Constipation And Back Pain: How Are They Related?

At some point in their lives, a majority of people experience constipation and back pain, the two common health issues that cause discomfort and concern. Most of us view these symptoms as unrelated but the fact is they can occur due to the same cause. A few of the symptoms such as abdominal bloating, cramping, and pressure are associated with constipation which is characterized by infrequent bowel movements. It can even extend to lower back augmenting back pain in some cases.

Back pain can also be caused by muscle strain, poor posture, or certain underlying conditions. As hinted earlier, it might indicate a shared root cause when back pain coincides with constipation. For instance, discomfort in the lower back can be caused by pressure mounting on the spine and adjacent muscles due to severe constipation. 

This article will investigate the relationship between constipation and back pain, their causes, health risks, and certain treatment options. To ensure your overall well-being is not affected by these conditions, we will attempt to understand the link between these two issues so that it will be helpful to manage your symptoms effectively and find relief.           

Common causes of constipation

Understanding the causes of constipation helps manage and prevent the condition from worsening.  Refer to the content below for more on this. 

Dietary factors: A diet low in fiber is the primary cause of constipation. Harder stools occur due to consuming foods high in meat, dairy, and processed foods. On the other hand, regular bowel movements can achieved by eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Dehydration: Constipation can be the result of insufficient water intake. The body absorbs more water from the waste in the intestines making dry and hard stools difficult to pass.

Physical activity: The digestive process slows down in individuals with a sedentary lifestyle. On the contrary, regular exercise helps stimulate intestinal activity, making bowel movements easier through the digestive system.

Medications: In certain cases, some medication that includes pain relievers, antidepressants, and antacids with calcium or aluminum deposits causes constipation.

Other factors: Old age, stress, and underlying health conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are some additional factors contributing to constipation. 

Common causes of back pain

Due to structural or mechanical issues in the spine, back pain can stem up. Refer to the list below of the most common causes.

Herniated discs: In the lower back, the soft tissue between vertebrae bulges or ruptures putting pressure on nearby nerves and generating pain resulting in herniated discs. 

Arthritis: Inflammation and degeneration of spinal joints caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis contribute to chronic pain in the back.

Muscle strains and sprains: The muscles and ligaments can be stretched or torn causing sharp dull back pain due to overexertion or improper lifting of heavy objects.

Spinal stenosis: The spinal canal gets narrowed and the nerves compressed resulting in back pain that radiates down the legs.

Poor posture: The prolonged standing and sitting maintaining an improper alignment leads to straining of back muscles causing discomfort. 

Obesity: The possibility of back pain increases due to excess weight resulting in additional stress on the spine and surrounding muscles. 

Also Read: Causes Of Back Pain When Sneezing – Ways To Treat Back Pain!

Can constipation cause back pain?

As we have been seeing, constipation and back pain can sometimes interfere with daily activities. Constipation can occur when the stool buildup in the colon exerts pressure on surrounding nerves causing a dull ache in the back. Fecal impaction, a severe condition, results in significant back pain. 

Complicating things further, conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and neurological disorders contribute to both symptoms. Back pain associated with nerve damage can affect bowel function and lead to constipation. Constipation and back pain can also arise from separate underlying conditions although they have a potential link with each other.

Treatment for constipation and back pain

Home remedies, other treatments, and knowing when to avail medical help are critical in addressing constipation and back pain. 

Home remedies: Both conditions can be addressed by observing certain lifestyle modifications. To promote regular bowel movements, increasing fiber intake through vegetables, and whole grains prevents stools from hardening. Back pain and constipation can also be prevented by improving overall mobility by performing light exercises and meditation and promoting intestinal activity. 

Other treatments: Constipation can be relieved by taking over-the-counter medicines. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen offer comfort to back pain. Applying a heating pad on the lower back reduces inflammation and provides soothing relief. 

Despite home treatments, if there is no relief for constipation and related back pain, medical help should be availed. Cases of severe abdominal or back pain, extreme difficulties in passing stools, and signs of blood in stool, are some worrying signs that should not be avoided. To detect underlying conditions of constipation and back pain, early intervention is required.

You should also read: Lower Back Pain After Running: How To Deal With It?

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is evident that due to the pressure that a build-up of stool places on the lower back constipation and back pain arise. To address both symptoms effectively, understanding this correlation is important. Increasing fiber intake, performing regular exercises, and staying hydrated alleviate back discomfort.

To rule out the possibility of any underlying conditions, it is required to consult a medical professional. Seeking guidance and listening to your body becomes essential for lasting relief.

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