Constipation & Back Pain: How to Get Relief

Key takeaways:

• Constipation and back pain are common complaints.
• Constipation can cause back pain.
• If these symptoms don’t improve, call your doctor.

Constipation and back pain are very common symptoms. They affect millions of people every year. Since they’re so common, it is certainly possible to have both at once.

Can constipation cause back pain?

Yes, constipation can cause back pain. Constipation is when we have infrequent bowel movements. Less than three movements a week is considered constipation. Sometimes, the stools can be hard or difficult to pass.

When we poop, several things need to happen. First, our rectum fills with poop. The rectum is the last part of the colon before the anus (butthole). It acts as a reservoir for stool. When the tank is full, nerves that indicate fullness are stretched. We then feel the sensation of needing to poop.

There is a rich network of nerves around the rectum. Some of these nerves are responsible for sensing pain. If these nerves are pressed on by a full rectum, pain is felt. In some instances, the pain is felt in the back. This is known as referred pain.

It is important to note that many conditions cause back pain. 90% of back pain is due to mechanical issues such as wear and tear on the muscles, joints, and bones of the back.

Symptoms associated with constipation and back pain

Pain due to constipation is usually dull and aches. If you have sharp or burning pain in your back, another cause is likely.

How to tell if your back pain is related to constipation

If you have been constipated and are now experiencing back pain, these may be related.

Conditions that may cause both constipation and back pain

Several conditions cause constipation and back pain. Some of the most common conditions are discussed below.

Fecal impaction

Fecal impaction occurs because of hardened stool inside the rectum. This stool becomes so hard that we cannot push it out by normal bowel contractions (peristalsis). Patients who struggle with constipation are at risk for fecal impaction.

As discussed above, if the rectum is full of stool, this can lead to back pain.

Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition affecting the digestive system. It is estimated that up to 20% of people have IBS symptoms at some point in their lives. The most common symptoms are abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits.

IBS is a complex condition and is incompletely understood. The cause is not clear. It is thought perhaps to be due to abnormal intestinal contraction. Strong contraction of the intestines leads to abdominal cramps and affects bowel habits (pooping). Some patients develop IBS after certain bacterial infections. Still others have symptoms in response to foods.

There is a form of IBS that leads to constipation. Further, studies have shown that between 70-80% of IBS patients experience back pain. The reasons for this are not well understood.

Neurologic disorders

Neurologic diseases like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease cause back pain. These diseases disrupt normal nerve function. When this happens, our bowels are not properly stimulated to push food through, and constipation results.

Tumor

Tumors that grow in the low spinal area or pelvis cause back pain and constipation.

Examples include spinal cord tumors and colon or rectal tumors. The tumor presses on nerves that control digestion and pain sensation. This is a rare cause of back pain and constipation.

How to get relief from constipation and back pain at home

If you are struggling with back pain and constipation, there are several remedies to try at home.

Dietary changes

Incorporating increased dietary fiber is important. Fiber bulks up the stool and draws in water, allowing for easier bowel movements. Sources of dietary fiber include whole grains, fruits and vegetables, beans, nuts, and seeds.

Be sure to drink more water as you increase fiber intake, or constipation can worsen. You can also try a fiber supplement like psyllium.

Laxatives

Try over-the-counter laxatives such as polyethylene glycol or milk of magnesia.

Increase or adjust the dose until you have regular soft bowel movements.

Exercise

Regular exercise has many health benefits. One is that it speeds up digestion.

Exercise can be an effective treatment for constipation. Be sure to incorporate stretching into your routine. This also helps with chronic back pain.

How to prevent constipation and back pain

It is said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This is true for constipation and back pain, too.

Healthy bowel habits

When you sense the urge to poop, don’t hold it. Use the restroom as soon as you can.

When you are pooping, only sit for as long as you need. Prolonged sitting can result in hemorrhoids and back strain. Pooping when your body tells you to can help prevent constipation.

Stretching

Stretches for lower back pain can be helpful in preventing and treating back pain for many reasons. It minimizes strain on the muscles, bones, and joints of your back.

When you should see a doctor for constipation and back pain

If you have tried home remedies without relief, call your doctor.

You should see a doctor if:

• You have been constipated for more than a week.
• You are losing weight.
• The pain is severe.
• You also are feeling abdominal pain.
• You notice blood in the stools.

You should go to the emergency room if:

• You lose sensation in your legs.
• You suddenly lose control of your bowels or bladder.

Questions to ask your doctor about constipation and back pain

• What is the cause of these symptoms?
• What can I do for them at home?
• How long do you expect it to last?
• Can I do anything to prevent this?

How a doctor can help treat constipation and back pain

Sometimes, more intensive therapy is needed to help with your constipation.

Bowel cleanse

Your doctor may prescribe a very thorough bowel cleanse. This is similar to what is given before a colonoscopy.

Enema

Another treatment option for constipation is an enema. This is when liquid is injected directly into your rectum. This helps clear out stool and stimulates your bowels to move more.

Read our full guide on treating back pain for more.

Frequently asked questions: constipation and back pain

It is normal to have questions about these symptoms. Ask questions until you understand your symptoms and the plan of care.

What if you’re experiencing constipation and back pain during a pregnancy?

This can all be entirely explained by your pregnancy. Please call your doctor if you are pregnant and have these symptoms.

What if you’re experiencing lower back pain from constipation?

You can try the home-based remedies discussed above. If you don’t improve after a week or so, call your doctor.

Is lower back pain and constipation a sign of cancer?

In rare cases, this can be true.

Final thoughts

Constipation and back pain, while not obviously connected, can be related. They are not usually a sign of something more serious. But call your doctor if your symptoms persist beyond a week.

General Medicine follows a strict editorial process, including using real experts to write our articles, vetted primary sources, fact-checking, a secondary medical review, and updates as necessary. This article was medically reviewed and fact checked by Dr. Lane Thaut, DO.

Sources

Diaz, Sorangel, et al. “Constipation.” PubMed, StatPearls Publishing, 2023, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513291/.

‌Casiano, Vincent , and Nikhilesh De. “Back Pain.” PubMed, StatPearls Publishing, 11 Dec. 2023, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538173/.

‌Jin, Qianjun et al. “Referred pain: characteristics, possible mechanisms, and clinical management.” Frontiers in neurology vol. 14 1104817. 28 Jun. 2023, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10338069/.

Waheed, Abdul, et al. “Fecal Impaction.” Nih.gov, StatPearls Publishing, 28 July 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448094/.

Patel, Nicolas, and Karen Shackelford. “Irritable Bowel Syndrome.” PubMed, StatPearls Publishing, 30 Oct. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534810/.

Whorwell, P.J. “Back Pain and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.” Gastroenterology, vol. 127, no. 5, Nov. 2004, pp. 1648–1649, www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(04)01740-8/fulltext, https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2004.09.071.

‌Massot, C et al. “Low back pain in patients with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and the prevalence in a French multiple sclerosis population.” Revue neurologique vol. 177,4 (2021): 349-358. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33032798/

Duncan, Ryan P et al. “Low Back Pain--Related Disability in Parkinson Disease: Impact on Functional Mobility, Physical Activity, and Quality of Life.” Physical therapy vol. 99,10 (2019): 1346-1353. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6821152/.

Das, Joe M, et al. “Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumors.” Nih.gov, StatPearls Publishing, 4 May 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK442031/.

‌Recio-Boiles, Alejandro, et al. “Colon Cancer.” Nih.gov, StatPearls Publishing, 2023, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470380/.

‌Recio-Boiles, Alejandro, et al. “Rectal Cancer.” PubMed, StatPearls Publishing, 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493202/.

MedlinePlus. “Dietary Fiber.” Medlineplus.gov, National Library of Medicine, 2019, medlineplus.gov/dietaryfiber.html.

MedlinePlus. “Polyethylene Glycol 3350: MedlinePlus Drug Information.” Medlineplus.gov, 2016, medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a603032.html.

“Magnesium Hydroxide: MedlinePlus Drug Information.” Medlineplus.gov, 15 Apr. 2019, medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601073.html.

MedlinePlus. “Psyllium: MedlinePlus Drug Information.” Medlineplus.gov, medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601104.html.

Oettlé, G J. “Effect of moderate exercise on bowel habit.” Gut vol. 32,8 (1991): 941-4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1378967/.

Turci, Aline Mendonça et al. “Self-administered stretching exercises are as effective as motor control exercises for people with chronic non-specific low back pain: a randomised trial.” Journal of physiotherapy vol. 69,2 (2023): 93-99. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36958977/.

Patel, Nicolas, et al. “Bowel Preparation.” PubMed, StatPearls Publishing, 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535368/.‌