Differential Diagnosis for Umbilical Pain Radiating to Back
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Peptic ulcer disease: This condition is a common cause of abdominal pain that can radiate to the back. The pain is often described as burning or gnawing and can be exacerbated by food or improved by antacids.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe abdominal pain that radiates to the back. The pain is often constant and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and fever.
- Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder can cause right upper quadrant abdominal pain that radiates to the back. The pain is often exacerbated by fatty foods and may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
- Pyelonephritis: Infection of the kidney can cause flank pain that radiates to the back. The pain is often accompanied by fever, nausea, and vomiting.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Appendicitis: Although appendicitis typically presents with right lower quadrant pain, it can occasionally present with umbilical pain that radiates to the back. Missing this diagnosis can lead to perforation and peritonitis.
- Aortic dissection: A tear in the aorta can cause severe back pain that radiates to the abdomen. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
- Ectopic pregnancy: A pregnancy that develops outside the uterus can cause abdominal pain that radiates to the back. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Intestinal obstruction: A blockage in the intestine can cause abdominal pain that radiates to the back. This is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
- Inflammatory bowel disease: Conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause abdominal pain that radiates to the back. These conditions are often accompanied by diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue.
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm: A weakening of the aortic wall can cause back pain that radiates to the abdomen. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.