Is that low backache you have a part of your microscopic colitis? Or is it just a coincidence?
But if it’s a coincidence, why does the timeline include diarrhea?
“None of my microscopic colitis patients have exhibited signs of low back ache,” says Jeffrey Fine, MD, chief of gastroenterology at the Medical Surgical Clinic of Irving.
“However, low back ache can be associated with gastrointestinal distress because of where our intestines are located. Our bodies are a complex network. Everything is connected.”
But can the low back ache that some people with microscopic colitis get be caused by something else related to this inflammatory bowel condition?
“None of my microscopic colitis patients have exhibited this particular symptom, but based on what we know about prostaglandins, it can be speculated that they may be contributing to lower back pain.,” explains Dr. Fine.
What are prostaglandins?
“Prostaglandins are chemicals that generally cause inflammation, and ‘aching’ is often considered a symptom of inflammation,” says Dr. Fine.
This explains why the low back ache that I myself have experienced with microscopic colitis felt identical to that caused by premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
After all, the “pains” of PMS are caused by prostaglandins, which is why NSAIDS such as ibuprofen work remarkably well at suppressing the discomfort.
However, people with microscopic colitis should never take NSAIDS, as this class of drugs can worsen the condition.
For more information about the symptoms of microscopic colitis:
