What Causes A Sudden Onset Of Back Pain In An Elderly Person?

Posted on Sat, 21 May 2016

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

Sat, 21 May 2016 Answered on

Mon, 27 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I am 72 yrs old and had a sudden onset of back pain; then noticed that my stomach and midriff had enlarged and belly button became off center; have been told that it was a shift in my weight even though I weigh 110 lbs (5' 3") and have had complete abdominal ultrsound and colonoscopy within the past month and have also ruled out ovarian cancer by doctor; if it is a shift in weight what can I do to get back to normal size? YYYY@YYYY

Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Needs work up and management

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking

I read your question and i understand your concern. I believe it's the weight bearing that is causing stress fracture and also posture related belly button shift. I would suggest MR scans of spine, supportive pain killer management for the pain and efforts to lose weight with exercise , increase caloric consumption and reduced caloric intake of 2000 calories a day or less.

I hope it helps. take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please.

Regards
Khan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar