Help For Constipation At Fastmed Urgent Care
The medical professionals at FastMed Urgent Care can help determine the cause of your constipation and ensure it is not caused by a more serious problem, like irritable bowel syndrome. In most cases, an X-ray will be taken to make sure there is no blockage or impacted fecal matter. If your condition is severe, constipation medication may be prescribed to you.
Before your visit, be prepared with a list of any medications youre taking, as some of them can contribute to constipation. For accurate information about lifestyle changes that help relieve the pain of constipation, please use our medical library.
FastMed Urgent Care has locations throughout North Carolina, Arizona and Texas that have extended hours and accept most major insurance, including Medicaid and Medicare. Find a FastMed near you today!
Constipation Can Cause Lower Back Pain
When waste has built up in your colon, it can put pressure on the nerves of the lower back.
Its normally the lower portion of the colon that becomes irritated from constipation. The longer the waste stays in the colon, the dryer and harder it becomes.
This causes one to strain and push using lower back muscles that are already stressed, adding even more constipation pain.
Why Do You Become Constipated
It can be hard to pinpoint exactly what is causing your constipation, because there are many different reasons that you can become constipated.
These include:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome and problems with your digestive system.
- Other serious medical issues such as Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, and having an under-active thyroid.
Quite a long list of potential culprits.
So, if you recognise that any of these things apply to you, try to address them.
And here are some more ways you can try and rid yourself of constipation.
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Can Constipation Cause Back Pain And Leg Pain
Medically constipation can be described as fewer than three stools per week and the extreme form of constipation being less than a single stool in a week. It simply means irregular passage of feces. It may also refer to hard stools, straining while passing them or a feeling of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement. People with constipation tends to have back or leg pain, many wonders! Can constipation cause back pain and leg pain?
It manifests itself with symptoms like having lower abdominal uneasiness, feeling that one has not fully emptied their bowels even going to the toilet that is having an incomplete evacuation feeling, having difficulties with bowel movements, having small or tiny feces, having rectal bleeding due to hard feces and having physiological stress which is the constant feeling one needs to go to the toilet to pass bowel.
Constipation mainly happens when there is relatively a slower movement of the bowel through the large intestines. It may due to two main conditions which affect the colon known as colonic inertia and pelvic floor dysfunction.
Other Treatment Options For Constipation With Back Pain
Treatment of constipation with back pain typically starts with a capful of an over-the-counter laxative, such as Miralax , taken daily for eight weeks.
It is gentle enough that people will do it and aggressive enough that it will work, Dr. Maser says. Miralax works by drawing water into the colon to soften the stool and may stimulate the colon to contract.
Once the initial bout of constipation is resolved, other methods, including eating a high-fiber diet, drinking more water, making medication changes, or learning biofeedback, can help prevent it from coming back.
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Constipation Produces The Following Symptomswhich Can Cause Stomach Pain
Cramps
This cause of stomach pain that is annoying and irritating. These aren’t usually too much trouble unless:
- A fever is present
- Cramping lasts more than 24 hours
Stomach cramps usually come from constipation, gas, indigestion, and bloating.
Nausea
This results from backed up stool in the colon.
This backed up stool causes problems with the whole gastrointestinal tract. The regular function of moving food into the digestion processes is slowed down, which can result in nausea.
The following can also cause nausea:
- Distension of the colon
- A bowel obstruction
A full feeling
When constipated, have you experienced a bloated, distended stomach? Then in a few hours perhaps it gets worse, as your stomach starts feeling even tighter and starts to hurt.
This tight sensation makes you feel heavy and full. Sometimes you might skip a meal because you feel so full and by skipping a meal can cause a hunger headache and dehydration.
Intestinal blockages
This can cause severe stomach pain. Constipation can cause intestinal blockages at any point in the colon.
These can block the intestinal track from passing waste material, fluids or gas along the digestion pathway, producing sharp stomach pains.
Gas build up
This can be caused by constipation. Yeast in the colon ferments the stool, and a byproduct of fermentation is gas. When this gas cant be expelled, it produces pressure and pain.
Indigestion
Bloating
Belching
The gas that is produced is expelled through the mouth.
What Causes Back Pain
It isnt always possible to identify the cause of back pain, but its rarely anything serious.
Most back pain is non-specific, which means there is no obvious cause.
Other types are mechanical, meaning that the pain originates from the joints, bones or soft tissues in and around the spine.
Non-specific or mechanical pain is sometimes caused by poor posture or lifting something awkwardly, but can sometimes happen for no reason.
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Why Is Maintaining Bowel Function So Important
Worsening and untreated bowel function can lead to many additional health problems:
- Partial paralysis of the stomach
- Chronic heartburn
- Bloating or fullness
- Change in weight
- Autonomic dysreflexia – This is a serious condition where a dangerous elevation in blood pressure is associated with a drop in heart rate in people with spinal cord injury at levels T6 and above. It may cause heavy sweating, flushing, headaches, and blurry vision. If left untreated, it may lead to stroke, bleeding in the eyes, swelling of the heart or lungs, and other severe health problems.
- Worsening pain and/or spasticity
Common Causes Of Lower Back Pain
About 80% of adults experience lower back pain at some point in their lives, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Lower back pain is usually an acute condition that may occur due to overuse or an injury or sprain. However, some people may experience chronic back pain that lasts for 12 weeks or longer.
Some of the most common causes of lower back pain include:
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Preventing Constipation And Headaches
Taking care of yourself is the best way to prevent any health condition. This means eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and learning to manage stress. Its important to identify whats causing your headaches and constipation so that you can work with your doctor to prevent them. Once youve treated any underlying problems, your headaches and constipation should improve.
In general, adding fiber-rich foods to your diet may prevent constipation. Fiber-rich foods include:
- fresh fruits and vegetables such as leafy greens and prunes
- whole grains
- legumes
You should also drink plenty of water. Mild dehydration may lead to constipation and headaches.
Stress management and gentle exercises may help reduce headaches. Yoga, meditation, and massage are especially helpful. If lifestyle changes dont help completely, you may need medications such as an antidepressant or NSAID .
Can Physical Therapy Help Lower Back Pain
Physical therapy is one of the best ways to treat lower back pain, and if your bowel problems are related to back pain, it will ease those symptoms as well. Physical therapy will help ease lower back pain and help you find relief in motion. If you are struggling with this, it is best to seek physical therapy as soon as possible. This will help prevent any need for an operation down the line. In the worst cases, if you do need surgery, our team will be by your side every step of the way helping you recover.
To learn more about lower back pain treatment and our other physical therapy services, call ProFysio Physical Therapy at 812-5200 or contact us online.
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Constipation Can Result In Stomach Pain
In fact, the most frequently reported constipation pain is stomach pain. It may show up as a full feeling, nausea or cramps.
When stool is hard it tends to move less easily through the colon. Blockages can form, and these can irritate the colon. This irritation can cause the normal contractions of the colon to turn into spasms, which shows up as stomach pain.
Gi Society Patient Survey
Chronic idiopathic constipation, which affects far more women than men, can be extremely debilitating. While it is normal to have a bowel movement anywhere from three times a day to three times a week, a person experiencing chronic idiopathic constipation has hard or lumpy stool that is very difficult to pass. Idiopathic means there is no known cause. Stool can remain in the bowel for more than a week and the buildup within the colon causes unbearable pelvic and abdominal pressure and pain, making it difficult to bend, sit down, have sexual relations, and even to walk. Other symptoms include poor appetite, back pain, and general malaise. The usual methods to relieve occasional constipation do not work for these patients. Convinced there is no solution for their illness, some of these individuals begin to withdraw from society.
As part of our patient advocacy work, the GI Society is conducting an ongoing survey for women with chronic idiopathic constipation regarding their experiences using Resotran, a promising newer treatment for this patient group. It is challenging to convince government decision-making bodies and others of the severity of chronic constipation, a socially-stigmatized illness, as many misunderstand it and trivialize the impact it has on a persons ability to function. While most individuals have had an episode of constipation that resolved easily, many cant imagine an unrelenting situation, and underestimate the seriousness of chronic constipation.
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Things You Can Do To Relieve Constipation Related To Back Pain
One of the least discussed yet surprisingly common issues related to back pain is constipation, which may either aggravate existing back pain or contribute to newly experienced discomfort. The resulting back pain is usually due to the added strain placed on muscles that support your lower spine from difficult bowel movements. Lower back muscle spasms may also interfere with the autonomic nerves that help control intestinal actions. Beverly Hills spine surgeons have 7 tips for preventing back pain-related constipation.
Treatment For Excess Gas
Theres three general treatment options:
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Can Back Pain Cause Constipation
If youve ever experienced a pulled back muscle or chronic back pain, you know it can be extremely debilitating. Your back is central to your core. Most of your movement originates in the core area. When the back is hampered by sharp pain, every movement hurts and most movements are slow and avoided. The pain can even prevent you from making it out of bed. If it takes 20 minutes to make it up the stairs, isnt it probable that straining during bowel movements could also be a source of misery?
Its also not uncommon to see constipation in folks who have sustained back injuries from strenuous activities or lifting. In some cases, its simple the lower back muscles spasm and interfere with the autonomic nerves responsible for the intestinal action that cause bowel movements.
How To Manage Back Pain Due To Constipation
Back pain due to any cause should be treated appropriately. However, if constipation is present in persons experiencing back pain, management of constipation can help to a great extent. Most of the times, it is observed that other causes of back pain like previous injuries, muscle strain, inter-vertebral disc problems, etc. may be present along with constipation. Hence, treating constipation in addition to other problems is advisable.
Constipation can be treated with medications in certain cases. Treating the underlying causes of constipation is equally important. It is advisable to seek medical opinion and follow the advice.
- Preventing and managing constipation needs slight modifications in the lifestyle. Some tips includes
- Drink plenty of water and fluids at least 8 to 10 glasses of water is ideal. Special attention to fluid intake must be given during summer season and during play, workout or sports activities.
- Add enough roughage to your diet. Include whole grain foods for breakfast and meals. Include enough amounts of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Identify foods that cause constipation or gastric upset.
- Maintain a healthy schedule and toilet routine. Attend to toilet needs without ignoring or suppressing the urge.
- Exercise regularly and remain active during the day. Light exercises, yoga or walking can be easily taken up. Seek medical advice if required.
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Constipation Can Cause Back Pain
Back pain could be considered as a side-effect or symptom of constipation. This may be due to any of the following:
- Excessive pushing and straining to defecate
- Sitting in an improper posture on the toilet
- Because of poor muscle tone due to a lack of physical activity
- Gas is a side-effect of constipation. When gas becomes trapped in the colon, it can cause severe back pain.
- Blocked feces in the intestine or colon may exert pressure on the walls of the intestine and neighboring areas, causing back pain.
- When there is an accumulation of fecal matter in the large intestine and rectum, it causes the colon to become impacted.
This affects muscles and nerves in the adjoining area, and may trigger back pain.
What To Do If Constipation Causes Back Pain
When the back pain crops up due to any factor it should be treated properly. Nevertheless, if constipation occurs in a person who has back pain, managing the constipation can assist to a great extent.
At most times, it is perceived that other predisposing factors of back pain which include earlier injuries, straining the muscles, intervertebral disc issues etc. may accompany constipation. Thus, treatment of constipation on top of other additional health conditions is recommended.
When the condition happens it can be cured using drugs. Treatment of the root causes of constipation is correspondingly important. It is highly worthwhile to look for medical advice and adhere to it promptly. The prevention and management of constipation requires minor changes, especially in a persons lifestyle. The changes may include
Drinking Large Amounts of Water and Fluids At a minimum, a person should ensure drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water is per day. Unique adherence to the routine must be done especially during the summer season and/or when playing, working out at the gym or being involved in sports activities.
Adequate Roughage to a Persons Meals They include meals such as whole grain meals for breakfast and suppertimes. Add adequate and appropriate quantities of fruits and vegetables in the meals. Avoid food substances that lead to constipation or gastric issues.
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Whats The Connection Between Nausea And Constipation
When your colon isnt working properly, it throws your entire gastrointestinal tract off-balance. As a result, a buildup of stools in your intestinal tract creates a feeling of uneasiness or queasiness in your stomach.
Your bowel plays a role in your bodys detoxification process. When it takes longer than normal for food to move through your colon, this causes a buildup of toxins in your body. Its these toxins that cause the sensation of nausea.
Also, constipation can lead to stomach distention and bloating, which occurs the longer stools remain in your colon. This triggers an increase of bacteria in you colon, prompting a nauseous feeling.
Depending on the severity of constipation, you may also experience loss of appetite and begin skipping meals. Some people become nauseous when their stomach is empty.
Constipation Can Cause Gas Pain
Constipation makes it very difficult to pass gas, leading to discomfort and pain. Gas pain occurs when gas builds up and cannot be expelled.
Please see constipation and abdominal pain
This gas is more likely to have a foul odor when one is constipated, which can be quite embarrassing.
Also, constipation can cause fissures in the anus, which in turn can be very painful when gas is expelled from the body.
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How Do The Intestines Work
The intestines are part of the digestive system and run from the abdomen to the anus. Most nutrients are absorbed in the intestines. The intestines are a few metres long. On average, the small intestine is 6 metres and the large intestine one and a half metres. Via peristaltic movements the small intestines transport undigested food to the large intestines. In the large intestines, this food is processed and various rotting and fermentation processes take place. This is where bowel problems, such as flatulence or wind, often occur.
In most of the cases, the cause of bowel problems is an incorrect lifestyle, such as smoking and lack of exercise. Also, food with too much fat and too few fibres may cause diarrhoea or constipation. To prevent or reduce bowel problems, it is recommended to ensure you eat high-fibre foods .
Fibres are parts of vegetable foods that your small intestines cannot digest or absorb. They go to the large intestines undigested. Due to a lack of fibres in food, there will be fewer indigestible material in the intestines. In the absence of sufficient bulk and the stimulating action of the food fibres, the intestines are insufficiently stimulated. This is detrimental for proper digestion of food. Moreover, too little fluid is absorbed causing hard stools and making bowel movements difficult.
