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Most people think of back pain as something caused by poor posture, heavy lifting, or a bad mattress. But what if I told you that your gut—yes, your digestive system—could be the hidden culprit behind that nagging lower back pain? If you’ve ever suffered from diarrhea or constipation and felt an ache in your lower back, there’s a real, scientific reason behind it.
Ignoring this connection could mean ongoing pain, unnecessary treatments, and a never-ending cycle of discomfort. But once you understand the link, you can take steps to relieve the pain and regain control of your health.
When you’re dealing with diarrhea, your body is in distress. Something is off, triggering inflammation in your gut that can radiate pain into your lower back. On top of that, diarrhea forces your pelvic floor muscles into overdrive, leading to strain and soreness. If your lower back pain disappears once the diarrhea stops, you’ve found your culprit. If not, there might be a deeper issue at play.
On the flip side, constipation can also wreak havoc on your lower back. The swelling, tension, and retained inflammation create pressure in your abdomen, which can extend into your lower back muscles, causing stiffness and discomfort. The longer you’re constipated, the more intense the pressure—and the worse your back pain gets.
When people experience lower back pain, their first instinct is to:
❌ Reach for painkillers
❌ Stretch their back muscles endlessly
❌ Book a chiropractor appointment
While these might provide temporary relief, they don’t address the root cause: your gut. If the issue stems from digestive distress, treating it like a musculoskeletal problem won’t fix the real problem. The pain will keep coming back—because you’re treating the symptom, not the source.
Instead of masking the pain, here’s what actually works:
✅ For Diarrhea-Induced Back Pain: Reduce inflammation by identifying triggers (such as food intolerances or infections). Drink plenty of fluids and focus on gut-friendly foods that promote healing.
✅ For Constipation-Induced Back Pain: Increase fiber intake and consider magnesium citrate—a simple, natural solution that helps loosen stool and relieve pressure on your lower back. Hydration and movement also play a key role in keeping things flowing smoothly.
By addressing the root cause—your digestive health—you can eliminate unnecessary pain and avoid endless treatments that don’t work.
Uran Berisha,
B.Sc. PT, RMT
Shockwave Therapy Educator & Founder
Unpain Clinic & I Love Shockwave
