Can constipation cause back pain?

This blog is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice or diagnosis. If you have health concerns, consult an AHPRA-registered telehealth doctor or request a medical certificate online if clinically appropriate. Please note: Hola Health does not currently offer Mental Health Care Plans.

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Overview

Struggling with constipation can be uncomfortable enough, but what if it also triggers back pain? Many Australians experience this sneaky link, where bloating, straining, and digestive stress can radiate to the back. Understanding how constipation can cause back pain — and what to do about it — how a telehealth doctor can help – will ensure you find the relief faster.

Causes

Constipation can trigger back pain in several ways:

• Straining during bowel movements puts pressure on abdominal and lower back muscles.
• Gas and bloating increase abdominal pressure, affecting your posture and straining your back.
• Poor posture while trying to pass stool can add extra stress to spinal muscles.
• Underlying health issues like spinal problems can worsen back pain.
• Muscle tension and inflammation caused by stool buildup may make the pain travel to your lower or upper back.

Did you know? Around 1 in 5 Australians experience constipation regularly¹.

Signs

You may think that constipation is causing your back pain if:

• The back pain often occurs at the same time as bloating or straining
• Your bowel movements are irregular, or your stool is hard, dry, or difficult to pass.
• The pain eases or disappears after you pass stool
• You experience bloating, heaviness, or gas when the pain strikes.

If these symptoms seem familiar, constipation might be the cause.

Where is constipation pain located?

Constipation doesn’t just affect your gut; it can also cause pain in other parts of the body.

• Lower abdomen: A common location due to stool accumulation in the large intestine.
• Pelvic area: You may feel pressure or a sense of heaviness when stool buildup irritates the nearby nerves.
• Lower back: Commonly affected due to pressure and strain caused by constipation.
• Upper back: Less common, but strain from poor posture can cause pain to spread upward.

Upper vs lower back pain

Upper back pain:

• Less common
• Often linked to bloating, gas, or poor posture while straining
• May feel like muscle tension between the shoulder blades.

Lower back pain:

• More common
• Caused by abdominal pressure, muscle strain, or extended sitting
• Feels like a dull, throbbing ache or pressure

If the pain travels down your legs or worsens when you cough or sneeze, it may be coming from your spine—check with your doctors or medical practitioner.

Prevention tips

The following home treatments can help reduce back discomfort caused by constipation:

• Hydration: Drink plenty of water daily to soften stools and reduce cramping.
• High fibre diet: Include fibre-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains in your diet.
• Gentle exercise: Walking, stretching, or yoga helps digestion
• Warm compress: A heat pack on your lower back relaxes stiff muscles
• Proper posture: Sit and stand correctly to reduce back pain
• Stomach massage: Gentle circular motions may help with bowel movements
• Over-the-counter remedies: Fibre supplements or mild laxatives may bring short-term relief.

When to see a doctor

See a doctors or medical practitioner immediately if you notice:

• Back pain persists despite home remedies
• Blood in your stool or experience severe abdominal pain
• Sudden or unexplained weight loss or significant bowel changes
• Constipation lasts longer than a week
• History of gastrointestinal disorders or chronic constipation

Your doctors or medical practitioner can rule out significant conditions and suggest the right treatment for you.

How Hola Health may be able to help

Hola Health is an Australian telehealth platform that connects you with registered doctors and nurse practitioners — from the comfort of your home, at a time that suits you. Depending on your situation, a Hola Health clinician may be able to help with:

• 24/7 General medical advice via telehealth doctor consult — talk through symptoms or health concerns with a registered doctor or medical practitioner
• Online medical cert — for work or personal leave, when clinically appropriate
• Referrals to specialists – or in-person services when needed
• Instant scripts from an online doctor (if clinically appropriate) — at a clinician’s discretion and where clinically suitable
• Pathology or imaging requests — when assessed as appropriate by your treating clinician

Hola Health clinicians are AHPRA-registered Doctors and medical practitioners in Australia. They will always recommend an in-person consultation, specialist referral, or emergency care if that is in your best interest.

Note: Telehealth is not suitable for all conditions. Hola Health does not replace your regular GP, specialist, or emergency services. If you are unsure whether telehealth is right for your situation, we recommend speaking with your usual healthcare provider. In emergencies, call 000.

Conclusion

Constipation can sneakily cause back pain, but lifestyle changes, hydration, and posture improvements can help. If symptoms persist or worsen, reach out to a Hola Health doctors or medical practitioner online — support is just a few clicks away.