What could cause both lower abdominal pain and back pain?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Pain in both your lower abdomen and back often occurs when a single condition affects nearby systems, such as the digestive tract, urinary system, or musculoskeletal structures. Common causes include kidney stones, urinary tract infections, constipation, endometriosis, muscle strain, or gastrointestinal issues. Because these symptoms can point to many possible conditions—some minor, some serious—identifying the underlying cause quickly is important for choosing the right next step.

If you're experiencing this combination of symptoms, don't guess. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be going on and get personalized guidance on when to seek care. It takes just a few minutes and can help you feel more informed and confident about your next move.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

There are a number of reasons why you might have pain in your lower abdomen and your back at the same time. Sometimes, digestive issues can cause pain that is felt in your abdomen and your back. Similarly, conditions involving your urinary or reproductive system can also send pain signals to both your belly and back. As examples, bowel obstructions, kidney stones, and ovarian cysts can all cause pain in both the back and the abdomen. Musculoskeletal issues like muscle strains or problems in the spine like herniated discs can cause pain in these areas. In rare cases, problems with a big blood vessel in abdomen, called an abdominal aortic aneurysm, may cause pain in the lower back along with discomfort in your abdomen. If pain is severe or persistent, it is best to discuss with a healthcare provider. To help identify what might be causing your symptoms, you can check your symptoms now using a free online assessment tool.

(References)

Smith MD, Russell A, Hodges PW. How common is back pain in women with gastrointestinal problems? Clin J Pain. 2008 Mar-Apr;24(3):199-203. doi: 10.1097/AJP.0b013e31815d3601. PMID: 18287824.
Paulson JD. Abdominal and urogenital diseases can often be the cause of lower back pain and sciatic-like symptoms. Pain Manag. 2012 May;2(3):279-94. doi: 10.2217/pmt.12.14. PMID: 24654670.
Yildizgoren MT, Ogut H, Kayali A, Turhanoglu AD. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm as a Long Time Cause of Low Back Pain and Vertebral Scalloping. Pain Med. 2016 Feb;17(2):372-3. doi: 10.1111/pm/pme.12888. PMID: 26893462.

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