Which finding suggests a GI source of back pain?

• A. GU complaints with bleeding
• B. Headache
• C. GI complaints, relation of pain to certain foods, abdominal examination
• D. Gait disturbance

Answer: (C)

Back pain that is accompanied by GI complaints and a clear relationship to certain foods, with abnormal findings on abdominal examination, points to a visceral GI source rather than a purely musculoskeletal cause. Visceral organs can refer pain to the back through shared neural pathways, and symptoms tied to meals (such as pain after eating, or pain worsened by fatty or irritating foods) raise suspicion for gastritis, peptic ulcers, pancreatitis, or biliary disease. An abnormal abdominal exam—like tenderness, guarding, or rebound—further supports a GI origin. In contrast, headaches or gait disturbances suggest neurologic or musculoskeletal or central causes, and GU bleeding by itself does not specifically indicate a GI-driven back pain.