Millions of people around the world complain of experiencing back discomfort. There are a number of potential origins, including overuse, direct trauma, or preexisting disorders. However, constipation is a surprise risk factor for back pain. Constipation and back discomfort may appear unconnected at first, but there is a substantial connection between the two that should not be ignored.
Constipation is a digestive disorder marked by a lack of or difficulty in passing feces. Stool can become hard and dry when it passes too slowly through the digestive tract, causing discomfort and other symptoms. Back discomfort is a less common but significant symptom of constipation, with bloating and abdominal pain.
Basic Things to Know
What is Constipation?
Constipation, in which a person has trouble passing feces, is a frequent digestive condition. Symptoms include infrequent bowel motions, constipation, and straining when passing feces. Medications, a lack of fiber in the diet, and dehydration are all potential causes of constipation.
What is Back Pain?
Those of any age can experience some degree of back pain. Injuries, bad posture, and even some diseases can all contribute to this problem. There is a wide range in the severity and duration of back pain.
Can Constipation Cause Back Pain?
Back discomfort is a possible symptom of constipation. This is due to the position of the large intestine in the lower back. Stool in the large intestine can cause discomfort in the lower back by putting pressure on the nerves there.
How Does Constipation Cause Back Pain?
There are a few ways in which constipation can trigger back discomfort. In the first place, the large intestine is situated behind the pelvis. Stool in the large intestine can cause discomfort in the lower back by putting pressure on the nerves there. Second, straining is a common symptom of constipation. Back discomfort can be caused by straining, which places tension on the back muscles. Third, inflammation of the digestive tract might result from chronic constipation. Back discomfort can also be brought on by inflammation.
What are the Symptoms of Constipation and Back Pain?
It’s not uncommon for people to experience both constipation and back discomfort simultaneously. Constipation and back pain can manifest in a wide variety of ways from person to person.
Constipation symptoms:
- Hard, dry stool
- Incomplete bowel movements
- Straining during bowel movements
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
Back pain symptoms:
- Dull ache
- Sharp pain
- Tenderness
- Stiffness
- Numbness
- Weakness
What are the Causes of Constipation and Back Pain?
It’s not uncommon for people to experience both constipation and back discomfort simultaneously. Constipation and back pain can have a wide range of causes, depending on the individual.
Constipation:
- Dehydration
- Low-fiber diet
- Lack of physical activity
- Certain medications
- Pregnancy
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Fibromyalgia
- Anxiety and depression
- Spinal cord injury
- Tumors
Back pain:
- Injury
- Poor posture
- Certain medical conditions
- Depression
- Stress
- Obesity
- Age
Constipation and back pain may have overlapping causes in some people. Constipation and back discomfort, for instance, are more common in those who are dehydrated, don’t eat enough fiber, and don’t exercise.
How are Constipation and Back Pain Treated?
The treatment of constipation and back pain depends on the etiology of the condition. Typical therapies consist of:
- Dietary changes: Stools can be softer and easier to pass when you consume a diet heavy in fiber and water. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are all excellent dietary sources of fiber. Water, juice, and milk are all good options for keeping stools soft.
- Exercise: Constipation and digestive issues can be helped by exercising regularly. Maintain a moderate exercise routine seven days a week, aiming for at least 30 minutes on most days.
- Laxatives: Constipation can be treated with over-the-counter laxatives. However, it is crucial to utilize them as prescribed and for a limited duration. Laxative dependency and other health issues have been linked to long-term use.
- Massage: Constipation and abdominal pain can both benefit from massage’s ability to relax the muscles of the abdomen and back.
- Heat therapy: A heating pad or hot water bottle might provide some pain relief and muscular relaxation.
- Acupuncture: Constipation and back pain are two conditions that have been shown to respond positively to acupuncture, a treatment from traditional Chinese medicine.
- Yoga: The mind-body discipline of yoga has several health benefits, including those for digestion, stress, and pain management. Numerous yoga positions have been developed for the express purpose of relieving back pain and gastrointestinal distress.
Additional Tips to Help Relieve Constipation and Back Pain
- Go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge.
- Sit on the toilet for at least 10 minutes each time.
- Try squatting.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Eat a high-fiber diet.
- Exercise regularly.
- Get enough sleep.
- Manage stress.