Why Does Constipation Cause Severe Back & Bladder Pain?
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Back Pain
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When a person becomes constipated, the colon doesn't get rid of waste as it should and unavoidably brings about a lessened frequency in bowel movements. This ultimately results in a build up of stool within the large intestines. As this condition persists, the consistency of the stool will eventually change. Three days without a bowel movement, according to the Cleveland Clinic, can in fact cause the stool to become extremely hard, making it even more difficult to pass. Once an individual is able produce a bowel movement (or even continues trying to produce a bowel movement without results), he can essentially strain the muscles within this area of the body. This strain can wrap up into the muscles of the back and affect the nerves, causing back pain; sometimes this pain can even be relatively severe.
Bladder Pain
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Much like back pain, constipation can also prompt a certain level of pain and discomfort to a person's bladder. But unlike back pain, this is not due to any sort of strain that the muscles have experienced. It is actually due to the pressure that the hardened stool within the large intestines is placing on the bladder. If you think about the abdominal distention that you can experience from constipation, it stands to reason that this swelling would inevitably place some pressure on the bladder, which can cause pain and discomfort to this particular organ. That being said, not everyone who suffers from constipation will encounter bladder pain (or back pain, for that matter). It all depends on the individual, since each person's body will react differently to constipation.
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Relief
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If you do experience either back pain or bladder pain from constipation, the easiest and most efficient remedy is to treat the constipation. Most people who suffer from back pain or bladder pain brought on by constipation will find relief of these aches and discomforts a day or two after the constipation has passed. Try getting more fluid and fiber in your diet to treat the constipation. Seek out some additional exercise to regulate your bowels. Or pick up a laxative or stool softener to prompt a bowel movement, especially if you're looking for instant relief. According to the Mayo Clinic, these are all effective methods of treating constipation.
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