Constipation-Related Back Pain: Causes & Solutions

Constipation can sometimes cause back pain, but they are often not related. In other words, back pain and constipation are more likely to occur simultaneously due to other causes rather than constipation being the primary cause of back pain. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, consult your doctor to find out the underlying cause and to determine if the two are connected.

Symptoms of Constipation-Related Back Pain

Back pain caused by chronic constipation is typically a dull, achy pain or pressure-like sensation in the lower back. If back pain is due to fecal impaction, it may be accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms and other symptoms such as:

• Abdominal pain and cramping

• Bloating

• Diarrhea (from loose stool that goes around the impacted stool)

• Rectal bleeding

• Frequent urination 

• Fever

• Dizziness

• Confusion

• Rectal pressure or pain

Symptoms of Constipation

Symptoms of general constipation include: 

• Infrequent bowel movements, typically fewer than three times a week

• Dry or hard stools

• Stool that is difficult or painful to pass

• A sensation of incomplete emptying of the bowel 

• Abdominal bloating

• Lower abdominal pain, discomfort, or cramping

Symptoms of Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is frequently described as one or more of the following characteristics: 

• Dull, aching, or pressure-like

• Sharp or burning pain

• Pain that is worse with movements like bending or lifting 

• Pain that is aggravated by sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time

• Stiffness or aching along the spine

• Pain that radiates down one or both legs

• Pain that is described as persistent or intermittent 

• Some individuals experience associated symptoms, including numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.

Understanding the Link Between Constipation and Back Pain

Both constipation and back pain are common symptoms and can occur due to many underlying causes. If you have both constipation and back pain, they may be coincidentally present at the same time. 

While constipation and back pain are often symptoms of other underlying conditions, in some cases, constipation can lead to back pain when a large amount of stool exerts pressure on the nerves in the lower spine. Conversely, individuals experiencing back pain may be more susceptible to constipation because the pain limits their physical activity. 

It’s important to see a healthcare provider if you have ongoing back pain and irregular bowel movements (constipation) to find out if there is a connection. Your doctor can figure out the primary cause of your symptoms. Once they know the exact cause of your back pain and/or digestive problems, they can treat the underlying conditions.

Learn more: How Often Should You Poop?

Conditions That Can Cause Constipation and Back Pain

As mentioned, constipation can cause back pain, and back pain can cause constipation, but the two can also be symptoms of an underlying condition. 

Some of the conditions in which both constipation and back pain can occur include the following:  

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

• Bowel obstruction

• Fibromyalgia

• Interstitial cystitis

• Parkinson’s disease

• Multiple sclerosis

• Spinal cord tumors

• Spinal cord injury and neurogenic bowel

• Cancers in the abdomen and pelvis, such as colorectal cancer, uterine cancer, or ovarian cancer

How Pressure From Constipation Can Lead To Back Pain

A large amount of stool (poop) in the rectum can put pressure on the nerves in the pelvis. This can cause a dull, achy pain or pressure in the lower back. 

A lower back pain constipation link is more likely if you have fecal impaction, which is a severe form of constipation. Fecal impaction occurs when dry, hard stool gets impacted or stuck in the rectum, often due to neurological disorders or side effects of certain medications. It needs to be treated immediately.

Can Back Pain Cause Constipation?

Back pain can potentially cause constipation. Experts in Digestive and Kidney Diseases say here’s how it can happen:

• Lower back pain can lead to reduced physical activity, which in turn, can slow digestive system function and cause constipation.

• Tense muscles in the lower back can affect the nerves in the pelvis, causing bowel movements to be painful or difficult.

• Chronic back pain and related stress and anxiety can put the body in fight or flight mode and slow digestion.

• Medications used to treat back pain can cause changes in bowel habits. Opioid pain relievers are common culprits and a known cause of constipation. Other medications, such as muscle relaxants and Parkinson’s disease medication, can also affect bowel function.

How To Recognize If Back Pain Is Due To Constipation

Here are some of the ways to identify the difference between constipation-related back pain and back pain due to other causes:

Other Potential Causes of Back Pain

Common causes of back pain include:

• Ligament or muscle strains or sprains. This can occur due to poor physical conditioning, heavy lifting, or awkward movements such as twisting.

• Osteoarthritis in the spine, which can lead to spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal and pressure on the spinal nerves).

• Bulging or ruptured spinal discs 

• Slipped disc. 

• Spinal injuries.

• Pelvic injury.

• Osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones that are prone to breaking easily).

• Ankylosing spondylosis, an inflammatory condition in which the spine is stiff and painful.

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Treatment Options for Constipation and Back Pain

Home Remedies and Prevention Tips for Constipation

If you have back pain from constipation, treating constipation can provide relief. The following home remedies can help to relieve constipation:

• Eat a high-fiber diet. Fiber helps to move stool through the digestive system.

• Stay well hydrated. Dehydration is a common cause of constipation.

• Get regular exercise. Physical activity helps to stimulate the muscles in the digestive tract.

• Take over-the-counter fiber supplements, stool softeners, or laxatives.

• Go to the bathroom as soon as you have the urge to defecate. Delaying pooping or holding back stool can cause or worsen constipation.

• Drink a cup of warm caffeinated coffee and sit on the toilet for 5 minutes. This can help stimulate muscles in your gastrointestinal tract.

Medical Treatments for Constipation

If you have severe constipation or fecal impaction or if constipation persists despite home remedies and over-the-counter laxatives, your healthcare provider may recommend the following treatment options:

• Enema or suppository. Flushing fluid into your rectum can help to loosen hard stool. You can do this at home or get an enema in your healthcare provider’s office. Learn more about suppositories and enemas.

• Digital disimpaction. A healthcare provider can use a gloved finger to manually remove stool from the rectum

• Bowel cleanse. Drinking a PEG solution (Miralax), similar to a colonoscopy preparation, can help to clean out your digestive tract.

• Surgery. Severe fecal impaction with signs of bowel perforation may need to be treated surgically

How To Relieve Lower Back Pain From Constipation

To get relief from constipation back pain, in addition to treating the constipation, try the following:

• Engage in some light exercise. Prolonged bed rest can lead to increased back muscle stiffness and can worsen constipation

• Strengthen your core and back muscles

• Apply heat and/or ice intermittently

• Try topical pain relievers (creams, gels, ointments). Avoid using oral over-the-counter pain medications as they can make constipation worse

• Adopt a stress management plan: Utilize meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, massage, yoga, and deep breathing.

• Make sure your desk and chair have proper ergonomics

• Take regular breaks from sitting while at work if you have a desk job.

• Utilize a standing desk if possible

• Gentle stretches and regular exercise.

• Maintain a healthy body weight.

Learn more: What Is The Best Medication For Lower Back Pain?

When to See a Doctor

Make an appointment to see your doctor if you have chronic constipation and chronic pain in the lower back (ongoing symptoms). Your doctor can determine which is the cause of your pain — constipation or a structural issue causing low back pain. 

Back pain and constipation can also be signs of more serious conditions. It is especially important to seek medical evaluation if you have back pain and constipation accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Rectal bleeding

• Severe back pain or leg pain

• Extreme pressure in your rectum

• Loss or altered sensation in the lower limbs, like numbness and tingling

• New urinary or fecal incontinence (urine or stool leakage)

• Unexplained weight loss

FAQs on Constipation and Back Pain

What Does Constipation Back Pain Feel Like?

Constipation back pain usually feels like a dull ache or pressure sensation in the lower back.

What Simple Trick Empties Your Bowels Immediately?

Drinking a warm caffeinated beverage such as coffee and sitting on the toilet for 5 minutes afterward can help to empty your bowels quickly. To immediately empty your bowels, you can try using a suppository or enema. You should consult your doctor or pharmacist to find the appropriate type of suppository or enema that is safe for you and learn how to use them correctly.

How Do You Tell If It's Constipation or a Blockage?

When you experience constipation, you have infrequent bowel movements, pain or discomfort while pooping, and dry, hard, or lumpy stools.

When you experience a blockage, constipation is accompanied by other symptoms. Keep in mind that an intestinal blockage is a serious condition that requires immediate medical care. Symptoms of a bowel blockage may include:

• Severe pain and cramping in the abdomen.

• Abdominal swelling or bloating.

• Vomiting.

• Feeling gassy but not passing any gas.

• Loud sounds from the digestive tract.

• Constipation.

Where Is Constipation Pain Located?

Constipation pain symptoms occur in the rectum or anus area, lower abdomen, or lower back.

How To Loosen a Bowel Blockage At Home?

You cannot loosen a bowel blockage at home. It’s important to seek medical care if you have symptoms of an intestinal blockage. Treatment options from your healthcare provider may include a fluids-only diet, bowel rest, intestinal decompression with a nasogastric tube, or surgery if you have a bowel perforation.

Can You Be Constipated and Still Poop?

Yes, you can be constipated and still poop. Constipation is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week. Therefore, you could be pooping 1-3 times a week and still be constipated.