So, you can’t poop and have back pain? Constipation itself is not typically a cause of back pain, but it can lead to other conditions that may cause back pain. Read on to learn more and how fiber can help with constipation.
What is Constipation?
Constipation is a common digestive problem that happens when you have difficulty passing stools or have infrequent bowel movements. Think hard, dry poop pellets that are hard to pass. It often includes bloating, abdominal pain, and a feeling that something is left over after going number two.
There are many potential causes of constipation, including:
Insufficient intake of fiber
Lack of physical activity
Dehydration, not enough water
Taking certain medications like pain meds, antidepressants, and iron supplements
Hormonal imbalances, such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause
Medical conditions, such as IBS, hypothyroidism, and neurological conditions
How to Treat Constipation?
To treat constipation, there are several remedies that you can try including:
Increasing your intake of fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and/or fiber supplements like Bonny
Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water
Engaging in regular physical activity
Trying natural remedies, such as herbal teas or supplements, to stimulate bowel movements
What About Constipation and Back Pain?
Constipation itself is not typically a cause of back pain, but it can lead to other conditions that may cause back pain.
Faecal Impaction
Faecal impaction is a serious condition that occurs when a large, hard mass of stool becomes stuck in the rectum and is unable to be expelled through a bowel movement. It is a common complication of constipation, particularly in older adults and those who have difficulty with mobility or underlying medical conditions that affect bowel function.
Faecal impaction can cause back pain because of the pressure that the impacted stool puts on the muscles and nerves in the lower back and pelvis. When a person has a faecal impaction, the rectum becomes distended and swollen, which can cause pain in the lower back and pelvis. (That sounds painful!) In addition, straining to try to pass the impacted stool can also cause muscle spasms in the back, which can lead to back pain.
If you are experiencing back pain in conjunction with faecal impaction, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Faecal impaction can lead to serious complications if left untreated, and it is important to have the impacted stool removed to relieve the pressure and prevent further complications. Your healthcare provider can recommend the most appropriate treatment based on the severity of your condition and any underlying medical conditions you may have.
Strain and Pain of Trying to Go
If you are constipated and straining to go number two, this can put extra pressure on your abdomen and pelvic area, which can cause pain in your lower back. In addition, if you are experiencing constipation and have a condition such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), this can also cause pain in the lower back.
Other Sources of Back Pain
There are other common conditions that can cause back pain:
Muscle strain: This can occur when the muscles in the back are overworked or strained due to overexertion, poor posture, or improper lifting technique.
Excess body weight: Being overweight or obese can put extra strain on the muscles and joints in the back, leading to pain.
Lack of movement: A sedentary lifestyle or prolonged periods of inactivity can lead to muscle weakness and stiffness, which can cause back pain.
Spinal cord injury: Trauma to the spinal cord, such as a car accident or sports injury, can cause back pain.
Herniated disc: A herniated disc occurs when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes out through a tear in the outer layer. This can cause back pain, as well as pain that radiates down the legs.
Tumour: Back pain can be a symptom of a tumour, either benign or malignant, that is growing in or near the spine.
