by Shanika Carter
Do you have problems with back pain? Do you notice that your back pain tends to come when you are constipated? There may be a definite connection between the two and not just a coincidence. How are they even connected?
Why You Are Constipated
When you experience difficulty in having bowel movements or experience infrequent bowel movements, this is considered constipation. So instead of the normal bowel movements of one to two times daily, you may only have three bowel movements, or less, per week when you’re constipated.
Constipation and Back Pain
When retaining fecal matter, due to constipation, your intestines may swell, which then causes an ache or discomfort in your back and abdomen.
The strain that comes with trying to pass fecal matter can be too excessive and put pressure on your back or the discs on your spine. If you happen to already have a slipped or herniated disc, which is when the discs are loose, the pressure on your back is even worse.
Fecal impaction, which occurs when a piece of dry stool is left behind in the colon or rectum, can cause lower back pain as well. The pain can worsen the longer the fecal impaction continues.
Also consider certain conditions that may be the cause of the back pain you have, which then leads to constipation as a side effect.
An infection or tumor that presses against the spinal cord can be the reason for back pain, for example. A spinal cord injury or even a pinched nerve in your back may also be culprits for more severe lower back pain.
Other conditions to consider include:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Parkinson’s disease
Ways to Treat Constipation
In order to subside the back pain that comes with constipation, here are some steps you can take to lessen your chances of constipation:
- Alternative methods such as acupuncture
- Apply a hot or cold compress
- Become more physically active
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Practice a low-fiber diet
- Stay hydrated and drink more water
- Try over-the-counter laxatives, stool softeners, or probiotics
- Put yourself on a regular bowel movement schedule by speaking to a doctor about a bowel retraining program.
Back Pain Prevention: 5 Harmful Habits
If these steps do not help, seek out medical attention as it could be more serious circumstances affecting your constipation.
Besides bowel obstruction, there is the possibility of colon or rectal cancer.
There are also medications available to help with constipation and pain.
In the meantime, and most importantly, go to the restroom. Do not ignore the urge or need to use the restroom, which many people do for various reasons.
“Holding it” can cause further backup in your system and is not good for your body, so do not slack on listening to your body when nature calls.