Daily life
Constipation and back pain can share causes and call for different care
Constipation and back pain are both common, and both often improve with simple steps at home [1][2]. A few warning signs, such as losing control of your bladder or bowels, need emergency care [2].
Key points
- Back pain usually improves within a few weeks, and constipation can often be treated with diet and lifestyle changes [1][2].
- Inactivity, certain medicines and conditions that affect the spine can be tied to constipation or back pain [1][2][3].
- Back pain that gets worse when you poop is a reason to get checked [2].
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the genitals or anus, or numbness or weakness in both legs needs emergency care [2].
- Rectal bleeding, constant abdominal pain or weight loss you cannot explain, along with constipation, means seeing a doctor right away [3].
Constipation and back pain can overlap for practical reasons
Both problems are common, and both often get better without complicated treatment [1][2]. Back pain, especially in the lower back, usually improves within a few weeks, though it can last longer or keep coming back [2]. Constipation affects people of all ages and can usually be treated with changes to diet and daily habits [1].
Several everyday factors can touch both problems [1][2][3]:
- Sitting or lying down for long periods can contribute to constipation, and staying in bed for long stretches is not advised for back pain [1][2].
- Some medicines can cause constipation, including opioid painkillers, and painkillers may be prescribed when back pain is severe [1][2].
- Conditions that affect the brain and spine can cause constipation, and back pain has its own spine-related causes such as a slipped disc [2][3].
Constipation is also more common during pregnancy, after giving birth and in people over 65 [1].
When to get care
Back pain with numbness or lost bowel control needs emergency care
Very rarely, back pain is a sign of a serious problem such as a broken bone, cancer or an infection [2]. Get emergency care if your back pain comes with any of these signs [2]:
- Pain, tingling, weakness or numbness in both legs [2].
- Loss of feeling around your genitals or anus [2].
- Changes in your bladder or bowels, such as trouble urinating, or urinating or having a bowel movement without meaning to [2].
- Changes in how your genitals feel during sex, trouble getting or keeping an erection, or not being able to orgasm [2].
- Pain that started after a serious accident, such as a car crash [2].
If you need the emergency room, do not drive yourself. Ask someone to drive you or call for an ambulance [2].
Get prompt medical attention if your back pain comes with these signs [2]:
- Feeling hot, cold, shivery or generally unwell along with back pain [2].
- Severe pain that starts suddenly or is getting worse quickly [2].
Constipation has its own warning signs. See a doctor right away if you are constipated and have bleeding from your rectum, constant pain in your abdomen, or weight loss you cannot explain [3].
If you think you may have a medical emergency in the United States, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Constipation causes straining and a feeling that your bowels are not empty
Straining or pain when you pass stool is one of the main signs of constipation [1][3]. These are the usual signs [1][3][4]:
- Fewer than three bowel movements a week, or going less often than usual [1][3][4].
- Stool that is hard, dry or lumpy, or unusually large or small [1][3].
- Stool that is difficult or painful to pass [3].
- A feeling that you have not fully emptied your bowels [1][3].
You do not need a bowel movement every day. A change in your usual bowel habits is the thing to pay attention to [4].
Long-term constipation can lead to fecal impaction, where stool builds up in the rectum, the last part of the large intestine [1]. The main symptom is watery stool leaking around the hard stool. A healthcare professional may need to remove some of the stool, and you should not try that yourself [1].
Medicines and inactivity and spine conditions link constipation and back pain
| Factor | Constipation | Back pain |
|---|---|---|
| Not moving enough | Long periods of sitting or lying down can cause it [1][3]. | Staying in bed for long periods is not advised [2]. |
| Medicines | Opioid painkillers, some antacids and some antidepressants can make it worse [1][3]. | Painkillers may be prescribed if pain is severe [2]. |
| Spine and nervous system | Spinal cord or brain injuries and Parkinson's disease can cause it [3]. | A slipped disc is one possible cause [2]. |
| Ignoring the urge | Putting off a bowel movement can bring it on [1][3]. | Not listed as a cause [2]. |
If you take a medicine that may be causing constipation, ask your provider about it [4]. Talk to a doctor before you stop any prescribed medicine [1].
Diet and fluids and gentle movement can ease constipation and back pain
You may notice a difference in constipation within a few days, though it sometimes takes a few weeks [1]. These steps are safe to try during pregnancy [1].
- Eat more fruits, vegetables and grains, which are high in fiber [4]. Apples, apricots, grapes, raisins, raspberries and strawberries contain sorbitol, which can help soften stool [1].
- Drink plenty of water and other fluids, and avoid alcohol [1].
- Add wheat bran, oats or flaxseed to your diet [1].
- Go at a regular time and place, give yourself plenty of time, and do not put it off when you feel the urge [1].
- Rest your feet on a low stool and raise your knees above your hips if you can [1].
- Fit in a daily walk or run, which can help you go more regularly [1].
If diet and lifestyle changes are not helping, talk to a pharmacist [1]. Laxatives help you go more regularly, most work within 3 days, and they should only be used for a short time [1]. Use them only if your provider says you should [4].
For back pain, staying active is also part of the advice [2]:
- Keep up your daily activities as much as you can, and do not stay in bed for long periods [2].
- Use an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to reduce pain and swelling, or a heat pack wrapped in a cloth to ease stiffness or muscle spasms [2].
- Try back exercises and stretches, and stop if your pain gets worse [2].
- Walking, swimming, yoga and pilates may also ease back pain [2].
- Ask a pharmacist which painkiller is suitable for you if you are unsure [2].
A doctor can check constipation or back pain that does not improve
See a doctor about back pain in these situations [2]:
- It does not improve after a few weeks of home care [2].
- It stops you doing your day-to-day activities, or you are struggling to cope [2].
- It does not improve with rest, or it is worse at night [2].
- It is worse when you sneeze, cough or poop [2].
- You notice a lump or swelling in your back, or your back has changed shape [2].
- It comes from the top of your back, between your shoulders, rather than the lower back [2].
See a doctor about constipation if your symptoms do not go away with self-care or you have a family history of colon or rectal cancer [3]. Also get checked if you feel tired all the time, notice sudden changes in your bowel habits, or take a medicine that may be causing it [1].
If back pain does not get better after a few weeks, other options may include manual therapy from a trained therapist [2]. Physical therapy may be available without a referral in some areas [2].
Sources
- Constipation nhs.uk
- Back pain nhs.uk
- Symptoms & Causes of Constipation niddk.nih.gov
- Constipation medlineplus.gov
Not medical advice. This page is general education written from the sources above. It cannot diagnose a condition or replace a licensed clinician who knows your history. If you may be having an emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department.