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.
