Can Celiac Disease Cause Back Pain?
May 23, 2024 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Celiac disease is primarily known for causing gastrointestinal symptoms and nutrient absorption issues, but it can also lead to extra-intestinal symptoms, including back pain. Here are several ways celiac disease might be linked to back pain:
- Nutrient Deficiencies: Celiac disease can lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D due to malabsorption. These deficiencies can contribute to weakened bones (osteopenia or osteoporosis) and joint pain, including back pain.
- Inflammation: Chronic inflammation associated with celiac disease can affect various parts of the body, including the musculoskeletal system. This systemic inflammation can contribute to pain and discomfort in the back and other joints.
- Associated Conditions: Celiac disease is associated with a higher risk of developing other autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis, which can cause back pain.
- Muscle Pain: Malnutrition and chronic inflammation can lead to generalized muscle pain, including in the back.
- Peripheral Neuropathy: Celiac disease can cause peripheral neuropathy, a condition where the peripheral nerves are damaged. This can lead to pain, tingling, and numbness in various parts of the body, including the back.
If you have celiac disease and are experiencing back pain, it is important to discuss these symptoms with your healthcare provider. They can help determine if the back pain is related to celiac disease or if there might be another underlying cause. Treatment and management might involve ensuring strict adherence to a gluten-free diet to control celiac symptoms and addressing any associated nutrient deficiencies or inflammatory conditions.