Your aching back may not be a result of strain.
Rather, it may be a symptom ofconstipation.
Both of these conditions are very common.
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This article will explain how constipation can cause back pain and when to see a healthcare provider.
But not all constipation is alike.
The following conditions can result in back pain and constipation.
General Constipation
If you have constipation, it means you’re not sufficiently emptying your bowels.
This pain may last until you are able to get your digestive system moving again.
Fecal Impaction
Some cases of chronic constipation can causefecal impaction.
This usually affects people with long-term constipation.
It can be a serious condition that needs to be promptly addressed.
Other times, a healthcare provider must manually break the stool into smaller pieces before carefully removing it.
In severe cases, the stool may need to be surgically removed.
This, in turn, may cause you to become constipated in addition to possibly causing other bowel issues.
Conditions that can be associated with both may instead be the underlying issue.
You may also experience bloating and abdominal discomfort associated with constipation.
You may also experience muscle spasms in your back and notice a weakness in your leg or foot.
Sciatica Symptoms
Sciaticasymptoms can include both lower back and leg pain.
Your leg or foot may also feel differently than normal and may seem weaker.
You may also experience muscle spasms in your back.
If you experience fever and vomiting together with constipation, you should also seek out emergency care.
Having constipation and back pain does not necessarily mean one is causing the other.
Conditions ranging from irritable bowel syndrome to cancer can be linked to both.
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