Back pain can be difficult to deal with, and may prevent you from participating in many activities that you enjoy. That’s likely one of the reasons Americans spend roughly $50 billion each year treating back pain. There are many reasons why you may be experiencing back pain, but have you considered that your back pain may be caused by constipation?

When you are constipated, it means that you are having very infrequent bowel movements. You may also find bowel movements difficult and uncomfortable. While normal bowel movements usually occur one to two times a day, you may experience only three bowel movements a week if you are constipated. Other symptoms of constipation include an uncomfortable feeling of fullness, bloating and, occasionally, back pain.

Why does constipation cause back pain?

When you are constipated, sometimes it can cause your intestines to become swollen. This leads to pain and discomfort in the abdomen as well as the back. If your back pain feels more like a dull, constant ache than a sharp pain, then constipation may be to blame.

Your back pain should ease once you are able to have normal bowel movements again. Constipation will usually go away on its own within four or five days, but this isn’t always the case. If you are experiencing back pain caused by constipation that won’t go away, it may be time to see a licensed physical therapist for help.

How can physical therapy help with back pain caused by constipation?

Physical therapists can perform a number of pelvic rehabilitation techniques to help relieve your abdominal and back pain from constipation. These techniques are designed to relieve pain and improve physical functioning by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, ligaments and tendons. Some of the methods your physical therapist may use include:

• Relaxation techniques — Once you are relaxed, it will be easier for your physical therapist to work and stretch your muscles. They can achieve this using several gentle methods. This may include guided imagery and biofeedback, which uses pain-free sensors to measure your bodily functions.
• Diaphragmatic breathing — Deep breaths allow your diaphragm to slowly contract and expand, relaxing the muscles in your pelvic area. This causes muscles in the pelvic floor to drop and lengthen.
• Myofascial exercises — Myofascial exercises will target the pelvic floor muscles and the connecting tissue that surrounds them. Stretches, hands-on therapy and light exercise may all be part of the treatment prescribed by your physical therapist.

Where can I turn for physical therapy to treat my back pain?

If you are looking for relief from your back pain caused by constipation, Continuum Wellness is ready and willing to help. Our team of licensed physical therapy specialists have the knowledge and experience to help guide you through a physical therapy plan that is specifically suited to your needs. 

A free screening at our clinic is the first step toward determining the source of your pain and the best way to treat it for good. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.