Can Constipation Cause Back Pain?

According to research, constipation and back pain, are associated with each other. This is due to the fact that these two conditions normally occur at the same time. There can be several reasons why constipation may occur. Improper food habits, inadequate intake of fiber, dehydration, over-consumption of dairy products, medical conditions like stress, hypothyroidism, and excessive use of medication like laxatives, antacids etc. are factors that may alter a healthy bowel movement. Usually, people suffering from constipation and backache tend to treat the pain with a painkiller and other medication, which can further worsen constipation and may lead to medical emergency. Backache may vanish once constipation is resolved. However, it is very important to find out the reason behind back pain. In the following paragraphs, let us discuss these two inter-related health issues.

The Link between Constipation and Back Pain

Constipation is a condition where a person faces difficulty in eliminating stools from the body. Due to scarcity of water or other physiological problems, feces get blocked in the lower intestine or colon. The stool become hard and dry, blocking the colon, which may exert pressure on the walls of the lower intestine and adjoining areas. Due to blockage, the waste is unable to get expelled from the body. This condition can worsen, in case there is accumulation of fecal matter in the large intestine and rectum. This fecal impaction affects the muscles and nerves in the adjoining area and hence, triggers back pain. This may radiate towards other parts of the body, leading to chest or abdominal pain.

The other reason behind back pain is when an individual gets bowel movement he tries to pass the hard and dry stool which results in strained back muscles. These strained muscles can cause lower back and abdominal pain. Constipation can also be a cause of bladder pain as it also exerts pressure on the bladder. Many women experience constipation and back pain during pregnancy. This is because of the hormonal changes the body undergoes during pregnancy, making constipation and back pain common health problems. Infrequent bowel movements and an increased uterus may put pressure on the rectum, leading to constipation and backache.

Relieving Constipation and Back Pain

Constipation, along with backache can be a very distressing condition, since it may affect the daily routine. If this condition aggravates, it may lead to some unwanted complications. To prevent this timely diagnosis and treatment is essential. Mentioned below are some remedial measures to treat constipation, and thereby relieve backache.

• Water is the best solution for constipation. Drink ample amount of water to keep your body hydrated. Water also softens the fecal matter, helping it in easy excretion, out of the body.
• Including fibrous food in your diet will help add bulk to the stool and eliminates it without effort. Avoid junk food as much as you can, since wrong diet is a major cause of constipation.
• Get regular and proper exercise. This will keep you healthy and prevent back pain.
• Laxatives are the best solutions for severe constipation. It shows 100% result and gives you fast relief. But always consult a physician, before taking any medication.
• Acupuncture and massage therapy are also very helpful in constipation and back pain relief.

I hope now your query of can constipation cause back pain is solved. So, from next time, when you suffer from constipation and back pain together, try to treat constipation first instead of taking painkillers for back pain. Take care!