Can Back Pain Cause Constipation?

There are few things worse than constipation, but pair it with back pain? And there you have it. 

If you’ve had an achy-breaky back, and find yourself simultaneously backed up, you may wonder, can back pain cause constipation? 

Pain management expert, Mike Mizrahi, D.O. dives in and explains how to find relief. 

Can back pain make you constipated? 

“Generally, back pain does not cause constipation, but there are a couple of connections that could cause this type of reaction,” says Dr. Mizrahi. 

Dr. Mizrahi explains some connections on why you may experience constipation with back pain.

• Sedentary lifestyle: Pain often leads to reduced physical activity and mobility, which can slow down the digestive system.
• Tense muscles: Back pain can create tension in the muscles around the lower back and pelvis, making bowel movements painful and or difficult.
• Nervous system reaction to pain. “When the body is in pain, it enters a fight or flight type of reaction, which can slow down your GI system,” says Dr. Mizrahi.
• Stress & anxiety: Chronic back pain can cause stress and anxiety, triggering changes in bowel habits.
• Side effects of pain medications. “This is the more likely culprit – constipation is a common side effect of some pain medications,” says Dr. Mizrahi. Opioids in particular are a well-known cause of constipation. Other medications such as nerve pain medications and muscle relaxers may cause changes in bowel habits as well.

How can you relieve back pain and constipation?

If you have back pain and constipation, to find relief and get things moving again: 

• Increase fiber intake. Add some more beans to your diet, or foods like broccoli, berries and avocado.
• Stay hydrated. Ensure you’re drinking enough fluids, especially if you’ve been increasing fiber in your diet.
• Exercise. Increase your physical activity level – try taking a walk, it can help get your bowels. moving again and the natural dopamine released with exercise may also improve your pain level
• Stool softeners and laxatives. While taking medications, stool softeners and laxatives can help prevent constipation and offer some relief.

It’s important to bring any concerns you have to your doctor – if you’re experiencing back pain along with constipation, there are lifestyle modifications you can make to find some relief.

Next Steps & Resources: 

• Meet our sources: Mike Mizrahi, D.O.
• To make an appointment with a pain management specialist near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.
• Learn more about pain management services at Hackensack Meridian Health.