As you probably know already, constipation relief is a multibillion dollar industry. That's because it's a very common ailment that people would prefer not to discuss; they just want quick, easy relief from it. What you may be unaware of is that the soreness, lower back pain, that you feel may be related to the constipation that you're experiencing. When they occur together, healthcare practictioners will consider that they are related. You might think it's only in cases of more severe impaction that back pain is experienced. The fact is, even minor cases of constipation can involve back pain.

Let me explain: Constipation occurs when the waste material becomes blocked in the lower intestine. The blockage can cause pressure in the lower back. The pain will get worse if the impaction isn't eliminated. That's because your body continues to produce waste material even if it's not passing it. Conversely, back pain from lifting, a sudden jerk, or other straining activities can cause a bout of constipation. That's due to the fact that the muscles in the lower back in spasm can interfere with the autonomic nerves responsible for peristalsis of bowel movements.

Causes of Constipation

Many things can cause constipation. Commonly, your diet may be causing you to experience constipation. If you haven't taken in the proper amount of water, fruit and vegetables, you're not giving your body the fuel it needs to function properly. Not getting enough exercise can cause your abdominal muscles to become sluggish. Even prescription medications can play a roll in locking your bowels.

Several medications can cause constipation including:
Iron Supplements, Pain Relief Drugs or Anti-Depressants

Another shocking fact about Back Pain Constipation is that stimulant laxatives are not usually recommended because they can cause permanent damage to your colon.

Severity of Constipation with Back Pain

Occasional irregularity: Not all constipation and back pain is the same. The symptoms can vary, from occasional irregularity to chronic constipation, even complete blockage. In minor cases, the constipation can clear up on its own in as quickly as a day.

More severe cases: In more severe cases, it's possible to go as long as days without having bowel movements. And when the bowels do move, the stools are dry and hard. When your bowels don't move easily, what's the first thing you do? You strain. You try to force your body to do something that it can't. That straining creates pressure that adds to back pain.

Severe, chronic constipation: Severe, chronic constipation can last for days. It can require medical intervention and even hospitalization.

More severe diseases can have the symptom of constipation. Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a serious intestinal disorder that has many uncomfortable symptoms including constipation, diarrhea, cramps and back pain.

Even if your back pain clears up with pain medication, that won't clear up the constipation. Remember pain medications you take for your back often can cause constipation or make constipation worse. If you have chronic problems with constipation and back pain, you should talk with your healthcare practitioner about the problem to check for any severe diseases. Typically, a mild to moderate bout of constipation will correct itself in a couple of days, and as a result, relieve the back pain associated with it. Often times, some minor lifestyle adjustments that will help include special resting positions, exercise and diet.

How To Eliminate Constipation And Back Pain?

Drink plenty of fluids. Water is the essential drink that your body needs to function properly. If you feel constipated and have not been drinking enough water, (eight 12-ounce glasses), you might try increasing your water intake. Try drinking 2 glasses in a short period of time. This will help to re-hydrate you quickly and can often relieve minor back pain constipation. Whenever possible, drink purified water because it's healthier than tap water and plain bottled water.

Increase your dietary fiber intake. Live vegetables and fruit provide you with the fiber that you need for optimal digestion. Most people do not eat the recommended daily allowance. If you fall into that category, when you feel slightly irregular, try adding live fruit to your breakfast menu. If possible, eat only live fruit for breakfast.

Lay down on the floor. You can relieve minor back pain sometimes by resting your back. Lying down on the floor with your legs on a chair can support your back while removing the pressure and weight from your lower back, giving your muscles and nerves time to recover. You need to walk and stretch also, because prolonged times at rest can weaken your muscles.

Get regular exercise. Your body needs exercise to keep your muscles tone. If you're not getting enough exercise, try adding brisk walks to your routine several times a week. If you like to swim, do it regularly. Walking and swimming are very good total body exercises that are excellent cardiovascular workouts. They strengthen your abdomen and that often relieves back pain. Since proper exercise stimulates healthy bowel movement, you can often feel constipation and back pain relief after adding exercise to your routine.

Use a natural oxygen-based intestinal cleanse. Even with lifestyle improvements like a healthier diet and exercise, you may still need help to relieve your constipation. Oxy-Powder for example, is an all-natural oxygen-based colon cleanser that introduces healthful substances including beneficial nascent oxygen into your intestine. It loosens the impacted waste from the lining, freeing it to be expelled. Relieving your constipation can lessen the pressure of back pain.

Get a chiropractic adjustment. Sometimes your body gets out of alignment. This can cause back pain and constipation. And the conditions can aggravate each other. Chiropractic adjustments will put your body back into alignment which should relieve the back pain and help your bowels to function properly.4

Colon irrigation, acupuncture and massage therapy may help as well. Colon irrigation can rinse the bowel area of impaction, though it doesn't cleanse the length of the colon. Acupuncture can help to bring your life force into alignment. Massage therapy is a great way to relax and release harmful tension and stress. Our bowels move better when our bodies are relaxed, de-stressed and tension-free.