Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Right-sided Lower Back Pain After Vodka Consumption?
Question: I drank too much Vodka last night, and my lower right side of my back is hurting, almost as if my liver is inflamed. Is that possible, and if so, besides obviously not drinking like that anymore, what can I do? Juice cleanse, water, etc?
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question.
I'd like a little bit more information from you. Do you have any liver disease or history of this in your family? Any cardiac problems? Are you an alcoholic? How many drinks do you have in a week, on average? Have you had recent blood tests to test your liver?
It is possible your liver is damaged, but this doesn't usually manifest as pain. This more likely might be gastritis induced from alcohol. This will probably resolve itself with rest and fluids, and possibly an over-the-counter antacid like Pepcid, Nexium, Maalox, or Tums. Juice cleanses are totally ineffective and I would not recommend it.
My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX psychiatrist working in New York City. For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, or individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question.
I'd like a little bit more information from you. Do you have any liver disease or history of this in your family? Any cardiac problems? Are you an alcoholic? How many drinks do you have in a week, on average? Have you had recent blood tests to test your liver?
It is possible your liver is damaged, but this doesn't usually manifest as pain. This more likely might be gastritis induced from alcohol. This will probably resolve itself with rest and fluids, and possibly an over-the-counter antacid like Pepcid, Nexium, Maalox, or Tums. Juice cleanses are totally ineffective and I would not recommend it.
My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX psychiatrist working in New York City. For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, or individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Thank you Dr. Sheppe. No known family history on liver disease. I think I maybe an alcoholic ... I've been drinking almost nightly for the past year, initially to help me fall asleep, but it has gotten progressively worse. I'm good 9/10 times to limit my intake to 200 ml XXXXXXX ... I know this because I buy that size bottle to ensure that is the most I can consume. I always do it at home after my wife and son go to bed, but yesterday I was home alone and "found" a 750 ml bottle and drank 3/4 of it, then woke up feeling the back pain.
I'd like to stop drinking all together. At my age, there is no real benefit, and my wife is extremely unhappy with what occurred yesterday, and a handful of times over the past few months (minus the back pain, this was a first).
I'd like to stop drinking all together. At my age, there is no real benefit, and my wife is extremely unhappy with what occurred yesterday, and a handful of times over the past few months (minus the back pain, this was a first).
Brief Answer:
Follow-up
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for being so open and honest with me. It sounds like you may indeed have an alcohol use disorder. More than 8 drinks a week is considered potentially unhealthy. Your back pain could be related to liver, pancreas, or stomach irritation related to alcohol. As you suggest, I think cutting back or stopping drinking altogether would be a good move to keep yourself healthy.
If you would like more information or ongoing counseling about alcohol use, and ways you can try to quit with assistance from medication and/or therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: XXXX
Follow-up
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for being so open and honest with me. It sounds like you may indeed have an alcohol use disorder. More than 8 drinks a week is considered potentially unhealthy. Your back pain could be related to liver, pancreas, or stomach irritation related to alcohol. As you suggest, I think cutting back or stopping drinking altogether would be a good move to keep yourself healthy.
If you would like more information or ongoing counseling about alcohol use, and ways you can try to quit with assistance from medication and/or therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: XXXX
Note: In case of any other concern or query related to prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, or the recovery of persons with the any type of addiction or substance use, follow up with our Addiction Medicine Specialist. Click here to book a consultation now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
