Can Constipation Cause Back Pain

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Back pain is an openly discussed health issue; however, constipation is an embarrassing subject that is rarely talked about. Because of this, it is not a widely-known fact that constipation and back pain are often related. Either one can cause the other, so it is important to know the relationship between the two and develop good habits to take care of your back and digestive system.

Constipation
This ailment is defined as either abnormally infrequent bowel movements (three or less per week) and/or excessively hard stools. Most people suffer from constipation at some point or another, yet it is rarely ever discussed. The silence surrounding this issue might contribute to the lack of knowledge regarding the link between back pain and constipation, two common issues that can often go hand in hand.

Constipation is caused by a blockage in the lower intestine. Waste becomes impacted, and as more food is digested and a bowel movement does not occur, the impaction gets worse until elimination. You might notice back pain during bouts of constipation - the pain in the lower intestine can sometimes radiate to the lower ...
... back, which is why doctors often associate the two ailments.

Most constipation patients who are not diagnosed with chronic digestive issues can usually remedy constipation simply through a few dietary and lifestyle changes. To prevent constipation, you can add more fiber to your diet through grains, fruits, and vegetables. Drinking more water will also help. Never hold in a bowel movement, as this can worsen constipation symptoms. If possible, allow some time every day during which you can go to the bathroom undisturbed.

Back pain is an openly discussed health issue; however, constipation is an embarrassing subject that is rarely talked about. Because of this, it is not a widely-known fact that constipation and back pain are often related. Either one can cause the other, so it is important to know the relationship between the two and develop good habits to take care of your back and digestive system.

Back Problems
Like constipation, many back problems are also preventable. Posture and exercise are two key elements in maintaining back health. When you sit and stand, consciously make an effort to align your back; eventually it will become habit. Exercise can help you to strengthen core muscles, which are necessary in proper back alignment. A strong core will help to prevent back strain that occurs with even simple tasks like household chores. Another way to fight back pain is to invest in a good mattress. There is no single mattress that doctors overwhelmingly recommend, so this is a personal choice. Your comfort is all that matters when choosing the right mattress.

As discussed, back strain can also cause constipation. A minor back injury caused by heavy lifting or a sudden jerk can disturb the nerves in the lower intestine that stimulate bowel movements.

Fighting Both Constipation and Back Pain
One cause of both constipation and back pain is stress, which is purely psychological. However, this stress can translate into physiological symptoms, so it’s important to manage stress as much as possible. An effective way to combat both back pain and constipation is to walk regularly. Exercise will alleviate back pain, and it will aid in peristalsis (movement through the digestive tract) so that constipation will not be as much of an issue.

Constipation is a common ailment that most people prefer not to discuss. Because many avoid the subject, it is not commonly known that constipation and back pain can go hand in hand. To prevent and treat constipation and back pain, it is vital to know the basics of each ailment and how the two relate to one another.