What Are the Causes of Constipation & Joint Pain?

Constipation is a condition in which an individual is having bowel movements less than three times a week, and when he does they are often dry and hard and difficult or painful to pass. Some people experience a lack of energy or feel bloated. Potentially more serious is that irregular bowel movements could cause stool to accumulate in the colon, which exerts pressure on adjoining parts of the body, such as the lumbar spine.

Causes

• Constipation and back pain can be interrelated, as a pinched nerve can cause back pain, which can lead to constipation.

Reasons

• Nerves situated in the lower back regulate intestinal functions and can be compressed due to facet joint syndrome, back muscle spasm, spinal stenosis or herniated discs. Most of these problems are caused by a lack of oxygen in the affected area. Usually, compression of these nerves causes a combination of back pain and constipation.

Function

• Constipation usually occurs when the body retains water, leaving stool without enough pressure to move out of the body. As the body retains more water the stool becomes harder and larger and can cause pain in different parts of the body, primarily the back.

Recommendation

• Anyone suffering from constipation should drink at least eight 8-oz. glasses of water per day to correct the condition.

Warning

• An extended period of constipation can lead to a serious health problem, so if symptoms persist, consult a doctor.