I get lower and mid intermittent back discomfort after drinking alcohol. This has been going on for a few years and is getting worse. It used to start the morning after but can now sometimes start as I am drinking one glass of wine. I also sometimes have discomfort in my right shoulder blade area which first started during my morning walk. I have had a blood test and an abdominal scan following visits to the doctor when I queried a possible kidney problem. All tests came back clear. My doctor said I have a bad back and suggested a book to read. I have no other symptoms. The back pain can also be in other parts of my back. It feels like inflamation and is much worse lying down and when sitting I often have to put cushions behind my back to feel comfortable. I agree with the doctor that I have a bad back and it aches, for example, after gardening but cannot understand why it is worse after drinking alcohol. I am 61, have always drunk socially and have had periods in my life when I probably became drink dependant. I have cut down a lot since I have had the back pain and don't want to go back to the doctor with the same symptoms that resulted in a clear blood test and then, after going back as I was still worried, a clear abdominal scan . What could be causing the link?