Slipped disc,
pinched nerve, poor posture, osteoporosis, old age, obesity, lifting heavy
weights, or the dreaded undetected tumor. When your lower back hurts, you’re
likely to attribute your pain to one or more of these common causes.
Nobody ever
suspects constipation—and why would they? The difficult and infrequent bowel
movement can leave you feeling uncomfortably bloated and with a distended
tummy. But a dull and aching sensation on your lower back? Don’t discount it,
says Carlo M. Cornejo, MD of the
Section of Gastroenterology of the
top hospital in the Philippines Makati
Medical Center (MakatiMed).
“An accumulation of
stool in the intestines can manifest as lower back pain. The buildup of stool
can put extra pressure on the back muscles, which causes soreness and
discomfort,” says the MakatiMed gastroenterologist. “So too can fecal
impaction, or dry stool that gets stuck in the column or rectum. This is a
complication caused by chronic constipation. It usually happens among older
adults.”
Common causes of
constipation include inadequate fiber, dehydration, too much alcohol, and a
sedentary lifestyle. Dr. Cornejo explains that certain medications such as
antihistamines, blood pressure medicines, antidepressants, and diuretics can
also cause constipation.
“How often you pass
stool varies from person to person. Some do it twice a day, others are fine
with a thrice-weekly bowel movement,” Dr. Cornejo points out. “You’ll know
you’re constipated if you experience fullness in the stomach, gassiness,
straining when you sit on the toilet, and that dull lower backache.”
For the simplest
case of constipation, over-the-counter laxatives and stool softeners are always
available for a quick fix. But for constipation and backache that persist and
recur, it’s a must to visit a doctor as it could be a serious case of fecal impaction
and would require additional treatments.
“Doctors will
perform a digital rectum examination where they insert a gloved and lubricated
finger into the anus to check for stool buildup. In some cases, a CT scan may
be required if impaction happens deep into the colon,” shares Dr. Cornejo.
“Once fecal impaction is confirmed, they will manually remove the impacted
stool using their finger. They may also perform enema and inject fluid into the
rectum to loosen dry stool.”
To prevent
constipation and fecal impaction, Dr. Cornejo advises adding more fiber-rich
foods like leafy green vegetables, oatmeal, beans and legumes, papaya, prunes,
and avocado to your meals; keeping hydrated or adding natural laxatives like
tea or coffee for some; and working out regularly. “Some even achieve
regularity by adding probiotics to their diet and minimizing their alcohol
intake. These tips are especially helpful now we’re in the season of drinking
and feasting,” the expert adds.
It may also help to
follow a regular bowel movement schedule. Dr. Cornejo says the best time to do
it is around 20-40 minutes after eating, ideally after breakfast.
“Remember,
constipation or lower back pain, especially the chronic type that seems to
worsen with time, is not natural, especially if you’ve already taken steps to
address them. It’s your body’s way of telling you something,” says Dr. Cornejo.
“Don’t tolerate it or mask it with laxatives and pain relievers. See your
doctor soonest.”
For more information, please
contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.
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