be your own advocate out there because I am noticing more and more that the medical professionals either don't care or just follow rote and don't think for themselves any more.

a reply to: DigginFoTroof

Got three broken discs in the lower back, and other things there too,

when i have to go number one or two, it hurts, or if i eat or drink something it hurts.

But as others have said, physiotherapy is a life saver with these kind of problems.

a reply to: DigginFoTroof

I think you need more opinions....and a chiropractor.

I cannot speak to whether your issue is a bad gall bladder, or nerve impingement/issues.
If it is indeed a bad gallbladder.....well, it needs to be fixed.

What I can tell you is that I was scheduled for surgery to correct a medial nerve entrapment...arm surgery.
I mentioned it to my chiropractor, and ended up getting some adjustments, a traction table...and a few visits with a physical therapist.
It was a nerve in my neck, not an elbow that needed surgery.

You could all try an Osteopath ..... Your back can cause all kinds of physical and medical problems .