Constipation is a common issue irrespective of age or gender. It is uncomfortable and can impact the quality of your life. By definition, it means a change in the frequency, the volume of stool passed, and the ease of stool passage. Chronic constipation has multiple side effects, which can be painful. Sometimes, back pain is associated with constipation or a slipped disc. Let’s understand the reasons why these conditions occur and how best to deal with them.
What Causes Constipation?
Here are some causes of the condition:
1. Fluid consumption
Dehydration is caused when your body has insufficient water. The relationship between fluid intake and dehydration is commonly seen. It is one of the most common causes of chronic constipation conditions. If the food you eat makes its way to your colon, and your body lacks sufficient fluid, the large intestine will soak up the water from the food waste. This is what causes your stools to become hard and clumpy and leads to painful stool passage.
2. Diet:
A diet low in fiber is another contributor. Including fiber-rich foods like pears, strawberries, apples, raspberries, carrots, broccoli, beets, lentils, chickpeas, and kidney beans will help. Certain medications are known to contribute to the condition. If you notice that you have more difficulty passing stool after taking certain medications, talk to your doctor. They will adjust the medications or replace them altogether.
3. Exercise
Lack of physical activity is another leading cause. Movements and exercise decrease the time taken for food to move through the intestines. And because of this, the amount of water your body absorbs from the stool is limited to a minimum, making for softer stools.
4. Bowel obstruction
Consumed food travels through the small and large intestines before passing as waste in the form of stool. Obstructions in the intestines can stop or limit bowel movement and cause blockage. Food, gas, gastric acid, and fluid contribute to obstructions in the intestines. Whether the blockage is total or partial, it restricts the movement of food and fluids. This has to be taken seriously because if the blockage is severe, it may cause your intestines to rupture. In such a case, intestinal contents and bacteria will leak into the abdominal cavity.
5. Rectal or colon cancer
This can also be another contributor.
Constipation And Back Pain Treatment
If an infection or a tumor is pressing on your spinal cord, it will cause back pain. Another side effect of such a condition is constipation. Additionally, consumed food breaks down in the stomach and passes through the intestines as part of the digestive process. The nutrients from the food are then absorbed through the walls of your intestines. The rest are passed as waste along your colon and then the rectum.
Sometimes the waste gets stuck in the colon, known as fecal impaction. In such a case, your feces will become dry and won’t budge, making it difficult to excrete them. This causes new waste to build up, leading to a range of consequences ranging from abdominal bloating to hyperventilation to fever and confusion.
How will you treat such a condition? If the cause is constipation, your back pain treatment should be manageable.
You may start scheduling time for exercise or physical movement. Add fiber-rich food to your diet. Consciously increase water consumption. Train your body to pass stool by starting regular bowel movement training.
You may try over-the-counter stool softeners and laxatives, but the relief is temporary and not as effective for chronic constipation. That’s why it is best to consult a doctor. If, however, your back pain is still unresolved after solving the constipation problem, chances are your back pain and constipation are unrelated. In which case, you will need to ascertain the actual reason for your back pain.
How To Know If Your Back Pain Is Caused By A Slip Disc
Another common cause of back pain is a very common condition called a slipped disc. It refers to a condition when the soft tissue of a spinal disc slips through the tough exterior through a crack. The bones in our spinal cord are cushioned by discs that absorb the shock from daily activities like running, exercising, twisting, or walking. Each disc is composed of two parts; a soft, gelatinous inner potion and a tougher outer portion in the form of a ring.
A slipped disc can compress your spinal nerves, leading to discomfort. It can cause your nerves to become irritated, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling in the affected portion. If your condition is severe, you might need surgical intervention to repair or even remove the affected disc.
Conclusion
Constipation is common and can be treated effectively through a slight change in diet and lifestyle. If you have constipation-related back pain, the problem will lessen or disappear completely once the constipation issue is resolved. If the condition persists, it is time to consult a doctor because any condition left untreated will lead to long-term consequences.