Can Constipation Cause Back Pain? Yes, Here's Why

Yes, constipation can absolutely cause back pain. If your gut feels blocked and your lower back starts aching, there’s real anatomy behind that sensation.

Your large intestine sits close to the lower spine, and lots of muscles and nerves run through that area too. When stool builds up and your colon stretches, it can press on nearby nerves and tissues, and that pressure often shows up as discomfort in your back.

There’s also something called referred pain, where your brain misreads pain signals from your gut as coming from your back. Research shows that shared nerve pathways between organs and the body wall can create this mix-up.

Usually, this type of back pain isn’t serious, and the worse the constipation, the more likely your back will feel it. Later in the article, we’ll walk through when you should get checked out, but for most of us, this is an annoying, not alarming, part of being constipated.

Does constipation cause back pain? Understanding the mechanism

Constipation can cause back pain, and it’s not random or in your head. There’s a very real chain reaction happening inside your body that explains why a backed-up gut can turn into an aching lower back.

When stool sits in the colon for too long, the bowel stretches and becomes distended. Parts of the colon sit close to the lower spine, so that expansion can press against nearby nerves and muscles, triggering discomfort that radiates into the back. On top of that, constipation is often linked with low-grade gut inflammation, which can irritate surrounding tissues and make everything feel more sensitive and sore. Research for the Europe PMC Funders Group on visceral pain in 2012 explains how irritation in internal organs can amplify pain signals in nearby areas of the body.

Straining during bowel movements adds another layer. Bearing down repeatedly can tense the pelvic floor and lower back muscles, sometimes leading to spasms or lingering tightness. Meanwhile, bloating and trapped gas increase pressure inside the abdomen, compounding that heavy, uncomfortable feeling. The frustrating part? Back pain can make you move less, and less movement slows digestion, creating a cycle that keeps constipation and back pain feeding each other.

Where is constipation pain felt in the back?

Constipation-related back pain is most often felt in the lower back, especially around the lumbar spine. That’s the area closest to the lower part of the colon, where stool tends to build up when things slow down. Because the colon sits centrally and spans both sides of the body, the discomfort is usually felt across the middle of the lower back or on both sides, rather than sharply on just one side.

The pain itself is typically dull, achy, or heavy. Some people describe it as a cramping or pressure-like sensation rather than a sharp stab. It can also spread outward toward the sides of the back or into the hips, especially if bloating and gas are adding extra pressure. This is different from many musculoskeletal back injuries, which often cause sharp, shooting pain or soreness that’s very localized to one spot.

Can constipation cause back pain near the kidneys?

This is a super common point of confusion. Pain from constipation can sit high enough in the lower back that it feels like it’s coming from the kidney area. In reality, it’s usually still the colon causing the discomfort, not the kidneys themselves.

Kidney pain is more likely to be severe, one-sided, and accompanied by other symptoms like fever, nausea, burning with urination, or blood in the urine. Research from the National Kidney Federation notes that true renal pain often comes with systemic or urinary signs, while gastrointestinal causes do not. If those symptoms are present, it’s time to get checked out.

Can constipation cause sciatica?

Constipation doesn’t cause true sciatica, but it can mimic it or make existing symptoms feel worse. Severe stool buildup can increase pressure and inflammation in the pelvis, which may irritate tissues along the sciatic nerve pathway. If you already have sciatica, constipation-related inflammation can amplify that discomfort.

The key difference is this: true sciatica usually causes sharp or burning pain that shoots down one leg, often past the knee. Constipation-related pain tends to stay more centralized in the lower back, without that classic leg radiation.

The two-way street: How back pain can cause constipation, too

Constipation and back pain don’t just run in one direction. Back pain can also trigger or worsen constipation, especially when it sticks around for a while. When your back hurts, you naturally move less. Less walking, stretching, and general movement slow gut motility, which makes stools harder and harder to pass. Reduced activity is a well-known risk factor for constipation, according to research published in 2023 in the National Library of Medicine, particularly in people dealing with chronic pain or injury.

Pain medications can add fuel to the fire. Opioids in particular are notorious for causing constipation because they slow down the movement of the intestines and reduce the urge to go. The National Library of Medicine explains that opioid related constipation is extremely common and often persists as long as the medication is used.

Back pain can also quietly disrupt your routines. When you’re hurting, you may drink less water, skip exercise, or avoid regular bathroom breaks. Chronic pain is stressful too, and ongoing stress and muscle tension can interfere with the gut-brain connection, slowing digestion over time.

Can a back injury cause constipation?

In some cases, yes. The nervous system plays a key role in bowel function, coordinating muscle contractions and signaling when it’s time to go. Spinal cord injuries or certain back surgeries can disrupt those signals, leading to constipation or other bowel changes. Research published in the Journal of Personalized Medicine in 2022 shows this is more common with significant spinal injuries rather than mild strains.

Limited mobility during recovery can also slow digestion. If you’ve had a back injury or surgery and notice new or worsening constipation, it’s important to talk with your doctor. It’s often manageable, but it deserves proper attention.

How to relieve lower back pain from constipation (and the constipation itself)

If constipation is what’s driving your lower back pain, the real fix is getting your bowels moving. Once that happens, the back pain often melts away within hours, which is deeply satisfying if you’ve ever felt that pressure lift. Relief usually works best when you tackle both the backup and the muscle tension it creates.

For immediate comfort, gentle heat on the lower back or abdomen can relax tight muscles and ease cramping. Light stretching and lying on your left side can also help encourage stool movement through the colon. What’s not helpful is pushing through intense workouts or heavy lifting, which can increase strain and make things worse.

Long-term, focus on the basics that support digestion. Fiber-rich foods, enough water, and probiotic foods like yogurt or kefir help soften stool and keep things regular. Movement matters too. Walking, gentle yoga, and stretches that twist the torso can stimulate the gut. Stress plays a role here as well, since tension can slow digestion and heighten pain perception.

MiraLAX and other reliable remedies

For many people, MiraLAX is a game-changer. Its active ingredient, polyethylene glycol, works by drawing water into the colon to soften stool rather than forcing contractions like stimulant laxatives do. Clinical reviews show it’s effective and generally safe for regular use, though it’s always smart to check with your doctor if you’re using it long term.

If constipation has been ongoing, the rectum can stretch and lose its normal urge signals. In those cases, using MiraLAX consistently for weeks or even months helps the bowel return to normal size and function. Stopping too early often leads right back to square one. Other options include stool softeners like docusate sodium or osmotic agents such as magnesium citrate. Natural helpers like prune juice, psyllium husk, and chia seeds can also support regularity.

Many people notice bowel relief within one to three days, with back pain improving soon after a good movement.

Massage for constipation relief

Abdominal massage is often more effective for constipation than working on the back alone. Gentle circular motions over the abdomen, following the path of the colon, can stimulate bowel movement and reduce bloating. A 2025 review for the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork found that this technique can improve constipation symptoms and discomfort.

Back massage still has a place. It helps relax muscles that tightened from straining or guarding against pain. Combining abdominal massage for digestion with back massage for muscle tension often brings the most relief. For chronic issues, a professional massage therapist familiar with digestive support can be a helpful addition to your routine.

The cancer question: Should you be worried?

It’s completely understandable to wonder about cancer when constipation and back pain show up together. Our brains tend to jump to worst case scenarios, especially when symptoms linger or feel unfamiliar. Here’s the honest truth. While colon cancer can cause bowel changes and pain, it’s far from the most likely explanation for constipation paired with back discomfort.

Most cases of constipation with back pain are caused by things like stool buildup, muscle tension, slowed digestion, or lifestyle factors, and they’re usually benign and very treatable. Colorectal cancer is much less common, and when it does cause symptoms, it often comes with additional red flags. According to the American Cancer Society, warning signs can include blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, persistent abdominal pain, anemia, or bowel changes that don’t improve over time.

Risk also matters. People over 45, those with a family history of colorectal cancer, or individuals with inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis are at higher risk and should be more proactive about screening. Clinical guidelines emphasize that routine screening colonoscopies save lives by catching issues early, often before symptoms even appear.

If constipation and back pain persist for weeks despite treatment, or if you notice any red flag symptoms, it’s important to check in with a healthcare provider. Otherwise, try not to panic. Most of the time, this combo is uncomfortable, not dangerous, and very fixable.

When pooping fixes your back (but you weren't even constipated)

If your back pain mysteriously eases up after a bowel movement, even when you didn’t feel constipated, you’re not imagining things. This actually happens a lot, and it doesn’t require classic constipation symptoms to be real.

You can have stool sitting in the colon without feeling blocked, especially if you’re still going regularly. That stool can create pressure in the abdomen and pelvis, which your body may interpret as lower back discomfort. Research published in the National Library of Medicine from the book ‘Colonic Motility: From Bench Side to Bedside’ on gut-related pain shows that pressure and distention in the bowel can trigger symptoms even when bowel frequency looks “normal” on paper.

This is especially common with IBS. People with irritable bowel syndrome often have bowel movements that relieve pain or pressure, even if they aren’t constipated. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases explains that abdominal pain related to IBS frequently improves after pooping due to reduced gut distention.

Gas and bloating play a role, too. Trapped gas can stretch the intestines and irritate nearby nerves, creating back pain that disappears once things move along. Diet, food sensitivities, or underlying digestive issues can all contribute.

If this keeps happening, a symptom diary can help. Tracking what you eat, when pain shows up, and when it resolves can reveal patterns that are easy to miss in the moment and incredibly helpful for figuring out what your gut is trying to tell you.

When to see a doctor about constipation and back pain

Most constipation-related back pain clears up with simple fixes like fluids, fiber, movement, or a gentle laxative. But there are times when home treatment isn’t enough, and getting medical advice matters.

You should reach out to a healthcare provider sooner rather than later if you have severe or worsening pain, fever, vomiting, an inability to pass gas, or blood in your stool. These symptoms can signal a blockage, infection, or another issue that needs prompt evaluation. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases notes that these warning signs shouldn’t be ignored when constipation is involved.

Chronic constipation also deserves attention. If constipation lasts longer than three weeks, keeps coming back, or stops responding to things that used to help, a doctor can look for underlying causes and tailor treatment. Persistent back pain that doesn’t improve after bowel movements, or pain that’s getting more intense, should also be checked out to rule out spine or nerve issues.

Some people should seek care sooner, including pregnant people, older adults, and anyone with existing medical conditions or on long-term medications. And even if everything turns out to be minor, it’s always okay to get checked. Peace of mind counts too, and most of the time the solution really is simpler than it feels.

Constipation, back pain, and your body

Constipation and back pain feel like an odd pairing, but once you understand that your gut and your lower back live right next door, it starts to make sense. When one is under pressure, the other often feels it. The good news is that this combo is incredibly common, usually not serious, and very treatable with the right approach.

Prevention goes a long way. Regular fiber, enough water, daily movement, and managing stress all help keep digestion moving and muscles happier. When things do slow down, options like MiraLAX and other gentle remedies can offer reliable relief and take the pressure off both your bowels and your back.

Most importantly, pay attention to what your body’s telling you. If symptoms linger, worsen, or just don’t feel right, it’s always okay to check in with a healthcare provider. You’re not overreacting, you’re being proactive. This is something you can manage, and for most people, real relief is closer than it feels.