Treatment For Excess Gas
Theres three general treatment options:
Does Constipation Cause Lower Back Pain
The buildup of stool in your intestines may cause lower back pain or a dull aching sensation in this part of your back. If your constipation is causing your lower back pain, your pain will gradually go away after you start having regular bowel movements.
Fecal impaction is another common cause of lower back pain. Fecal impaction is when a piece of dry stool gets stuck in your colon or rectum. This can lead to extra pressure in these areas that cause lower back pain.
Common symptoms of fecal impaction include abdominal cramping, bloating, and bleeding from the rectum. Make an appointment with your doctor soon if you have lower back pain and constipation and have fecal impaction symptoms.
Everyday Options To Prevent Constipation
There are a wide range of fiber-rich foods that can help ease this condition, including fruits like apples, bananas, prunes, pears, raspberries, and vegetables like string beans, broccoli, spinach, kale, squash, lentils, peas, and beans as well as nuts and food with bran in it. But stay aware of how much: more than 25-30 grams of fiber a day can cause bloating.
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Constipation And Low Back Pain
If you have lower back pain, youre not alone. The Cleveland Clinic reports that around four out of five Americans experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. One reason the problem is so common is that the list of potential causes is long. Your back contains many structures that can cause or contribute to pain, including bones, muscles, joints, nerves, tendons, disks and ligaments. These can become damaged from trauma, aging, obesity, overexertion, and underlying diseases, among other factors.
Your lower backs proximity to other organs and body parts, like the colon, makes it a prime target for referred pain, including from constipation.
Heres a closer look at constipation, the causes of constipation with lower back pain, and treatment options for relief.
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Whats Causing My Constipation
Keep in mind that you may not always be able to identify the root cause of your constipation. Still, there are some common culprits:
- Not drinking enough fluids
- A recent change in diet
- Certain medications or supplements
- Hormone changes
In many cases, making a lifestyle change can help to soothe your symptoms and encourage regular bowel movements. Good bowel habits such as exercising daily, drinking plenty of fluids or water, and eating high-fiber foods are a few examples that prove effective for many people.
But if lifestyle changes arenât cutting it, donât worry. There are other options, including prescription medications and over-the-counter supplements or laxatives. If youâre unsure of where to start, reach out to your provider for more information.
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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.
Serotonin Type 4 Receptor Agonists
Serotonin type 4 receptor agonists stimulate peristalsis and accelerate gastrointestinal transit. Shin et al. reviewed 13 randomized controlled trials on highly selective 5-HT4 receptor agonists in adults with chronic constipation and concluded that these drugs improved stool frequency and other symptoms of constipation, generally with minor neurological/psychiatric adverse events . However, the efficacy of these drugs has not yet been reported in CKD/ESKD patients. Since CKD-related constipation is often refractory, 5-HT4 receptor agonists may be used not as a sole therapy but as an additive therapy to other drugs.
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The Importance Of Good Digestion For Eliminating Back Pain
During the last 20 years or so, there has been a significant surge in the number of people experiencing back pain. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that one-fourth of Americans suffer from lower back pain each year. Research shows that two-thirds of those people will have back pain at least once during their lifetimes.
Back pain is a significant health problem that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. Whats even more disturbing is the fact that many cases of back pain do not get better within a few weeks or months, which can lead to long-term suffering for those affected.
Many people find that back pain is a recurring health issue, with symptoms showing up throughout their lives.
Of course, the first step toward getting relief from back pain is to determine its cause. Once you have pinpointed the source of your chronic back pain, you can get help for it from a qualified health care provider . Its also essential to address any health issue that has the potential to cause back pain. One of the most common causes of back pain is constipation.
What You Need To Know
A spinal cord injury can lead to bowel problems:
- You may have problems moving waste through your colon .
- You may pass a stool when you dont want to, or a stool may be hard to pass.
- These problems can cause pain in your abdomen.
- When eating, you may feel full sooner than normal, or you may eat less than you usually do.
- Bowel problems can contribute to depression or anxiety. You may feel overly concerned about not being able to control bowel movements in public. You may not want to do things outside of your home.
A bowel program can help you to control bowel movements. Following a bowel program can help you to avoid other problems and perhaps bowel surgery.
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How Is Constipation Treated
Self-care
Most cases of mild to moderate constipation can be managed by you at home. Self-care starts by taking an inventory of what you eat and drink and then making changes.
Some recommendations to help relieve your constipation include:
- Drink two to four extra glasses of water a day. Avoid caffeine-containing drinks and alcohol, which can cause dehydration.
- Add fruits, vegetables whole grains and other high-fiber foods to your diet. Eat fewer high-fat foods, like meat, eggs and cheese.
- Eat prunes and/or bran cereal.
- Keep a food diary and single out foods that constipate you.
- Get moving, exercise.
- Check how you sit on the toilet. Raising your feet, leaning back or squatting may make having a bowel movement easier.
- Add an over-the-counter supplemental fiber to your diet .
- If needed, take a very mild over-the-counter stool softener or laxative . Mineral oil enemas, like Fleet®, and stimulant laxatives, like bisacodyl or senna , are other options. There are many laxative choices. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for help in making a choice. Do not use laxatives for more than two weeks without calling your doctor. Overuse of laxatives can worsen your symptoms.
- Do not read, use your phone or other devices while trying to move your bowels.
Medication/supplement review
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When To See Your Doctor
In most cases, its possible to apply home remedies and management to back pain caused by constipation. The pain usually subsides once the blockage has been removed, though patients need to monitor themselves if theyre prone to bouts of constipation.
However, there are situations where its more advisable that you consult your doctor immediately about your lower back pain:
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Increase Your Water And Other Fluid Consumption
You can prevent and treat constipation by consuming more water and fluids. The current guidelines for water consumption are for adults above 19 years old. Men should consume about 131 ounces of fluids, whereas women are recommended to consume about 95 ounces of fluids.
These fluids include all the beverages you consume in a day, including water. Out of the ideal total consumption, men should get about 13 cups of fluids from other beverages, and women should get 9 cups. The rest of the remaining fluid quota can be made up of water.
60% of our body is made up of water. So naturally, it requires a sufficient amount of water to perform its vital functions. If your body does not have adequate amounts of water in its guts, then the fecal matter cannot travel from our intestines to out of our bodies. You can drink unsweetened fluids to cure constipation and back pain.
Can Constipation Cause Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain can be difficult to diagnose because it can have so many potential causes. Since our lower back houses crucial skeletal structures, muscle groups, and nerve endings, any lower back pain should be diagnosed and treated immediately, no matter how trivial or serious the cause.
But can a condition like constipation cause lower back pain? Its possible, but there are other equally likely causes as well. If constipation is the cause of your back pain, it may indicate a more serious issue with your digestive system that needs treatment.
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Colon Or Rectal Cancer
Sometimes a tumor may block your bowels, leading to constipation and back pain. Other symptoms may include cramping, vomiting, bloating and the inability to pass gas.
A change in your bowel habits can be a sign of colon or rectal cancer, especially if it lasts for more than a few days and occurs with other symptoms, such as rectal bleeding, blood in your stool and unexplained weight loss.
The best way to stay ahead of colon cancer is to make sure you undergo regular screening with colonoscopy.
The Role Of Your Kidneys
Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that are located in the upper abdominal area against the back muscles. The kidneys are relatively small , yet play a crucial role in the daily function of your body. Your kidneys are composed of a million tiny filters called nephrons. Similar to a water filtration plant, they regulate the health of your bloodstream by filtering out wastes and extra fluid in the body. Because the kidneys are responsible for keeping your bloodstream clean and free of toxins, you cannot survive without them.
The kidneys filter about 120 to 150 quarts of blood to produce about 1-2 quarts of waste. As the blood is filtered, the waste is drained from the kidneys into the bladder as urine. Your body is a closed system you can only get rid of waste through sweating, breathing, and urinating/bowel movements. If there is a disruption to any of these systems, the repercussions can be serious.
- Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Reviewed on 10/9/2020
Fullness, constipation and a frequent urge to urinate can occur with various conditions. It is possible that constipation is present along with a urinary tract infection. Less commonly, these symptoms can be related to more serious chronic conditions . Depression and other emotional conditions often produce symptoms that mimic those of physical problems. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you are experiencing worrisome symptoms.
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Improve Spinal Health With The Spine And Rehab Group
Constipation is a possible cause for lower back pain, but you should always get a full diagnosis before your doctor before settling it as the only cause. There are a myriad of factors that can trigger the symptoms of lower back pain, and its important to check for all possible conditions to catch any serious illnesses that may be developing.
At the Spine And Rehab Group, we believe in providing high-quality medical care and assistance for any sort of back pain, combined with a commitment to long-lasting solutions and excellent customer service. We have years of experience in treating most causes of back pain, with clinics all over New York that you can visit today.
Pharmacy First Scotland: Constipation Treatment From Your Pharmacy
Constipation isnt usually serious and can be treated by a pharmacist. Your pharmacist may recommend that you contact your GP practice if required.
Also speak to your pharmacist if you think your child might be constipated. Laxatives are often recommended for children alongside diet and lifestyle changes.
You may be able to treat constipation yourself by making simple changes to your diet and lifestyle . If these changes dont help and the problem continues, you should see your pharmacist.
However, you should see your GP for advice if:
- you notice any rectal bleeding
- you notice any unexplained weight loss
- you have persistent tiredness
- your constipation lasts longer than 14 days without improvement
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Are Opioids Useful For Treating Chronic Pain In Ibs
There is no evidence that opioids, narcotics, have any long-term benefit. Yet, there is an epidemic of opioid use. Furthermore, opioids slow down the gut causing constipation, gastroparesis, nausea, and vomiting, particularly in those with IBS.
In addition, about 56% of people who go on opioids develop a condition called narcotic bowel syndrome, also called opioid induced central hyperalgesia. It was identified in 2007, but is not always recognized. Typically, the person who has chronic pain is given opioids, the pain gets worse, and more opioids are given.
What the opioids are doing in people with narcotic bowel syndrome is activating the spinal cord mechanisms to amplify and increase the signaling to the brain. Discontinuing the opioids while substituting effective alternatives is the only way the condition can be treated. This requires the doctor and patient working closely together.
Opioids are not a treatment for chronic pain in IBS. Not only is this because of the risk for getting narcotic bowel syndrome, but it deflects from proper treatment where there is clear benefit. There is no evidence for long-term benefit of opioids.
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When To Call Your Doctor
While it is common to experience one or more of the above-associated symptoms in IBS, there are some symptoms that should not occur and, therefore, warrant a visit to your doctor. These include abdominal pain associated with a loss of appetite, malnutrition, or weight loss.
Pain that is progressively getting worse and/or awakens you from sleep is also not suggestive of IBS and warrants a prompt medical evaluation. Moreover, if your pain is especially severe and does not feel like your typical IBS pain, you may need to seek immediate medical attention.
- Your abdomen is extremely hard or tender to the touch.
- You are experiencing rectal bleeding or bloody diarrhea.
- You are having difficulty breathing or chest pain.
- You are coughing up or vomiting blood.
- You are experiencing severe pain in your neck or between your shoulder blades.
- You are unable to stop vomiting.
IBS Doctor Discussion Guide
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Increase The Quantity Of Fiber
Fiber is an imperative part of your diet. You may suffer from constipation because of a lack of fiber in your diet. Fiber goes into our stomach and then leaves it without getting digested.
This fiber is then found in our colon. In our colon, friendly bacteria feed on the fiber. Different types of fiber promote other health benefits among people.
Fiber may help you promote weight loss, fight constipation, and even help to lower your blood sugar levels. According to the academy of nutrition and dietetics, you should consume about 14 grams of fiber for every 1,000 calories.
According to rough estimation, this equates to about 24 grams of fiber per day for women and 38 grams for men. Unfortunately, the majority of the people in America do meet these required standards. The average fiber intake for Americans is about 16.2 grams, which is below the permissible levels.
What Are Causes Of Constipation With Back Pain
Constipation can be caused by certain lifestyle behaviors, such as not exercising enough or not drinking enough water. However, if you have both constipation and back pain, its possible you may have a specific health condition that is causing these problems.
For example, a tumor that is pressing on your spinal cord can cause back pain and constipation, depending on where the tumor is located and how it is pressing on your spinal cord. Constipation is also a side effect of diabetes, and lack of exercise is a risk factor for both diabetes and back pain. Therefore, you may have both constipation and back pain if you have diabetes.
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