Lower back pain and colitis

I've had a flare in the past week - lots of diarrhea, and sometimes black stool, and a tiny amount of red blood sometimes. At the same time, I've had some intense pain and stiffness in my lower back/lower spine.

Is this common? I haven't really lifted anything unusual, just some sacks of salt for the water softner. .

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Proctitis - diagnosed April 2007 (symptoms starting in October 2006)

Flares treated with Rowasa enemas

Mild food diet (chicken, rice, collard greens, no sugar, no corn, no beef/pork, etc)

It's not unusual... I experienced something similar a year or two ago. My lower back really hurt and I couldn't straighten and lift my legs, like on the quad extension machine at the gym. I believe at least one other member here has mentioned having the same problem. I went to a chiropractor for a few sessions and got quite a bit of relief. His thought was the inflammation in the abdomen from a UC flare can also cause related inflammation in the SI joint of the lower spine.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacroiliac_joint

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Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis spring 1999

I get pains in my back when I'm flaring. Makes things even MORE miserable!

Tylenol, hot pads, and massage are my best remedies!

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Pan-colitis and GERD diagnosed May 2003

 

Asacol 12 per day,  Azathioprine 75mg, Rowasa and Canasa as needed

Aciphex, Effexor XR, BCP, Rhinocort nasal spray

Culturelle, Biotin, Folic Acid, Forvia, Calcium, and B12

 

Osteopenia (hip and spine) from prednisone use.  Started Azathioprine because I was steroid dependent.

 

Co-Mod for the UC forum

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i had terrible back pain while flaring. i've always had sciatica issues, but in addition it was like a sore achy feeling that went from my back to my guts or something. it was painful, i took warm baths morning and night and that helped temporarily. when i could get out of bed for more than 1/2 hour at at time i started going to the chiropracter, which i think helped a little. hot pads helped too, at least it's soothing whether or not it helps the problem. good luck, i know it's miserable.

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headphones
29 yr. old female
diagnosed with pancolitis uc 7/05

fish oil, probiotics, multi and B vitamins
pregnant~ due 4/4/08!