What causes back pain after drinking alcohol?

Generally, back pain after drinking alcohol may be caused by factors such as muscle spasms due to alcohol irritation, improper posture and compression after drinking, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), pancreatitis, or gouty arthritis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Alcohol-induced muscle spasm: Alcohol inhibits the central nervous system, reducing muscular control, while also accelerating fluid loss in the body, leading to ischemia and spasms in the back muscles, causing pain. After drinking, drink plenty of warm water to rehydrate, and apply a warm towel to the back for 15–20 minutes to promote muscle relaxation and relieve spasms.

2. Postural compression due to improper positioning after drinking: Sleeping in a twisted position or maintaining the same posture for prolonged periods after intoxication can lead to continuous pressure on the back muscles and bones, resulting in pain upon waking. After drinking, try to maintain proper sleeping positions such as side-lying or supine, avoid prone or fetal positions, and use supportive pillows during sleep if you tend to roll over at night.

3. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Alcohol irritates the gastric mucosa, causing excessive gastric acid secretion and acid reflux into the esophagus, with pain radiating to the back, often accompanied by heartburn and acid regurgitation. Patients may follow medical advice to take medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets, or hydrotalcite chewable tablets to suppress gastric acid and protect the mucosa.

4. Pancreatitis: Alcohol stimulates pancreatic secretion, triggering pancreatic inflammation. The pain is severe and radiates to the lower back, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Patients should follow medical instructions to use medications such as somatostatin for injection, octreotide acetate injection, or pethidine hydrochloride injection to inhibit pancreatic secretion and relieve pain.

5. Gouty arthritis: Alcohol inhibits uric acid excretion, leading to deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints of the back, causing inflammatory pain along with redness and swelling of the joint. Patients may follow medical advice to take colchicine tablets, febuxostat tablets, or ibuprofen sustained-release capsules to lower uric acid levels and reduce inflammation.

In daily life, alcohol consumption should be moderated, avoid drinking on an empty stomach, and refrain from strenuous activity after drinking. If back pain occurs frequently, reduce the frequency of alcohol intake and maintain a light, healthy diet.