Is Lower Backache A Symptom Of Relapse Of Endometriosis?

Posted on Mon, 12 Jan 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 12 Jan 2015 Answered on

Tue, 10 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have sore lower back - has been in muscle spasm a month ago, after taking muscle relaxant drugs and voltaren and panadol for a month it is still sore but I have just about full spinal movement that is pain free, just a constant ache in my lower left side of my spine- similar to constant period pain in the lower left back area. When I flex my back by bending forward when in flexed position ie sitting, this is when it is felt even more. The acheing pain is felt constantly however. Have tried acupuncture, massage, physio and dr, but have not been x rayed as all believe it is muscular - yet the pain is not clearing. At the same time I have a swollen abdomen, less appetite, fatigue, nausea and occasional vomiting - yet I'm putting on weight, when eating a lot less than usual! I have been experiencing some nasty blood clots in my periods, and have had a laproscopy 10 years ago for endometriosis so think maybe this is coming back? Period not due for 2 weeks. I am not pregnant (tested!) but swollen look of my tummy makes me look it! Feel discomfort when pressure put over stomach area, but bowel motions are the same and regular.

Answered by Dr. Prasanna Heijebu (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Symptoms are related to endometriosis.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam,

I understand your concern.

Your symptoms most probably related to Relapsed form of Endometriosis.

The back ache is direct sequel of endometriotic deposits into uterosacral ligaments leading to constant dull ache.

Bloating ,nausea and vomiting are quite characteristically associated with Endometriosis.

Endometriotic deposits also lead to occasional fluid deposits in the abdomen leading to appearance of swollen abdomen.

Correction of this endometriosis will largely reverse most of your symptoms.

Drugs like Combined Oral Contraceptive Pills are the main stay of treatment.

Resistant Backache can be relieved through surgical procedures like Presacral Neurectomy or Laparoscopic uterine nerve ablation/LUNA.

I advice you to have a MRI scan of your pelvis to detect the extent of the relapsed endometriosis.

You need to consult your Gynecologist with reference to above treatment aspects in person.

Post your further queries,if any.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T