Can Constipation Cause Lower Back Pain?
Medically reviewed by Linda Girgis | MD, Girgis Family Medicine on August 21st, 2026.
Yes, constipation can cause lower back pain through several mechanisms. When stool builds up in the colon, it creates pressure that can compress nearby nerves and structures in the lower abdomen and pelvis. This pressure can radiate pain to the lower back region. Additionally, chronic straining during bowel movements puts stress on the pelvic floor muscles and lower spine. Studies show that up to 28% of people with chronic constipation report associated back pain. The pain typically improves once normal bowel movements resume. Severe constipation can also cause referred pain, where discomfort from the intestinal area is felt in the back due to shared nerve pathways between the digestive system and spine.
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