Can Constipation Cause Back Pain?

Always seek advice from your healthcare provider before commencing any new medication regimen.

We've all experienced back pain at one time or another. In fact, back pain is one of the top reasons people see a doctor. 

Some may shrug it off as sleeping wrong or overdoing it at the gym. However, there are many reasons why back pain occurs, including a condition you may not relate it to right away: constipation. 

We put together this guide to explain more on the connection between back pain and constipation and explore other reasons for both conditions to help you determine if what you are experiencing might be related. 

What is constipation?

Constipation is having less than three bowel movements a week, as well as stools that are hard, dry, or lumpy, and painful to pass, or feeling incomplete evacuation of stool. 

Chronic constipation occurs when a person experiences infrequent bowel movements and/or difficult stools that continue for several weeks or longer.

Causes of constipation

Occasional constipation is common, and most of us experience it at some points in our lives. However, chronic constipation can interfere with the ability to go about daily tasks. There are many possible causes of constipation, including:

• Blockage in colon or rectum caused by bowel obstruction, colon or rectal cancer, bowel stricture, rectocele, or anal fissure. 

• Neurological conditions that cause issues with nerves around the colon and rectum, like autonomic neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, a spinal cord injury, or stroke

• Weakened pelvic muscles caused by dyssynergia or anismus

• Imbalance of hormones from conditions like diabetes, hyperparathyroidism, pregnancy, and hypothyroidism

Risk factors of constipation

• Being an older adult

• Being a woman

• Dehydration

• Insufficient fiber in diet 

• Little or no physical activity

• Certain medications - sedatives, opioid pain medications, antidepressants, medicines used for blood pressure, iron pills, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and seizure medications. 

• Changes in daily routine - traveling, eating habits, sleep times

• Mental health conditions like depression and eating disorders

What is back pain?

Back pain can vary from a muscle aching to a shooting, burning, or piercing sensation. The pain may also radiate down your leg or feel worse when you move a certain way.  

There are two types of back pain:

• Acute - pain that lasts a few days to a few weeks. It typically resolves on its own within that time with self-care. 

• Chronic pain continues for 12 weeks or longer, even after an injury or treatment of the underlying cause of acute back pain. 

Cause of back pain

As we age, the chances of experiencing back pain increase, although it can affect people of any age for various reasons. Some of the causes for back pain are:

• Skeletal irregularities (i.e., scoliosis, lordosis, and kyphosis).

• Spina bifida 

• Sprains 

• Strains

• Spasms 

• Traumatic Injury 

• Intervertebral disc degeneration 

• Spondylosis 

• Arthritis/other inflammatory diseases 

• Spinal nerve compression, inflammation and/or injury

• Sciatica 

• Spinal stenosis

• Spondylolisthesis

• Herniated or ruptured discs 

• Infections 

• Cauda equina syndrome

• Osteoporosis 

• Kidney stones 

• Endometriosis 

• Fibromyalgia

• Tumors 

• Pregnancy

Constipation and back pain 

When the colon or rectum becomes blocked, there is also a chance that you will feel a dull pain from your abdomen to your lower back. This blockage can be a result of fecal impaction or general constipation. 

Fecal impaction happens when a large lump of dry, hard stool gets stuck in the rectum or colon. The back pain arises from the pressure on the rectum or colon.  On the other hand, constipation could be a side effect of whatever is causing the back pain, like a tumor or infection. Some other conditions which can cause constipation and back pain at the same time include:

• Endometriosis

• Fibromyalgia

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

• Liver diseases ( cancer, cirrhosis, and hepatitis)

• Pancreatic cancer

• Peritonitis

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Constipation and back pain can be symptoms of a single condition or unrelated symptoms coinciding. And though rare, constipation with back pain can signify rectal or colon cancer.

Treatment options 

In addition to back pain, there are other symptoms of constipation, including; fewer than three bowel movements a week, difficulty passing stools that are dry, hard, and/or lumpy, stomach ache/cramps, bloody stool, bloating, and nausea. 

Make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of the above symptoms. Treatment options are available depending on the cause of constipation, though sometimes there is no explanation on why it's happening. 

Your healthcare provider may advise changing what you eat and drink, becoming more active, or taking over-the-counter medicines, such as stool softeners or laxatives. If these treatments don't work, they may prescribe medication, like Motegrity or Linzess, or recommend biofeedback or surgery.

FAQ

How Does Constipation Lead to Back Pain? Constipation can cause back pain when a blockage in the colon or rectum leads to pressure that manifests as discomfort or pain in the lower back area.

What Symptoms Suggest My Back Pain Is From Constipation? If your back pain accompanies bowel movement issues like difficulty passing stools, fewer than three bowel movements a week, or if the pain is in the lower back area, it might be related to constipation.

How Can I Alleviate Back Pain Caused by Constipation? To relieve back pain due to constipation, consider dietary changes to include more fiber, increase your water intake, engage in regular physical activity, and use over-the-counter remedies like stool softeners or laxatives if necessary.

Can Constipation and Back Pain Be Prevented? Yes, by maintaining a diet high in fiber, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and avoiding medications that cause constipation, you can help prevent both conditions.

When Should I See a Doctor for Constipation and Back Pain? If you experience severe or persistent symptoms, such as bloody stool, severe stomach ache, or if the back pain and constipation do not improve with home treatment, consult a doctor..