Lower back pain is not only common, but it is also extremely painful and difficult to treat. According to experts, there can be many reasons behind this debilitating condition – more than 619 million people worldwide suffer from this ailment, including poor posture and a sedentary lifestyle. However, a lesser-known cause is a digestive disorder – constipation.

Doctors say that constipation – less than three bowel movements per week, can be painful and affect your lower back and abdomen. And so, it is very important to seek medical care for chronic constipation to find out the cause and the best treatment.

According to Healthline, constipation means having fewer than three bowel movements a week. A blockage in your colon or rectum can cause mild pain that radiates from your abdomen to your lower back.

How does constipation cause lower back pain?

According to doctors, sometimes constipation can also be a side effect of back pain caused by a tumor or infection. In other cases, lower back pain may not be related to constipation. Cancer Research UK says that if the tumor puts pressure on the nerves in the spinal cord, it can stop or slow down bowel movement, causing constipation. Many studies believe both pain and constipation are caused by tumors in the colon.

In addition, women who suffer from endometriosis — a condition in which the tissue that normally forms the lining of the uterus begins to grow in other places in the body, including the fallopian tubes, ovaries, bowel and bladder — are more likely to experience lower back pain and constipation, as well as severe menstrual cramps.

People with fibromyalgia — a chronic illness that causes widespread pain and tenderness in the body — typically experience increased sensitivity to pain, aches and pains throughout the body, sleeplessness, fatigue, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Lower back pain along with constipation are also common symptoms.

Ways to Treat Constipation and Lower Back Pain

Doctors say that the first way to treat constipation is to change your diet. Try to include more fiber and water in your diet so that the stool is softer and easier to pass. However, if the problem persists even after starting a new diet or taking a new medication, contact your doctor.

Some common treatments include the following:

regular exercise

Regular physical activities like exercise and workouts promote proper circulation and keep your intestines healthy.

drink lots of water

It is important to consume at least 4-6 glasses of water or fluids to get rid of constipation.

Eat more fiber

Adding more fibre to your diet with fruits and vegetables can help you get rid of constipation easily

In addition, over-the-counter stool softeners, suppositories, and laxatives can help deal with temporary constipation. You can also try natural stool softeners and laxatives. If curing your constipation doesn’t significantly reduce or alleviate your back pain, it’s likely that they’re unrelated. Talk to your doctor about having your back pain evaluated.

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