Serious back pain can be caused due to a lot of different things, and while dull yet aching back pain, especially lower back pain, can be difficult to diagnose, there's a strong correlation between constipation and back pain. If you suffer from this digestive ailment, chances are you'll experience some back pain throughout the day.
In truth, if you are backed up severely in terms of your bowel movements, it can turn into dull, slow-aching lower back pain which can build up to your abdomen if you have infrequent bowel movements for days and days.
This guide explains the connection between your back pain and chronic constipation, so make sure to stick around till the end and find out everything you need to know about it. We'll also explain how to get rid of your constipation, and the reasons beyond constipation that might be causing your back pain!
Table of Contents
Symptoms Of Constipation
Constipation is a common digestive condition characterized by difficulty or infrequent bowel movements. It occurs when stool moves slowly through the colon, leading to hard, dry, and difficult-to-pass stools. Some common symptoms of constipation include:
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Infrequent bowel movements (less than three times a week)
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Straining during bowel movements
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Hard, lumpy stools
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The feeling of incomplete emptying after a bowel movement
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Bloating and abdominal pain
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Rectal discomfort or pain
It's important to note that occasional constipation is usually harmless and can be relieved with lifestyle changes. However, chronic or severe constipation may require medical attention.
What Might Cause Constipation
There are a lot of reasons which cause constipation in people, which can go from your daily lifestyle and eating habits to your workout routine, and knowing the causes is half the battle.
If you know the reasons behind your constipation, it gets relatively easier to solve your chronic pain in your back. Here are a few reasons why you might get constipated on a daily:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be a real pain in the gut. For those who suffer from it, their digestive system is anything but regular.
One of the most common symptoms of IBS is bloating, which can make pants feel tight and will make you feel generally uncomfortable. But that's not all the mischief the condition can cause.
Because IBS can affect the muscles in the digestive tract, it can cause constipation, nausea, and even diarrhea. The longer the digestive system is under duress, the more potential there is for other ailments to develop--so it's important to take steps to address IBS early on.
Fecal Impaction
If you’re experiencing both constipation and back pain at the same time, you might be dealing with fecal impaction.
Fecal impaction occurs when a large chunk of stool gets stuck in your rectum and colon, making it difficult for any new feces to pass through. This can lead to constipation, and if left untreated, severe back pain.
Fecal impaction is no joke, and it's important to seek medical help right away if you suspect you have it. The good news is that there are treatment options available that can make things much easier for you in no time.
Lack Of Exercise
While it can be easy to blame the food we eat or the lack of water we drink, it turns out that our exercise habits could also be to blame.
When we don't move our bodies enough, our digestive systems can become sluggish and less efficient at moving waste out of our bodies.
This can lead to constipation and all the discomfort that comes with it, which can then lead to problems like bloating, abdominal pain, back pain, and more. So, the next time you're feeling backed up, try taking a walk or doing some light exercise to get things moving in the right direction!
Dehydration
The connection between dehydration and constipation is something that we talk a lot about on our blog, especially the ones that are centered around this digestive ailment.
Your body needs water to properly digest food and if it's not getting enough, then things can get backed up. This can lead to unpleasant symptoms like constipation which nobody wants to deal with.
But here's the good news, it's super easy to prevent! Just make sure you're drinking enough water throughout the day and you'll be good to go (literally).
How To Get Rid Of Constipation and Back Pain?
The digestive tract takes up a large space in our body, which makes it infinitely more complex when trying to solve problems like constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and more.
However, there's a variety of things you can try, even at home, which can bring relief, and clear up that dull ache in your back that you've had for the past week.
Probiotic Supplements
Probiotic supplements are the new way to counter digestive ailments like constipation and bloating, and we know that better than anyone else.
These handy supplements, such as our IBSupport, can help regulate your gut health, which in turn can help alleviate constipation.
How? Well, probiotics are essentially a group of good bacteria that your body needs to function properly. They work by adding beneficial bacteria to your gut, which can help promote regularity and improve digestive health overall.
So, if you're looking for a natural and effective way to get things moving again, consider adding some probiotics to your routine. Your gut will thank you!
Staying Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is one of the most effective ways to combat constipation. When you don't drink enough water, your body tries to hold onto any available water, which can result in hard, infrequent stools.
By staying hydrated, you'll help to soften your stool, making it easier to pass. Additionally, water can help move waste through your intestines more quickly, reducing the likelihood of constipation.
Take it from us - make sure to drink 8+ glasses of water daily, and get back on your normal bowel movements without having to take expensive countermeasures!
Exercising Regularly
If you're having difficulty passing bowel movements, one reason might be that you're not moving your body enough daily, and the best way to counter that is to start lightly exercising daily.
But how does that provide relief?
Well, regular physical activity gets your blood pumping and stimulates your digestive system, helping to move things along. This forces the digestive tract to create a healthy bowel movement, so you can be more regular in the bathroom.
So, whether you prefer running, yoga, or weightlifting, committing to a consistent exercise routine could make all the difference in your battle against constipation.
Other Reasons You Might Have Back Pain
Though constipation plays a significant role in your back pain, it might not be the only cause of it. In truth, since the back is one of the largest muscles in the body, there are a lot of reasons that you could experience pain in the back, especially in the lower region.
Below are two of the major reasons behind your back pain, and if any of the two are the case for you, we recommend getting medical help, and getting these problems fixed ASAP!
Spinal Cord Injury
Back pain can come from a variety of sources, but one possible cause is a problem with the spinal cord.
When the spinal cord is injured or damaged in some way, it can send pain signals up and down the body, including to the back. This pain can be sharp, shooting, or constant, and can be difficult to manage or alleviate.
Several different spinal cord injuries can lead to back pain, including herniated disks, nerve damage, and spinal stenosis. Depending on the severity of the injury, back pain may be a temporary or long-term issue, and may need to be addressed through a variety of treatment methods.
Sleeping Improperly
Have you ever woken up with a sore back, even though you didn't strain it the day before? The culprit might just be the way you're sleeping!
Your sleep position can have a big impact on the health of your back. Sleeping on your stomach puts strain on your neck and lower back, and can even contribute to headaches. Sleeping on your back is the best position for spinal health, especially if you place a pillow under your knees to keep your spine in a natural position.
If you prefer to sleep on your side, make sure to use a pillow that keeps your head in line with your spine. By paying attention to your sleep position, you can avoid waking up with a sore back and enjoy better health overall!
Bottom Line
There are a lot of reasons for your back pain, but you might have never guessed that constipation could be one of them. Well, now you do.
Constipation can bring a lot of different ailments inside your body, which can include nausea, fever, chest pain, and more, which is why it's all the more important to start treating it right away before it turns into severe constipation marked by blood in stools, rectal prolapse, severe abdominal pain and more.
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