Introduction
Experiencing both back pain and constipation can be a double whammy, leaving you feeling uncomfortable and seeking relief. While these two conditions may seem unrelated, there’s a surprising connection between them. In fact, around 39% of adults experience low-back pain, and up to 27% experience constipation each year. So, if you’re dealing with both, you’re not alone.
How Constipation Causes Back Pain
Constipation can lead to nagging lower back pain in a few different ways. Let’s explore the most common scenarios:
General Constipation
If you’re constipated, it means you’re not emptying your bowels regularly or effectively. Your stool may be hard, dry, and lumpy, or it may come out in small, pebbly segments. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, such as:
- Not getting enough dietary fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Taking certain medications that can cause constipation as a side effect
- Dehydration
- Physical inactivity
- Ignoring the urge to pass stool
- Experiencing depression or anxiety
When too much stool accumulates in your lower intestine, it can put pressure on the back muscles and nerves, causing an uncomfortable aching sensation. This pain may persist until you can get your digestive system moving again.
Fecal Impaction
In some cases of chronic constipation, a condition called fecal impaction can occur. This happens when a hardened mass of stool becomes stuck at the end of the intestine, blocking normal bowel movements. It’s a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention.
To relieve a fecal impaction, your healthcare provider may need to soften and dislodge the stool using mineral enemas, suppositories, or even manual removal in severe cases. Meanwhile, the pressure from this hardened mass on the sacral nerves in your lower back can cause considerable lower back pain.
Back Pain Causing Constipation
While constipation can cause back pain, the reverse is also possible. If you have back pain due to a pinched nerve or a herniated disc, it can make it difficult to pass stool. The inability to exert the necessary pressure can lead to constipation.
Moreover, certain spinal cord injuries or nerve problems can interfere with normal bowel function, leading to conditions like neurogenic bowel or flaccid bowel. In these cases, the reduced movement of the colon can cause constipation, in addition to other bowel-related issues.
Conditions Causing Both Constipation and Back Pain
In some instances, both constipation and back pain can be symptoms of an underlying condition. Here are a few examples:
- Cancer: Tumors that develop near the spinal cord or abdominal area can press on the nerves or bowels, causing back pain and constipation.
- Endometriosis: This condition involves the growth of uterine-like tissue outside the uterus, potentially inside or around the intestines. This can lead to constipation, lower back pain, and other symptoms.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Certain subtypes of IBS, like IBS-C and IBS with mixed bowel habits, can cause both constipation and back pain, along with other gastrointestinal issues.
- Fibromyalgia: Individuals with fibromyalgia may experience widespread pain, including in the back, as well as symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, such as constipation.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease involve inflammation of the intestines, which can lead to constipation and accompanying back pain.
Symptoms and Treatment
Constipation is typically defined as having less than three bowel movements per week. Some common symptoms include:
- Hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass
- Lumpy or pebbly stools
- Feeling like there’s still stool remaining in the bowel after a bowel movement
When constipation is accompanied by back pain, you may experience a dull, heavy ache in your lower back due to the stool buildup in your colon. In some cases, if the bowels are putting pressure on the sciatic nerve, you may also experience pain that radiates down your leg (sciatica), along with numbness, tingling, or weakness in your leg or foot.
If you’re experiencing persistent constipation and back pain, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider. They can help identify the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment options. In the meantime, here are some self-care measures that may help:
- Increase your fluid intake by drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.
- Consume a high-fiber diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds, and nuts.
- Consider taking fiber supplements like psyllium (e.g., Metamucil).
- Use over-the-counter stool softeners (e.g., Colace) or laxatives containing polyethylene glycol (e.g., Miralax).
- Stay physically active to promote regular bowel movements.
FAQs
Can constipation cause severe back pain?
Constipation typically causes a dull ache in the lower back rather than severe pain. However, in cases of fecal impaction, the pressure from the hardened stool on the nerves in the lower back can lead to considerable pain.
Can constipation cause upper back pain?
While it’s less common, constipation can potentially cause upper back pain if the back pain is caused by an injury or condition that affects the nerves controlling bowel movements, such as a herniated disc or muscle strain affecting the spine.
Can constipation cause back pain and leg pain at the same time?
Yes, constipation can cause both back pain and leg pain if the pressure from the stool buildup is affecting the sciatic nerve, leading to sciatica. In such cases, you may experience pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates down your leg.
How can I prevent constipation and back pain?
To prevent constipation and the associated back pain, it’s essential to maintain a healthy, high-fiber diet, stay hydrated, and engage in regular physical activity. Additionally, respond promptly to the urge to have a bowel movement, and avoid straining excessively.
When should I seek medical attention for constipation and back pain?
If lifestyle changes and over-the-counter remedies don’t alleviate your constipation and back pain, or if you experience severe abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, or fever, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly.
Can pregnancy cause constipation and back pain?
Yes, many women experience both constipation and back pain during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, increased pressure on the digestive system, and weight gain. Staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and increasing fiber intake can help manage these issues during pregnancy.
Can stress contribute to constipation and back pain?
Absolutely. Stress can disrupt the normal functioning of the digestive system and contribute to constipation. Additionally, stress can cause muscle tension and exacerbate back pain. Practicing stress management techniques, such as meditation or yoga, can help alleviate both conditions.