Abdomen, digestion and back

• upper back pain that sets in after eating
• tension between the shoulder blades, along with indigestion
• bloated abdomen and shortness of breath
• constant stiffness in the lower back and abdomen
• tension under the ribs
• digestive and musculoskeletal symptoms that worsen simultaneously
• pelvic pain or menstrual pain accompanied by abdominal and lower back pain.

The assessment helps to determine which approach makes sense in your case.

Visceral discomfort may be felt in another area, such as the back.

The stomach, diaphragm, ribs and upper back also move together with every breath.

Can stomach problems cause back pain?

This is why some internal sensations may feel as though they are far from their source.

The diaphragm plays a role in breathing and in the way the torso moves.

When the abdomen, ribs and spine become stiff, observing how you breathe can provide useful information.

The digestive system and the nervous system communicate with each other in both directions.

For some people, periods of increased stress or poor sleep coincide with:

• changes in digestion
• increased abdominal sensitivity
• shallow breathing
• muscle tension.

Stress may be part of the pattern when digestion, breathing or muscle tension are also affected.

See stress, rest and bodily tension

I start with the pattern:

• what appears first
• what changes after eating
• what’s happening with your breathing?
• which areas have limited mobility
• which symptoms improve or worsen together.

We can then assess the abdomen, diaphragm, ribs, spine, pelvis and fascia.

Understanding what is happening and deciding whether it makes sense to include the abdomen, digestion or breathing in the treatment.

As it is at the front, so it is at the back. Sometimes. And you have to check first.