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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Gallstones Cause Lower Back Pain?

Can gallstones cause lower back pain, especially when going to the bathroom ? I went for a Gallstone test friday, and I do have Gallstones. They are not big, but I have several. do you recommend getting rid of the Gallbladder.....I have mostly back pain, sometimes adominal right in the middle under the sternum.....more so with the back.
posted on Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Twitter Wed, 2 May 2018 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 3 May 2018 Last reviewed on
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Urologist,  's  Response
Hello,

Gallstones are unlikely to cause back pain. Gallbladder stones do cause abdominal pain but it is usually in the upper abdomen on the right side below your ribs and in the center. Sometimes the pain may radiate up to your right shoulder blade in the upper back, but the lower back pain is not likely.

I would suggest an evaluation of the lower spine and spinal muscles by an orthopedic surgeon to identify any problems. Regarding gallbladder surgery, if you are asymptomatic it is usually not an indication to remove the gallbladder, even if you have multiple stones. Also removing your gallbladder will not give you any relief in your low back pain.

But there is a 10% chance of getting complications like gallbladder infection, bile duct obstruction, so I would suggest you have an open discussion with your general surgeon about the pros and cons of gallbladder surgery and then decide.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Karthik Rajan
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Can Gallstones Cause Lower Back Pain?

Hello, Gallstones are unlikely to cause back pain. Gallbladder stones do cause abdominal pain but it is usually in the upper abdomen on the right side below your ribs and in the center. Sometimes the pain may radiate up to your right shoulder blade in the upper back, but the lower back pain is not likely. I would suggest an evaluation of the lower spine and spinal muscles by an orthopedic surgeon to identify any problems. Regarding gallbladder surgery, if you are asymptomatic it is usually not an indication to remove the gallbladder, even if you have multiple stones. Also removing your gallbladder will not give you any relief in your low back pain. But there is a 10% chance of getting complications like gallbladder infection, bile duct obstruction, so I would suggest you have an open discussion with your general surgeon about the pros and cons of gallbladder surgery and then decide. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Karthik Rajan