Constipation and back pain are both common high conditions. In many instances, these two conditions occur at the same time. Back pain and constipation can be symptoms of a single condition but are often unrelated. If both symptoms occur together, a person should contact a healthcare professional.
Describe constipation:
Constipation is a common diagnosis, affecting up to 27% of people in the United States, certain conditions can cause constipation, and most can be resolved through lifestyle changes and other ways to improve your digestive health.
While constipation is a frequent issue for many, experiencing lower back pain when you’re pooping or while constipated can be worrying. It’s important to know its causes and when to see a doctor for it.
Lower back pain
Lower back pain is widespread and usually resolves without treatment. Constipation is also common and people can usually treat it at home. However, if constipation and lower back pain occur together a person should contact a doctor.
Can constipation cause severe back pain?
Constipation does not usually cause severe back pain. However, it may be a side effect of severe back pain. Most doctors report that constipation causes a dull ache instead of severe back pain. Constipation that occurs in severe back pain may be caused by:
A pinched nerve in your back
Spinal cord injury
Irritable bowel syndrome
Parkinson’s disease
Tumer on your spine
Why can constipation cause back pain?
Constipation can cause your intestines to swell due to build-up stool that you are unable to pass. This is why your stomach may look bigger, or you feel more bloated when you are constipated. Swollen intestines can cause pain or discomfort in your back. This pain usually feels like a dull ache, which many people may describe as general back pain.
Can lower back pain cause constipation?
Sometimes the cause of lower back pain can lead to constipation. This can happen due to a tumor or growth. According to the British charity Cancer Research UK. if a tumor presses on the nerves in the spinal cord, it can stop or slow down the movement of the bowel, leading to constipation. The American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons states that growths and tumors in the Colon can also cause Constipation. However, it’s important to note that these are less likely to cause Constipation, and anyone who has concerns should contact a doctor.
Can Constipation cause upper back pain?
Constipation can cause upper back pain, though it is not as common as lower back pain. You may have constipation from upper back pain if the back pain is caused by an injury or condition that affects your nerves.
For example, a herniated disc can put pressure on certain spinal nerves, including the nerves that control your bowel movements. A muscle strain or injury that affects your spine could also lead to upper back pain that causes constipation.
If you have both constipation and upper back pain, make an appointment with your doctor so you can receive an accurate diagnosis.
Causes of constipation
The following are some of the many causes of constipation:
Not eating enough fiber
Not drinking enough water
Not moving enough
Putting off going to the toilet
A change in your diet
Certain medications
Stress, anxiety, or depression
Hypothyroidism, or a low-functioning thyroid
Obstructions in the bowel
Needing to use a finger to remove stool from your rectum
How can constipation and back pain be treated?
The type of treatment you receive for constipation and back pain will depend on the root cause of your problem. For example, if your constipation is being caused by dehydration, your doctor may instruct you to start drinking water throughout the day. If your constipation and back pain are caused by sciatica, your doctor will treat you for sciatica. Common treatments for sciatica include medications, physical therapy, and surgery.
Be completely open and honest with your doctor during your appointment to address constipation and back pain. This will help your doctor determine the true causes of your problems and the best treatments that can effectively relieve both your constipation and back pain.
Treatment for lower back pain
It’s best to treat the root cause of constipation rather than merely apply a band-aid in the form of pain medication or laxatives. However, heating pads and over-the-counter painkillers are helpful when you use them together with gradual lifestyle changes. You can use laxatives or stool softeners as a temporary measure, but you shouldn’t use them for longer than two weeks as they can cause other digestive issues. I am a medical student. I researched whether can constipation cause back pain. I hope this information was beneficial for you.
