Back pain is common among IBS patients, though the exact incidence is unknown. Studies estimate it affects between 28% and 81% of people with the disorder. Some experts believe that it may be referred pain, or pain that originates elsewhere in the body and is felt in the back.
This pain can appear in various areas such as: IBS pain in the lower back. IBS pain between the shoulder blades.
What many people do not realize is that bowel problems are also related to lower back pain. The truth is that bowel problems and lower back pain are inextricably linked. This is because the nerves of both the back and the abdominal area run through the lower part of the spine.
The chronic pain (pain lasting 6 months or longer) in IBS can be felt anywhere in the abdomen (belly), though is most often reported in the lower abdomen. It may be worsened soon after eating, and relieved or at times worsened after a bowel movement. It is not always predictable and may change over time.
stomach pain or cramps – usually worse after eating and better after doing a poo. bloating – your tummy may feel uncomfortably full and swollen. diarrhoea – you may have watery poo and sometimes need to poo suddenly. constipation – you may strain when pooing and feel like you cannot empty your bowels fully.
Practices like deep breathing, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation or guided imagery may ease tensions. Exercise can also help; yoga, tai chi, walking, swimming, jogging and biking are often recommended to IBS patients.
Foods To Avoid With Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Gas-producing foods, like beans, lentils, carbonated beverages and cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower. Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and many processed foods. Fried foods, which often cause gas and bloating especially in those who have reflux.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, sometimes overlaps with chronic back pain, including axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) — an inflammatory form of arthritis.
To your surprise, constipation remains a leading cause of excruciating back pain in the back. When you are constipated, your bowels get blocked up, this excess stool build-up puts extreme pressure on the rectum, which can lead to lower back pain.
Although abdominal pain is the most common type of IBS pain, research now indicates that people with IBS are more likely to experience other kinds of pain, including headache, back pain, and muscle ache.
How long does an IBS flare-up last? An IBS flare-up duration is different for everyone. Most people's IBS symptoms will flare up for 2-4 days, after which your symptoms may lower in severity or disappear completely. Many people experience IBS in waves, in which symptoms may come and go over several days or weeks.
Back pain: Cramps and abdomen pain caused by diverticulitis can radiate to your back, causing low back pain. Change in bowel habit: You may experience constipation or, less commonly, diarrhea. Diverticular bleeding: You may see bright red blood in your stool, which comes from bleeding diverticula.
Refined sugar, fructose and the sugar substitute sorbitol are all common triggers. Chocolate is also a common trigger. Besides avoiding these foods, you should also avoid overeating, drink plenty of water and try eating lots of soluble fiber.
You can ease your IBS symptoms by eating a balanced diet that is low in FODMAPs and saturated fat. These include lean meats, eggs, fatty fish, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and fruits that are lower in sugar. Fermented foods may also be good for the gut flora in you have IBS. National Institutes of Health.
Summary. People with IBS commonly experience pain in other parts of the body, including the back. Experts think this may be due to the physical sensations of IBS, having another painful condition, or referred pain (pain felt in another part of the body away from the actual source).
Conventional analgesic drugs, such as paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opiates are unlikely to relieve pain in IBS, and some have the potential to exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms.
In people with IBS, the colon muscle tends to contract more than in people without the condition. These contractions cause cramps and pain. People with IBS also tend to have a lower pain tolerance. Research has also suggested that people with IBS may have excess bacteria in the GI tract, contributing to symptoms.
Unfortunately, you cannot self-diagnose IBS. However, there are some online IBS diagnosis questionnaires that you can take to assess your current condition. Nevertheless, these quizzes are never a substitute for a diagnosis from a doctor, as each IBS diagnosis and treatment plan is individual.