Overview
Experience the discomfort of Fatty Liver Back Pain? You're not alone. Back pain, affecting millions globally, is not just a common woe; it can also be linked to fatty liver conditions. According to the World Health Organization, about 80% of individuals face back pain in their lives. In India, 60-80% of the population encounters back pain, while 31 million Americans suffer from lower back pain. In the UK, 1 in 4 individuals grapples with back pain, a top 20 reason for doctor visits in Canada. Explore the intriguing correlation between fatty liver and back pain, shedding light on effective management strategies for holistic well-being.
Understanding fatty liver disease
Fatty liver disease (FLD), is also known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It is a common condition and occurs when there is an accumulation of excess fat in the liver.
It is estimated that about 25% of the world's population has NAFLD. It is becoming more common in developing countries, such as India, due to increasing rates of obesity and diabetes. In Western countries, NAFLD is also becoming more prevalent, and it is estimated that 30%-40% of people in Western countries have NAFLD.
- In India, the prevalence of NAFLD is estimated to be around 20-30%.
- In the US, it is estimated that around 30-40% of adults have NAFLD.
- In the UK, it is estimated that around 25% of adults have NAFLD.
- In Australia, the prevalence of NAFLD is estimated to be around 25%.
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Are you living with fatty liver disease and also coping with back pain? Let’s find out if your back pain is due to the accumulation of fatty liver.
Is fatty liver back pain common?
Fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is often asymptomatic, meaning it doesn't cause any symptoms. Therefore, back pain is not a common symptom of NAFLD. As far as statistics of back pain caused by the fatty liver are concerned, the link between fatty liver disease and back pain is not well established. Studies have suggested that people with FLD may be more likely to experience back pain, but more research is needed to confirm this link.
However, it can occur in advanced stages of the disease, such as in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) where there's inflammation and damage to the liver, and it may lead to cirrhosis which can cause back pain.
Wondering how fatty liver can be the hidden cause of your back pain? Read on to get a better understanding.
Why does fatty liver cause back pain?
In most cases, NAFLD doesn't cause any symptoms and is only discovered during a routine medical examination. However, in advanced stages of the disease such as Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), there is inflammation and damage to the liver, which can lead to cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is a severe condition in which the liver is scarred and cannot function properly.
- Cirrhosis can cause back pain due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen (known as ascites), which can put pressure on the diaphragm and the nerves in the back.
- Additionally, cirrhosis can also cause a buildup of toxins in the blood, which can lead to muscle weakness, stiffness, and pain.
- Also, the liver is located on the upper right side of the abdomen. When it becomes enlarged, it can push against the diaphragm and cause discomfort in the back.
That said, please remember that back pain can have many different causes. It's important to consult with your hepatologist to determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend the appropriate treatment.
So how does one know if they have back pain due to fatty liver? Let’s find out.
How shall I know if the back pain is fatty liver related?
It can be challenging to know for certain whether your back pain is related to fatty liver disease without a proper medical examination and diagnosis. However, there are some signs and symptoms that may suggest a link between the two.
It's possible that your back pain could be related to NAFLD if you have been diagnosed with the condition.
According to Amber Dixon, a dietitian and CEO of Elderly Assist, with over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry, has quoted that -
The relationship between fatty liver and back pain lies in the inflammation and enlargement of the liver. As the liver enlarges, it can press against nearby structures, causing discomfort and pain in the back area. To diagnose and evaluate back pain associated with fatty liver, we generally advice to perform blood tests, imaging studies (such as ultrasound or CT scan), and in some cases, a liver biopsy. These tests help determine the extent of liver damage and the underlying cause of the fatty liver.
Risk factors for the NAFLD include:
- being overweight or obese
- having high levels of triglycerides or cholesterol
- having type 2 diabetes
Symptoms of advanced stages of NAFLD, such as Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), include:
If you have any of these symptoms in addition to back pain, it's worth discussing with a hepatologist in the best hospital. Hepatologists specialize in treating chronic and acute liver diseases and other liver conditions. They can help determine if your back pain is related to NAFLD.
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What does fatty liver back pain feel like?
Back pain caused by fatty liver disease can feel different for different people. It is typically described as a dull, aching pain in the upper right side of the back, just beneath the rib cage. This is the area where the liver is located. Thus, the pain may be caused by an enlarged liver pressing against the muscles and nerves in the back. The pain may also radiate to the shoulders or the chest.
According to medical experts, the source of pain in advanced stages of NAFLD, such as (NASH) may include:
- A buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity (ascites) can exert stress on the diaphragm and the nervous system in the back.
- An accumulation of toxic elements in the blood, can weaken the muscles, and cause stiffness, and pain.
It is worth noting that back pain can have many different causes, such as injury, muscle strain, or a herniated disc.
So, now we know that fatty liver can cause back pain and what it feels like, let’s look at the treatment options.
What is the treatment for back pain due to fatty liver?
The treatment for back pain caused by fatty liver disease (NAFLD) will depend on the underlying cause of the pain and the stage of the disease. The primary goal of treatment is to address the underlying cause of NAFLD, which is typically an accumulation of excess fat in the liver.
The most common treatment for NAFLD is lifestyle changes, such as:
| Keeping fit with regular physical activity |  |
| Eating a diet that is low in saturated fats and high in whole grains,fruits, and vegetables |  |
| Avoiding or limiting the intake of added sugars and processed foods |  |
| Managing any underlying medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure |  |
Medications may also be used to help manage NAFLD and its complications, such as:
|  |
It's also important to note that if you have NAFLD and it has progressed to advanced stages such as Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis or Cirrhosis, it may require more aggressive treatment, such as medications or even a liver transplant.
Okay, so you’re following a healthy lifestyle and taking medications to treat your NAFLD-related back pain.
Read on to find out how long medications take to show results.
How long will it take for the medications to relieve back pain from NAFLD?
If your back pain is caused by an enlarged liver or cirrhosis, medications may not directly relieve the back pain. The medicines used to treat NAFLD primarily focus on reducing the amount of fat in the liver and improving liver function.
These medications may take several months to show improvement in liver function tests and may not have an immediate effect on back pain. In some cases, weight loss and exercise can also help reduce the amount of fat in the liver and improve symptoms of NAFLD.
As mentioned earlier, back pain is caused by many factors, and it's not easy to draw a direct correlation between back pain and FLD. However, FLD is considered one of the potential causes of back pain.
For back pain specifically, the treatment will depend on the underlying cause and the severity of the pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be helpful. Physical therapy or exercise may also be recommended to help strengthen the muscles in the back and reduce pain.
If you or a loved one is living with back pain and are looking for advice and treatment, please do not delay getting medical attention.
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References:
https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/liver-conditions
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317259
https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/liver-conditions/5-signs-and-symptoms-of-fatty-liver-disease
Frequently Asked Questions
When should someone consider surgery for the back pain?
Is there a link between fatty liver disease and back pain?
Can poor diet & lack of exercise cause fatty liver & back pain?
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Can stress and anxiety contribute to fatty liver disease and back pain?
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