Can constipation cause back pain? The short answer is “yes.” Many conditions are associated with both problems. In other situations, constipation may result from the underlying symptom of your back pain, such as when a tumor or infection affects your spine. Consult a physician at a pain management clinic if you face severe back pain or constipation.
How Constipation Causes Back Pain?
Chronic constipation can lead to severe back and abdominal pain when swollen intestines retain fecal matter. This pain is typically a constant, dull ache in the lower back, caused by stool backup pressing on nearby tissues.Chronic constipation can result in numbness in your legs when it gets so severe that it builds up pressure upon the nerves.The symptoms are quite similar to those of sciatica, except that they are accompanied by extra discomfort and irregular eating patterns.
Conditions Related to Constipation and Back Pain
Here are conditions which have direct connection causing both conditions.
- Endometriosis
Endometriosis is the presence of tissue in other parts of the body that has a similar appearance to tissue lining the uterus. Among the structures included in this category are the fallopian tubes, the ovaries, the bowels, and the bladder.
- Pancreatic Cancer
Early stages of pancreatic cancer are usually symptomless. When the condition progresses, symptoms may include abdominal pain, digestive problems, and back pain. Constipation can lead to lower back pain in severe cases of pancreatic cancer treatment.
- Liver Disorders
Various liver disorders like hepatitis, cancer, and cirrhosis may also result in constipation, abdominal pain, itching as well as swelling. Back pain can vary from one disorder to another in terms of its location. Cirrhosis generally characterizes lower back pain, while liver inflammation typically associates upper back pain on the right side of the body.
- Fibromyalgia
Symptoms associated with this condition include increased pain sensitivity, widespread body pain, sleep difficulties, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues. Lower back pain is one of the most common symptoms of the condition.
- Peritonitis
The term peritonitis is normally characterized as an inflammation of the peritoneum. It is this tissue that lines the interior wall of the abdomen that supports and covers most of the abdominal organs. Infections caused by bacteria or fungi typically result in this condition. It is not uncommon for some individuals to experience abdominal pain as well as pain in the back as a result of peritonitis.
- Urinary tract infections
A urinary tract infection involves infections of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. It is common to experience strong urges to urinate, burning sensations when urinating, and cloudy urine when suffering from a urinary tract infection. UTIs are also associated with constipation and bowel problems. Moreover, an upper urinary tract infection can cause back pain once it reaches the kidneys. In addition to lower back pain, UTIs can also cause groin pain.
When To See Your Doctor
A patient’s body may display symptoms of constipation and back pain. Patients experiencing prolonged periods without bowel movements and lower back pain should seek immediate medical attention. When you have the following conditions, immediately consult a doctor.
- Bloody stools: Anal fissures or internal bleeding can cause blood to appear in the stool
- Back pain that fluctuates: Chronic back pain may be caused by conditions such as constipation or habits that contribute to the condition. Lower back pain symptoms are not always intense and localized.
- Having difficulty passing stools: When you are experiencing difficulties with your bowel movements, the stool inside your digestive system may have grown too large to be expelled by your body. Forced bowel movements may damage the rectal lining of your colon.
- A constant feeling of back pain. Whenever you experience persistent back pain, it may be an indication of another underlying medical health problem which may need attention from a doctor.
- Symptoms of fever. The underlying cause of constipation may result in a fever. There are several types of infections, including viruses, bacterial infections, and parasitic infections.
Treatment for Constipation and Back Pain
Treatments for constipation include the following:
- Participating in regular exercise is essential.
- Increase your water intake and eat food with plenty of fiber.
- Make your bowels pass stool at the same time every day by training them to do so.
- Congestion can be caused by certain supplements. And medications. Alternatives to these medications and supplements should be sought.
- Control your bowel movements with biofeedback therapy.
- Using over-the-counter remedies, like osmotic agents, fiber supplements, stool softeners, and stimulants to stimulate the bowels.
- In order to be able to pass stool again, you need to be treated for fecal impaction. Constipation can be treated surgically.
- Make an appointment with your physician to discuss your constipation issue and to obtain a prescription for a medication to treat it, such as lubiprostone, linaclotide, prucalopride, etc.
Outlook
Increasing fiber intake and staying well-hydrated can alleviate constipation, which dull lower back pain can also indicate.Most often, people use pain relievers and over-the-counter laxatives to ease symptoms of both constipation and back pain. Try to consult a doctor immediately in case of having blood in your stool, extreme pain, or other worrying condition. Pain clinic Fort Worth is always welcome to provide you with best assistance and guidance to deal with both conditions.
