What causes lower back pain after drinking alcohol?
Oct 31, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
After drinking alcohol, metabolic byproducts such as lactic acid are produced during alcohol metabolism in the body. If these substances are not promptly eliminated, they may accumulate within the body—particularly in tissues such as the lower back muscles—leading to low back pain, possibly accompanied by muscle soreness and restricted movement. It is recommended to drink plenty of water to promote urination and sweating, thereby accelerating the elimination of metabolic byproducts like lactic acid.
Generally, lower back pain after drinking alcohol may be caused by factors such as the diuretic effect of alcohol, lactic acid buildup, gout, pancreatitis, or lumbar disc herniation. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Diuretic Effect of Alcohol
After drinking, alcohol exerts a diuretic effect that may lead to dehydration. In particular, the muscles and soft tissues in the lower back may not receive adequate hydration, making them prone to pain. This type of pain typically does not come with other obvious symptoms. It is recommended to replenish fluids promptly by drinking water or electrolyte beverages to help restore the body's fluid balance.
2. Lactic Acid Buildup
During alcohol metabolism, metabolic byproducts such as lactic acid are produced. If these substances are not eliminated from the body in a timely manner, they may accumulate—particularly in tissues like the lower back muscles—leading to back pain. This may be accompanied by muscle soreness and limited mobility. It is recommended to drink plenty of water to promote urination and sweating, thereby accelerating the elimination of metabolic waste.
3. Gout
Alcohol consumption can reduce uric acid excretion, leading to elevated uric acid levels and triggering gout attacks. When urate crystals deposit in the joints or surrounding tissues of the lower back, inflammatory reactions may occur, resulting in back pain. This is often accompanied by joint redness, swelling, and warmth. It is recommended to take medications such as benzbromarone tablets, etoricoxib tablets, or febuxostat tablets under medical supervision.
4. Pancreatitis
Alcohol can stimulate the pancreas to secrete excessive digestive enzymes. When this exceeds the pancreas’s processing capacity, it may trigger pancreatitis. The inflammatory response may not be confined to the pancreas but can radiate to the back and lower back, causing back pain after drinking. This is often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Treatment may include medications such as somatostatin for injection, octreotide acetate injection, or cefoperazone sodium and sulbactam sodium for injection, used under a doctor’s guidance.
5. Lumbar Disc Herniation
Long-term poor posture may lead to lumbar disc herniation. In patients who already have underlying spinal conditions, alcohol intake may cause central nervous system-induced muscle paralysis, reducing protective muscle support and exacerbating symptoms of disc herniation. This results in lower back pain after drinking, possibly accompanied by sciatica and numbness in the lower limbs. It is recommended to take medications such as aspirin sustained-release tablets, acetaminophen tablets, or ibuprofen sustained-release capsules as directed by a physician.
In daily life, appropriate physical exercise can be increased to enhance physical strength and boost immune function.
